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Experiencing Heaviness And Pain In Chest. ECG, TMT And Blood Test Normal. Risk Of Heart Attack?

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Posted on Sat, 16 Mar 2013
Question: Hello Doctor,
Few months back, I experienced a pain at my chest level which was sort of heavyness and gradually it started to prick every often. (more or less like a pin point prick). I thought it would have been for gastic or due to stress. However to be on safer side I consulted the cardiac surgeon who inturn suggested me to undergo few tests like ECG, TMT, PFT (lungs related test) and other blood tests.
The reports were quite normal and didnt see much of any disturbance. I was told that I might be under stressed and to do regular excercise & my stamina level is very low.
I couldnt complete the TMT test due to strain and felt like as if all the presurre is building on my head and felt like I am going to collapse.
Cholestrol scores were shown marginal high and not too high....bad chol was shown high and good chol was shown low. :(

Post to that I didnt go for any further examination or other treatment. As the doctor suggested i started doing exercise like skipping at less interval

The problem is that I still experience the pain in my chest at times and sense of pricking... though not regularly. I can skip upto 25 times continously but i am not able be run for short distance or climb the stairs at fast mode, neitherr play with my kid (2.5 yrs old) by lifting him ....I get very tired and feel like having heavy breathe for sometime till I am relaxed....Also very rarely I feel like blacked-out for few seconds...!

My living life-style is -
I am project manager and work 11 AM to 9 PM
Excercise - twice/ thrice a week for 15-20 mins started recently
Smoking - No / very occasionaly 1 or 2 butts in a month
Alcohol - 2-3 pegs of whiskey in a week or a bottle of beer (either one of it & not both)
Stress - Yes...as I manage almost 8-10 projects..my mind gets stressed out often
Other issues - I get frustrated / irritated for every small things / silly issues at home!

Not sure what could be the cause but I am bit worried about my health and at times get panic whenever I hear someone passed away due to heart-attack!!

Please suggest if I need to undergo some sort of tests or will Yoga helps me to keep calm.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (39 hours later)
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Most of the investigations have practically ruled out heart and/or lung problem.
The problem is highly suggestive of anxiety...

You need life style modifications –
Increase the exercise to half an hour or more a day / at least 5 days in a week.
Stop smoking immediately, completely and permanently.
Cut down the alcohol / stopping is ideal...

Attitude decides the altitude. As you rightly point out, everything points to your attitude – no use of getting irritated or frustrated at home or office – especially home, where the spouse is likely to be the best psychological counsellor...! Confide in our wife, spend more quality time.
Go out – park, beach, cinema / read, see television.
Have diversion / develop hobby / new friends, family members
Do relaxation exercises, bio- feed back techniques, yoga / get enrolled in Gym.
If still symptomatic, Psychological counselling may benefit.

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Anantharamakrishnan

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1966

Answered : 4505 Questions

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Experiencing Heaviness And Pain In Chest. ECG, TMT And Blood Test Normal. Risk Of Heart Attack?

Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Most of the investigations have practically ruled out heart and/or lung problem.
The problem is highly suggestive of anxiety...

You need life style modifications –
Increase the exercise to half an hour or more a day / at least 5 days in a week.
Stop smoking immediately, completely and permanently.
Cut down the alcohol / stopping is ideal...

Attitude decides the altitude. As you rightly point out, everything points to your attitude – no use of getting irritated or frustrated at home or office – especially home, where the spouse is likely to be the best psychological counsellor...! Confide in our wife, spend more quality time.
Go out – park, beach, cinema / read, see television.
Have diversion / develop hobby / new friends, family members
Do relaxation exercises, bio- feed back techniques, yoga / get enrolled in Gym.
If still symptomatic, Psychological counselling may benefit.

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck