Hello I am new here

[JakeEep02]

I wanted to understand is it normal to have some anxiety over heart health. I am 23 man, overweight, non smoker, from the UK, like my cholesterol, bp, ECG. stress test I've had have been fine.

Despite the symptoms I get (chest tightness, arm pain and jaw pain) the doctor are not concerned and assume it to be something within my body and/or anxiety. However, I've done a bit of research and it suggests online I might have coronary artery disease but I don't know if my age range gets this despite the normal tests.

obviously I'm not looking for a diagnosis but does this seem logical for me to have as a doctor and a cardiologist has dismissed the idea at my age.

[Captain_Birdseye]

Hiya,

I think most here have experienced health anxiety at some point, it's very common when you're concerned about your heart.

Age alone should never disqualify from a condition, although statistically it is less likely that someone your age will suffer coronary artery disease.

If your tests have all been reassuring that's great as well - but can understand why you'd be concerned with your symptoms.

Have you had blood tests? It was an elevated troponin result that got the cardiologists interested in me and was subsequently diagnosed with myocarditis... there are other non-CAD conditions.

However, not all pain in this area is cardiac. Anxiety can cause these, as can nerve pain or even gastric conditions.

You could keep a symptom and food diary and keep an eye on your blood pressure at home to show your doctor what you're dealing with.

I'm sure others will be along soon to share their experiences... However being a forum for cardiac patients, our experiences will lean this way.

[JakeEep02 in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thank you for the response, I've had a couple troponin tests done both coming back 3/4 apparently both very normal.

I've experienced gastric issues before and do get quite bad heart burn, so they have attributed it to that before. I've done a blood pressure thing like that before nothing ever has been abnormal also. The Doctors say I'm a tricky case with all the negative tests even a heart echo being perfect I've had to attribute it to muscular, nerve, gastric and anxiety kindve what you said aha.

[Yumz199725]

Hi jakeEep02

Very warm welcome to the forum! Definitely normal to have health anxiety of some sort. Are you still waiting to be diagnosed or you do have a heart condition? Sorry just wondered. Anxiety can cause cardiac symptoms aswell but can be heart problems and anxiety. I find that's the case for me having a chronic illness will do that to you! 😉. It's even worse when your going through it at a young age I am 25 so can definitely sympathise with you there. They have done tests on you though and have come back normal which is reassuring, but I do understand the constant feeling something is wrong and no one will listen or take you seriously is frustrating. Anway I wish you all best and hope you can get some answers for how you been feeling! 😉😀

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Yes it is normal to have anxiety and sometimes health anxiety will focus in on one particular thing

With heart symptoms they can mimic anxiety symptoms and vice versa so can be a tough one to try and work out and so it is always best to see your Doctor like you have and you have had the usual tests done all come back fine which is good

I do not think because of your age they should pass of you are to young anyone at any age can have heart issues but sounds like they have taken you seriously by sending you for an ECG and stress test

You have said you are overweight so I feel this might be concerning you as you are aware it is not good for the heart so I wonder if trying to lose some might help you feel better ?

If you want a second opinion you have a right to ask for one which is another option

Anxiety though makes us tense our muscles even when we do not think we are and that can cause chest arm jaw pain as well as other muscles in the body

Please do not look on Google it will always give you the worst scenario and it does not have your personal health history so not a reliable source but one that can create more anxiety

Maybe talk to your Doctor again looking at your anxiety and joining gyms and weight loss programs might be something your Doctor could help you with

Let us know how you get on x

[Tos92]

Hi JakeEep02

I’m sorry to hear you’re having some health anxiety regarding your heart.

It’s tricky being young and symptomatic because we don’t often meet the age bracket or criteria for having a heart condition.

I found myself in this position many times before having a heart attack last year due to a congenital heart defect. I was symptomatic for 1.5 years before this event and it was almost always diagnosed as anxiety, bad posture, or indigestion. So I can sympathise with you on that front.

However, as others have said, it can be harder to diagnose a heart condition in people younger because of health anxiety. Many of the symptoms of health anxiety can mimic angina or a heart attack.

The good thing is that your tests have come back normal. In order to reduce your health anxiety and see if your symptoms improve, perhaps concentrate on making some lifestyle changes to improve your weight gain. You may find that this eases some of your symptoms.

I will end with saying that only you know your body, so follow your gut instinct and if you feel something is genuinely wrong, do not hesitate to call 111, see your GP again, or contact 999 if you feel you’re in immediate danger.

All the best.

Tos

[Territorial]

I get anxiety and depression and every time i have turned up at the emergency department i fear 2 things the worst or being told theres nothing wrong i am imagining things,, its often both as well..Out of 8 visits in 12 months i got hospitalized 6 times and got sent home with scripts once ..

Even when i am sick i still fear it is anxiety but if you are not well get it looked into..

Good health to you

[Callie456]

Hi and welcome. I think it's understandable to have anxiety when you feel there's something not quite right and you know your own body the best.I will share my experience, I had a heart attack a few months ago due to coronary artery disease. I have no risk factors, no family history, low cholesterol, low BP, non smoker, not overweight. It was a complete shock.

I had symptoms of being short of breath and tired alot for several years and looking back I think there was some chest tightness which I didn't really recognise as heart related.

Previous tests including ECG, heart echo, stress test and MRI were all relatively ok - but none of them pick up on coronary artery disease itself. As far as I can tell, you need an angiogram (which is invasive) or a CT angiogram (non invasive) to actually see the arteries.

As far as my previous tests showed I was 'fine' and not at risk of a heart attack, yet it happened. When I asked my cardiologist why nothing ever said there was a problem, he said those other tests wouldn't pick it up, only an angiogram would, but he hadnt had a reason to think I needed one, as I'm young, healthy and had no risk factors.

Its important to get the answers we need, often answers can decrease anxiety as the unknown is always harder to deal with.

Best of luck as you navigate your way through this situation.

[JakeEep02]

Thank you for the response, im sorry for what you have been through. My cardiologist said a stress test is a great way to see narrowing in the arteries but still my brain says otherwise.

Sadly, I cant really do much more than get help mentally, they cant do anymore tests on me as it isn't medically necessary as I'm 23, theyd prefer not to do any and I can not afford private so its hard.

[JakeEep02]

Thank you for the response, Its difficult to try think straight, Most my symptoms come on at random points which is very stressful for me. i have had 2 echocardiograms, both great.