Angina? Or Anxiety? 28 year old.

[CT868]

So, I want to begin my saying I'm 28 years old and in very good shape. BP is normal, Resting HR is usually around 50-60bpm at rest, SpO2 is always in normal range of 96-100%, and every cardio test I've taken has revealed no abnormalities. I did have my first AF episode in February but had nothing since and I'm not on meds of any kind. I've taken an Echo, Stress Test, 3 Chest Xrays, 2 week holtor monitor, and multiple EKG/ECG and blood work in the last 3 months, again, all normal results.

However for the past month I've been having a very strange sensation in my chest that comes and goes. There's no pain associated with it, just chest pressure in the middle of my chest that has become a bit annoying. I've seen my doctor on two separate occasions and all was normal and even spoke with my cardiologist who also said "its very very unlikely and would a rare phenomenon, if it was angina at your age." I guess it simply doesn't happen according to both of my doctors and both think its just anxiety. But the feeling keep coming back even when I'm not feeling anxious.

The sensation doesn't get worse with exercise or anything, in fact it almost goes away during exercise.

Anyone else experience this? I don't know at this point if this is heart related.

Ps, this forum has been great and want to thank everyone for being so supportive.

[Vandalbragg]

I get this a lot. I think it’s more anxiety than anything.

[rosyG]

could it be related to food? Indigestion? That might ease with exercise. It's an anxious time for everyone now so do talk to everyone about how you are feeling

[BobD Volunteer]

Oesphageal spasm can do this. I get it from time to time.

[Jt222 in reply to BobD]

Exact same nerves!

[Ppiman]

Not surprisingly, cardiac anxiety has us all in its grip at times. I am easily sent into a spiral of fear with it and feel sure that's what is affecting you. What sparks it might be a harmless run of ectopic beats or a gastric upset - but it's not angina.

With the security and comfort of having been carefully checked over by trained and knowledgeable medical experts, I would try hard to dismiss the fears you are having by telling yourself, when the first hint of fear creeps into your mind, that you really do know that it is your anxious mind and that you are completely safe and well.

Steve

[Buffafly]

I get it when I have an ectopic - it feels like a little squeeze!

[Jt222]

It could be panic/anxiety but it's more than likely it is something that just feels like it and I have them all! I have had anxiety/panic attacks off and on since I was 18 and I'm 50 now. I also have afib and have had 4 ablations and a cardioversion in the past few years. I happen to have a little defect that was diagnosed 2 years ago so that's part of the problem. Anxiety can give me all sorts of weird problems, pressure being one of them. Having said that most afibbers have related stomach/intestine/and or/ esophageal problems(which can feel exactly like angina!) also anxiety from the fight or flight response. The nerves that trigger afib are the same that deal with those areas and go hand in hand. I get the same pain/pressure you do with or without afib now, but afib can make mine worse. Sometimes I thought I having angina or a heart attack. My ep decided to give me nitro so I would kind of know or at least feel safer. The weird thing about nitro is it calms you down after the initial effect and even if it works it might just be the nerves relaxing! Strange right? I know the feeling you are describing and it goes with many of us that have this affliction. Sometimes it's a good indicator that afib is coming, other times nothing happens except the pressure right in the chest. My cardio Dr prescibed Rabeprozole which can help calm the tract down a little, you could try something like that or prilosec and see if it helps. Also remember that afib can cause pressure and unless you're symptomatic and feel every missed beat you wont know your having it. I'm "lucky" in that I never don't feel a missed beat! How long do your pressure/pain episodes last? Mine usually goes away after the nerves calm the hell down, and that could be quick or hours. Good luck and I feel your pain and know it VERY well! Bu the way for good measure I got pancreas enzyme level checked which can cause pressure/pain chest to back and even though your young a colonoscopy/endoscopy might be a good idea. I know! But, its painless and they sedate you heavily so you wont even feel it! Once again good luck and keep me informed what is found out. Stay safe!

[CT868 in reply to Jt222]

As to duration, just depends. Before yesterday, it was gone for two days. Lately, its been coming and going for anywhere from 5 minutes to a couple hours at a time. I'm on Lexapro for anxiety as of today but was on buspar the last month and a half. Buspar had no effect. If I'm up moving around whether I'm talking to friends, on a hike/run or at the gym lifting weights, it goes away but comes back a few hours later. It's the worst when I'm sitting in the truck or sitting dormant. I also can't feel it when I'm eating.