Chest and arm pain from anxiety??

[K81986]

Recently been for bloods and ecg following having chest pains for 6 months they come back clear, is this enough for it not to be confirmed as heart related, doctor said it is anxiety even though I don’t consider myself an anxious person so what are the best ways to rid of the pain, doctor just gave me beta blockers if I feel like I am having an attack and to go back in 2 months has anyone else been advised this?

[soppysokes]

Hi an ecg is a quick snapshot of heart function , would be expected to show an anomaly that is constant but maybe not catch an intermittent problem, but backed up by the blood test (depending on what gp actually tested for) it should give reassurance that things are ok. Heart echo scan would be a more complete test but with ok ecg and bloods not likely to be offered unless really pushed for (and maybe not then either). If you suffer with anxiety though it's quite possible it's that.

It can be done privately if you are particularly concerned and in a position to do.

[K81986 in reply to soppysokes]

I just don’t understand how anxiety can cause these pains, some days worse then others, they are just playing in my mind

[soppysokes in reply to K81986]

Hello K8 it is quite common that anxiety produces chest pain along with aching and pain in various spots. Very often it's something as simple as the way,when tense or anxious, we tend to hold ourselves taunt without really even being aware that we are doing it. Has gp offered any help regarding anxiety or maybe you would rather not go that route. Something like an otc co-codamol which has a little codiene in its mix can elevate the painful effects but that is obviously not going to address the underlying issue, but yes anxiety can cause chest pain, as can many other 'rheumaticky' type conditions.

[K81986 in reply to soppysokes]

The GP gave me beta blockers if I felt my heart was racing as my heart rate was high on the ecg but I know I was anxious when that was being done and when the doctor has checked it and I have checked it is normal, they didn’t give me any other advice other cut down on caffeine and quit smoking (which I am currently trying to do).

[soppysokes]

Obviously if you have any ongoing concerns you need to consult with your gp surgery. It does sound as if they have done the correct tests that would be expected though. Also don't forget your body will be under stress whilst you are withdrawing the cigs! which won't help with the symptoms you currently feel. Well done for trying to quit though, wishing you success in that.

[K81986 in reply to soppysokes]

Thank you hoping it all helps, if they alter dramatically will go back the GP, if not will wait for the two month review and try to manage the pains. Just a bit of a viscous circle anxiety cause chest pains and chest pains cause anxiety