random heart pain

[angie778]

Lately, I've been experiencing a sharp pain in the left side of my chest. The first time this happened was a little over a year ago right after a messy break up with my long-time boyfriend. The heart pain experience left me out of breath and doubled over; i literally could not breath for a good minute as i thought 50 little needles were pricking into my heart and tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to inhale. My heart stopped beating regularly. It didn't happen again for another 3 months when I ran into him. It was just as bad as the first time. It has become more frequent over the past year, only happening every few months, and now it is usually once a month. It will last for a few seconds, then there is just a dull ache for a good 10-20 minutes afterward. It has never traveled to another part of my body ie. my back and arms have not been affected.
I'm 23-years-old and I live a very active, busy life as a grad student. I work out at least 3 times a week either in a gym or on the tennis court. I have never experienced pain while working out. It happens randomly, and it used to happen for a while whenever i thought strongly about my ex. The first two times were the most severe. I don't know what to do. Any input would be helpful.

[cindy707]

Okay lets go with try to remember that the heart actually sits dead center of your chest a just a little to your left and is the size of your left fist Angie....if what you are feeling is in that region then yes its worth a look see but on the far left.....in the chest region there really aren't alot of organs on that side of your body along the rib cage...so that is why i lean towards muscle, etc..  I think you just need a good old fashioned physical exam to rule everything out...good luck Angie.....and let us know we all learn from each other here...

[angie778]

Haha, thanks cindy707! I actually would like to run him over, but that's a whole different story :) I mentioned him in the post because I thought it was interesting that I started having these problems when a significantly stressful and emotionally difficult event started.  
I just don't understand why ONLY the left side of my chest occasionally becomes tight and inflicted with sudden, sharp pain. It's very centered, too, happening only around my breast area. It honestly NEVER happens when I'm working out; it'll occur when I'm sitting or walking.
I'm definitely going to the doctor when I can get an appointment, but I'm just trying to gather opinions and information on the topic. I've tried to look up symptoms and defects that match what I have, but I'm not having much luck.

[cindy707]

Angie angie angie.....what are we gonna do about those boys?  I swear we can't live with them and can't live without them..until time passes and we look back and its like that country western song "What Was I Thinkin?"  I really tend to agree wholeheartedly with rilesnic on this one..it definately doesn't sound heart related to me either but a check up would rule that out.  Where i tend to lean on ths one is i think you already gave yourself the answer.  You work out on a regular basis and you can bet when you are working out or playing tennis and you start thinking about HIM that you are taking it up a notch a little too far with the work outs possibly causing some muscle spasms.  I always tell everyone if you work out and think its heart related to take your index finger and press it between the ribs where you are feeling the pain or burn and if it causes you to go owwww or ouch....well you've got your answer.  I always liked what my grandpa used to say to me whenever i went thru what you did...he used to say that when your puppy gets ran over (your ex in this case) you go get a new puppy because it makes you forget the first puppy alot faster and isn't as painful.  I am not telling you to run him over...maybe just put yourself out there a little more with your friends and plan something fun in the next few months to look forward to to divert yourself.  Sorry about all you are going thru but time heals all ills no matter what they are.....and if in doubt spend the 50.00 for a check up just to be sure....keep us posted Angie and good luck.....

[rilesnic]

Heart pain caused by the heart usually occurs in the middle of your chest, not just the left or just the right.  It could be when you get emotional (by seeing your ex, thinking about him, etc.) that your adrenaline begins rushing causing your heart to speed up, beat irregularly, and cause muscle tension which could be the cause of your pain. I would mention it to my doctor next time you are in for a check-up.  Or, if the pain gets worse or more frequent it could warrant a visit to the doctor.  I don't know if this really sounds like heart or more anxiety/panic.  Anxiety can cause many symptoms and can mimic heart problems. You menitoned needles pricking your heart and difficulty catching your breath.  I am assuming you're describing the left side.  It sounds like you could've hyperventilated or even been dealing with some pleurisy (inflamation of the lining of the lungs). I'm just speaking from my own experiences and some symptoms I have had.  Please keep us posted on how you're feeling.  Best to you!