arrhythmia growing pain

[jpek]

I have recently developed an arrhythmia (Oct.2009).  There is reason to believe it may be stress related.  Since then, I have felt chest pain.  A burning in the lower 2 or 3 ribs on the left side, and a some pain in the sternum.  Recently the pain has continued to spread into the central left of the chest.  Again, a burning stabbing pain.  No shortness of breathe, not crushing pain.  I feel the arrhythmia and pain must be related, as I had no issues for 1st 45 years, now both within 3 months.  Doctors have a long list of what it is not, but no answers for what it is.  Any thoughts or similar experiences ?
Thanks for any insight.

[kay2486]

what do you mean by arrhytmia, has the doctor told you this? you could have anxiety, worrying about it makes it worse,have you done an ecg? i get ectopic heartbeats when anxious or stressed

[jpek]

Hello,

Thanks again for the conversation.  I have another referal to a cardiologist.  They are going send me for another stress test.  I am currently using 1/2 an Aspirin a day.  I spoke with a nurse recently, and she indicated that up to 30 % of their visits are palpitations.  I cannot imagine why more resources are not untilized to get ahead of this obviously very common, and therefore very costly issue.  Perhaps the world has just become too stressful.  I have got involved in stress reduction activities, but results are not immeditately evident.  If I learn anything, I will share the results with the community.  Cheers, jpek.

[Jerry_NJ]

Sorry to read your symptoms are worse, but as I read it this time it seems to be driven by unusual exercise.  Perhaps a slower build up to exercise would be helpful.  

I think taking a low dose up to one full strength aspirin a day could provide some protection while you try to figure the problem out.  If you decide to take aspirin long term, that is something to discuss with your doctor... saying why you want to take it long term.

Have you been able to see a heart specialist, or can you see one without getting a referral from your primary care doctor?  I don't know how your health system works.  The way things are changing here in the USA I may soon have to say the same about my health care, don't understand it.

[jpek]

Deja Vu.

I was just experiencing chest issues, typed in my symptoms, and came across my previous comment.  Today I ran for the first time in ages.  I can only describe the feeling as if my heart was swollen.  Laying on my side (either) feels very uncomfortable.  There is a constant burn for weeks over the left side of my chest.  I am shocked at how Doctors discount these symptoms.  I just had a friend die from a heart attack after he complained that he felt tired.  It seems that in Winnipeg, our medical system is completely re-active.  

Frustrated,
JPEK

[Jerry_NJ]

Some of the symptoms don't relate to this comment, but I offer it for whatever value:  could it be indigestion/gas... stomach heart burn?  If it just goes away I'd say my guess may be near right.

Good luck,