heart concerns

[Rondal]

I often have chest pains and it happens randomly during the day. It is a feeling of pinching in the left side of my chest especially when I press a rib near the sternum. It is not a pressing pain like an early warning for a heart attack (or as I thought). I'm 25 years old, 5' 7", 67Kls. Sometimes I suspect the pain of gastric problems but sometimes I thought it is not. I'm worried if I have some heart disease of some kind. I often read about heart diseases but doesn't seem to absorb a lot about it. I'm working as an architect overseas and I usually spend my time in front of a computer. I'm not really into exercise regimen but I’m not obese or overweight (or i thought so). I already had an EKG and ECHO CARDIOGRAM tests 6months ago and it both shows negative of any abnormalities. Recently, a friend of mine died of a heart attack. He’s also 25. I’m so worried these days what might be my problem. I’ve also heard some young adults drop dead of a heart attack knowing they are healthy and fit. There was one time also about 8 months ago while waking up from a nap, my heart pounded fast and hard. It lasted for at least 15 to 20 minutes. I thought I would pass out that day. It was really scary. I also have recurrent insomnia. Meaning from time to time I have problem sleeping. It usually takes about a few weeks and then I can sleep well again. Now, I’m suffering from it that almost everyday I can only sleep for 5 hours maximum. I’m worried because it might be a reason why I’m having chest pains usually. Is there any connection with sleep and chest pains or heart disease? Do I have to worry about it? What do you think is the remedy for this? I’m so stressed up with this things that its starting to affect my work. Please advise.

[Rondal]

Thanks very much for the advise. In here at least somebody replies and is concern with my worries compared to the doctors here in my place. You cant imagine.anyway......
I'm just so freaked out with these things when it happens. I suspect also that this is costochondritis. but sometimes its just when the pain attacks, i also got dizzy and i thought that im having a heart attack. the thing that bothers me here with my doctor is that she seems to ignore what im trying to say like she's saying im just so paranoid. Also i forgot to tell that I easily got tired even just a bit of exercise. I am thinking maybe because I'm usually staying in the office thats why my body is already not getting used to be active. but as i mentioned, i passed my tests in ECG and 2D echo so I assumed i'm ok. Do u think it will be fine if I continue to exercise thinking that my body might adjust to the exercise and be well again?

[nick81]

Chest pains that come when you press certain points or when you stretch / move a certain way is almost never associated with heart problems. Google "costochondritis" and see if it matches your symptoms. I have exactly the same thing, and I think it is (at least mostly) stress related.

The bad news is that it will probably last quite a while (a year isn't uncommon), but is completely harmless.

[Cleveland Clinic]

I dont think that there is anything wrong with your heart.  I think your chest pain is most likely coming from the chest wall or the gastrointestinal system, not the heart.  It also seems that you have quite a bit of anxiety that may be driving all this.  Lack of sleep has been associated with some of the heart pounding and tachcyrdia feeling that you are experiencing.  A bit or rest and relaxation would be extremely helpful to you.