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I Have Felt Tight In My Chest Since Sunday. I

Posted on Wed, 13 Mar 2019

Question: I have felt tight in my chest since Sunday. I have been walking a lot which helps it stop for a while. Also feels like a big lump in the top of my chest and reaching up to my neck. I just took my bp and it is 135/88. I am under great mental stress right now w/an errant 20 year old son and separated from my husband, so maybe it is just mental stress?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably stress related symptoms, cardiac issues should be excluded.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms can be related to mental stress.

The anxiety chest tightness symptom is not a cause for concern.

I suggest to do the following examinations to exclude cardiac issues.

I recommend:

An electrocardiogram

Blood tests to check for increased levels of certain proteins or enzymes, which are found in heart muscle such as Troponin.

Meanwhile, I recommend stress management in the daily basis.

You can use anti-anxiety medication such as Ativan if needed.

I also suggest to use anti-anxiety herbs such as chamomile or valerian tea.

I recommend to continue eating a healthy diet,exercise regularly and get enough sleep.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (16 hours later)

Thank you so much for your reply. I had been on Ativan and weaned off in the last month so maybe I need to be back on it. I have upped my exercise and am transitioning to a plant based diet. I have been doing EO Marjoram but I do have Valerian and will start that. My friend is also concerned about my eyes. The skin is deep red around the upper lid and below the eye. Could that be tiny blood vessel bursts? Or just from crying some? The look has garnered many questions from people and I just have no idea what it is. It has appeared the same time the symptoms have which is why I wonder if they are connected.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Crying can irritate the skin around the eyes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

I am glad that I could help you.

Red skin around the eyes can be caused by excessive rubbing of the delicate skin around your eyes.

High stress levels can also cause eczema flare-ups which can cause dry, scaly skin.

Crying can also irritate the skin around the eyes.

Can you send me a photo of the eyes to help me through the diagnosis.

Meanwhile, I recommend using a good eye moisturizer for relief.

I also suggest to apply aloe Vera gel.

Take care dear,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad