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Suggest Treatment For Intermittent Chest Pain
Question: My chest has been hurting off and on over the last few months. I've been to the ER a few times and they've said it's anxiety. I'm a 29 year old female who is overweight with moderately high cholesterol at 230. My doctor also assumed my anxiety. I've had a lower than normal pulse lately in the 50s/60s part of the time. I wore a holter monitor a month ago and it was normal but my resting heart rate was 90. I'm very anxious as I've had pain in my left arm and back too. Should I return to the ER? I feel like I'm not being taken seriously. And I'm scared.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It is almost impossible for anyone under the age of 40 to have a heart attack without cocaine abuse. In other words, this is very, very unlikely to be a heart-related issue. Your concerns and symptoms are much more consistent with anxiety, or panic attacks. Your pulse rate is normal. I would not return to the ER -- instead, I would consider an SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro to treat your anxiety.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It is almost impossible for anyone under the age of 40 to have a heart attack without cocaine abuse. In other words, this is very, very unlikely to be a heart-related issue. Your concerns and symptoms are much more consistent with anxiety, or panic attacks. Your pulse rate is normal. I would not return to the ER -- instead, I would consider an SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro to treat your anxiety.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you for your fast response. I have the physical systems and as someone who has had anxiety for a while I'd have to say these symptoms have never happened to me before. Would new symptoms be something that would really happen? I'm also having shoulder pain and left arm pain off and on as well as neck pain all of which I've never had regarding my anxiety. I was on Wellbutrin and stopped taking it as it was increasing my heart rate at night. I've had palpitations before also. I'm worried I have a blockage or something. I'm currently trying to lose weight and the chest pain itself is scary to me. Both Shoulders been aching off and on and is tender to the touch
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Yes, new symptoms can appear at any time during the course of an anxiety disorder. Common symptoms include pain and palpitations and excessive worry about these symptoms. Your Holter test was fine, and again it is essentially impossible at your age to have atherosclerosis or a heart attack. I would focus instead on treating the anxiety.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Yes, new symptoms can appear at any time during the course of an anxiety disorder. Common symptoms include pain and palpitations and excessive worry about these symptoms. Your Holter test was fine, and again it is essentially impossible at your age to have atherosclerosis or a heart attack. I would focus instead on treating the anxiety.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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