I'm really curious about something - I've had tons of ECGs, echos, and TMTs over the past year, and while I suspect I might have POTS because my heart rate jumps to 120 bpm when I walk, that's not what I'm most concerned about right now. Today, I'm experiencing these really strong, sharp chest pains. They come and go, happening in one small spot that hurts for 23 seconds and then disappears, or sometimes it's a dull ache lasting 24 seconds and then it's gone. Occasionally, the pain stays for 30 seconds to a minute, which I've found is called Texidor's twinges. The sharp pains are intense, happening in one spot or feeling like multiple wires in my chest wall are hurting for a second, but then they just vanish. Even with the dull pains, they stop after a few seconds, and I've also been coughing for the last few days. Do you think this could be heart-related? Sometimes, stretching makes the pain worse before it eases up. What could be causing this?

It is important to consider the possibility of musculoskeletal chest pain, especially given the description of sharp, localized pains that last for a few seconds and can be triggered or worsened by stretching. The fact that you have been coughing for the last few days also suggests a potential respiratory component to your symptoms. To address the sharp chest pains, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additionally, using a heating pad on the affected area may help alleviate the discomfort. It is also advisable to practice deep breathing exercises to help relax the chest muscles. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to rule out any cardiac issues.