Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Light Chest Pain When Having Anxiety Issues?
Question: I am a 43 YOM, no history of cardiac issues. Some anxiety issues. Woke up with some light chest discomfort while lying on my side. had a lot of stress from arguments with wife of recent days. then noticed i was having little stabbing pains in my left arm in the forearm where the arm bends. Took an anti anxiety pill. Then had 2 large bowel movements. pain disappeared. Had not had a bm in 2 days. Was pain sign of constipation? something to be concerned? worried? feeling hot and cold. stomache still unsettled.
Brief Answer:
I think you should visit your cardiologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the symptoms you mentioned have nothing to do with constipation. Constipation when severe may cause thoracic discomfort but we could not establish the diagnosis of constipation just because you had two days to pass stool.
Drinking the right amount of water and eating a lot of fiber usually helps (unless contraindicated for medical reasons). Walking or running helps as well.
From the information you've provided I suppose the cause of your symptoms lies in your anxiety problem. Nevertheless I suggest you visit your cardiologist because chest discomfort that radiates to the left arm may be a sign of heart related pain.
I would need more information to more accurately estimate the risk of an acute coronary syndrome, like
-your cholesterol levels,
-whether you smoke or not,
-whether you have arterial hypertension or not,
-your family history of heart disease at an early age
etc
I believe that in your case it's just the anxiety but given how serious a diagnosis of coronary artery disease is, I suggest we rule it out immediately.
An electrocardiogram and a blood test for cardiac enzymes (mainly troponin) would prove or exclude the diagnosis. Your cardiologist will guide you through this.
I hope I've addressed your concerns!
Should you need further guidance, I'll be glad to provide it for you!
Kind Regards!
I think you should visit your cardiologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the symptoms you mentioned have nothing to do with constipation. Constipation when severe may cause thoracic discomfort but we could not establish the diagnosis of constipation just because you had two days to pass stool.
Drinking the right amount of water and eating a lot of fiber usually helps (unless contraindicated for medical reasons). Walking or running helps as well.
From the information you've provided I suppose the cause of your symptoms lies in your anxiety problem. Nevertheless I suggest you visit your cardiologist because chest discomfort that radiates to the left arm may be a sign of heart related pain.
I would need more information to more accurately estimate the risk of an acute coronary syndrome, like
-your cholesterol levels,
-whether you smoke or not,
-whether you have arterial hypertension or not,
-your family history of heart disease at an early age
etc
I believe that in your case it's just the anxiety but given how serious a diagnosis of coronary artery disease is, I suggest we rule it out immediately.
An electrocardiogram and a blood test for cardiac enzymes (mainly troponin) would prove or exclude the diagnosis. Your cardiologist will guide you through this.
I hope I've addressed your concerns!
Should you need further guidance, I'll be glad to provide it for you!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Cholesterol levels low. low c-reactive protein, no family history, non-smoker, no hypertension, had 3 prior anxiety attacks in past year. HAd about week of constant stress with wife and had woken up feeling a bit angry and stressed. All 3 prior EKG ruled normal. Chest discomfort was not pain per se, when I was on my back it was not present. When I got up I felt little stabbing pains in the arm for approximately 5 minutes. That pain disappeared right after using the bathroom (3 consecutive bowel movements in 10 minutes). I do recall feeling something similar 6 months ago but again, pain disappeared after bowel movement.
Brief Answer:
Anxiety seems to be the problem
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
thanks for the details. It seems that you don't have enough risk factors to consider the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although this is a statistical approach, this is how things work in medicine. I need to make clear that pain is not required for the diagnosis of ACS. 'Chest discomfort' which feels like pressure on the center of the chest is a usual equivalent.
The pain that you mention on the arm is completely irrelevant to your possible constipation problem. Atypical symptoms like this are common in anxiety disorders. I wouldn't worry about it. This is probably related to the stressful situation you've experienced. If you're still worried though, then a complete history of your bowel habits would help. A change in bowel habits that lasts for long is a sign that you may need such an assessment. If it only happens when you're anxious then you shouldn't worry.
Some people may even have diarrhea when they experience an anxiety attack.
My advice would be to try to relax. If anxiety becomes overwhelming then you should ask for psychiatric help.
I hope things get better soon!
If you still need further information on the subject, I'll be here to answer!
Kind Regards!
Anxiety seems to be the problem
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
thanks for the details. It seems that you don't have enough risk factors to consider the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although this is a statistical approach, this is how things work in medicine. I need to make clear that pain is not required for the diagnosis of ACS. 'Chest discomfort' which feels like pressure on the center of the chest is a usual equivalent.
The pain that you mention on the arm is completely irrelevant to your possible constipation problem. Atypical symptoms like this are common in anxiety disorders. I wouldn't worry about it. This is probably related to the stressful situation you've experienced. If you're still worried though, then a complete history of your bowel habits would help. A change in bowel habits that lasts for long is a sign that you may need such an assessment. If it only happens when you're anxious then you shouldn't worry.
Some people may even have diarrhea when they experience an anxiety attack.
My advice would be to try to relax. If anxiety becomes overwhelming then you should ask for psychiatric help.
I hope things get better soon!
If you still need further information on the subject, I'll be here to answer!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Thank you Dr. Z. I did a follow up for an examination and EKG today. Results for the test came back normal. B/P was also noted as 75/112. Dr. suggested I was probably experiencing anxiety, gave a prescription for .25 mg of Xanax and suggested to follow with a cardiologist. My prior visit to a cardiologist within the past two years included a nuclear stress test which came back with normal results. How often should I be seeing a cardiologist at my age (43) with no risk factors such as no family history, non smoker, low cholesterol, low c-reactive? How many of the Xanax at that dosage can be taken with a 24 hour period?
Brief Answer:
No need for regular visits
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You don't have to visit the cardiologist regularly. I understand you've been tested thoroughly. For 'patients' of your age I suggest only blood tests every 1-3 years depending on family history. For example a family history of diabetes makes testing more important.
For a healthy individual like you I think that a basic biochemistry panel every 3 years and a visit to a general practitioner should be enough.
Xanax 0,25mg is a low dose for this drug. Usual starting dosage is 0,5mg 3 times daily. I do not recommend total doses greater than 10mg and please keep in mind that chronic use of xanax may cause addiction. Also dosage increments should be gradual.
I hope I've alleviated your medical worries and answered your questions!
Feel free to ask again if you need any more clarifications on the subject.
Kind Regards!
No need for regular visits
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You don't have to visit the cardiologist regularly. I understand you've been tested thoroughly. For 'patients' of your age I suggest only blood tests every 1-3 years depending on family history. For example a family history of diabetes makes testing more important.
For a healthy individual like you I think that a basic biochemistry panel every 3 years and a visit to a general practitioner should be enough.
Xanax 0,25mg is a low dose for this drug. Usual starting dosage is 0,5mg 3 times daily. I do not recommend total doses greater than 10mg and please keep in mind that chronic use of xanax may cause addiction. Also dosage increments should be gradual.
I hope I've alleviated your medical worries and answered your questions!
Feel free to ask again if you need any more clarifications on the subject.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
