Question 1

I'm kind of worried because I'm experiencing this heaviness in my chest and sometimes have trouble breathing. Plus, there's this pain that hits suddenly, not all the time, but it can come out of nowhere. Should I be concerned?

Accepted Answer

The intermittent heaviness in your chest, breathing difficulties, and sudden pains may indicate underlying conditions such as angina, acid reflux, asthma, or anxiety attacks; to determine the cause, consult a cardiologist or a primary care physician for a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), and possibly imaging tests like an echocardiogram or a chest X-ray.

Question 2

Can you explain how to tell the difference between left arm pain caused by cervical issues and pain that's related to heart problems? I'm experiencing this dull, minor pain in my left arm that comes and goes, but I don't have any other symptoms like chest pain or lightheadedness. Could you give me some insight on this?

Accepted Answer

This type of pain may be accompanied by neck pain or stiffness. To manage this, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additionally, you can apply a topical pain relief cream like Voltaren Gel on the affected area. If the pain persists, consult a doctor for further evaluation. Left arm pain due to heart issues, on the other hand, is often a symptom of a heart attack or angina. Since you mentioned no chest pain or lightheadedness, it is less likely to be related to the heart. However, if you have concerns about your heart health, you can take a low dose of aspirin (81mg) as a precaution and seek medical attention immediately if the pain worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or nausea.

Question 3

I'm really worried because my heart rate is usually at 100 or above. I check it by counting the pulse on my neck, and it comes out to be something like 24 to 27 pulses in 15 seconds, which is more than 100 when I calculate it for a minute. I have a history of panic attacks that started back in 2015 with a very fast heartbeat, and I was told it might have been due to acid reflux. It happened again in 2019. I'm really scared of traveling, especially late at night during long journeys. I get these terrible thoughts about what if I have an attack and theres no one around to help, like if the train is passing through a jungle. These thoughts just make my heart race even more, and I end up feeling extremely scared. Can you please help me understand what's going on and how I can handle this?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, especially given your history of panic attacks. The rapid heartbeat you are feeling could be related to anxiety and stress. To help manage your symptoms, I recommend trying relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. In terms of medication, you can consider taking a beta-blocker such as Propranolol. Start with a low dose of 10mg once daily, and you can increase it as needed under medical supervision. Beta-blockers can help reduce heart rate and physical symptoms of anxiety. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

More Cardiology Health Queries

I'm kind of worried because I'm experiencing this heaviness in my chest and sometimes have trouble breathing. Plus, there's this pain that hits suddenly, not all the time, but it can come out of nowhere. Should I be concerned?

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