Feeling Anxiety And Stress. Started Shivering And Chest Pain. Chest X-ray Normal. Any Solution?
I am 33 years old male, height-5.11, weight-71 generally good in shape.
Lifestyle- I was not very active earlier due to my job profile, but I have been doing exercise 4-5 times a week for the past 4-5 years and lost 12-14 Kgs. Dont smoke
or alcohal, and dont have junk food, excess fat or sweet. There is no family history of heart disease.
Psychological/Behavioural condition - I have general anxiety and stress for so many years. When I feel relaxed this pain reduces/goes off. I feel very anxious and
worried due to this pain and think all the time about this.
I have had chest pain for the last 8-9 years primarily on left side, sometimes feel shivering under left side of chest area and left hand. The pain aggravates in
winter and I feel strong heartbeats in winter. I started using I consulted General Phyician 8 months back and many tests were performed - ECG, Stress Echo, Lipid
Profile, BP, Vit B12, Vit D3, CPK serum, Thyroid Profile, Glucose (Fast, PP), Chest X-ray etc. Everything was fine except Vit D3 so I was suggested calcium tab. I
consulted a cardiologist and he said it is a muscle spasm and given me Benalgis Tab, I took it for 2 months I was relieved to some extent. I consulted 4-5
cardiologists with reports and they all say it is not related to heart, it could be other reasons - muscle spasm, bone, gas, anxiety and suggest to ignore and relax.
Few days back I had a strenous exercise session, next morning my heart was pounding and I was feeling dizziness, fatigue and restless. This episode has happened couple
of times after that as well, when I have good amount of physical activity, I feel some disturbance/mild pain in middle of chest, feels heartbeats, become exerted and
breathless. I am really scared, anxious and always think about this only and it is affecting other areas of life. Please help me and advice.
Welcome to Health Care Magic
You are young / maintaining your weight in normal range / doing regular exercise / no tobacco or alcohol / no junk food / good family history...Great indeed! It is rare to see one like you, nowadays! Your parents were blessed...
Your only problem seems to be Anxiety.
Chest pain lasting nearly a decade means it is unlikely to be related to the heart / it can not be serious at all. A normal stress test practically excludes it.
If vitamin D is low, you should take vitamin D! (not calcium only, as you state.../ there are preparations once a week initially and later once a month.
If one doctor excludes heart disease, the possibility of heart disease is rare / if two exclude, then it is remote / 4 or 5 cardiologists as in your case means – you have NO DISEASE OF TE HEART!
It is Cardiac Neurosis – Anxiety focussed on heart.
A Psychiatric consultation and counselling will help.
Develop hobbies.
Learn to relax – go to park, beach...
Strengthen family bonds – wife in particular.
Get good friends...
A thallium stress ECG and CT-Angio (non-invasive) may be done – they are most unlikely to show any positive clues but all the same better to do - to rule out the disease and create confidence.
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
Nexito Plus is an anti-depressant (contains Escitalopram).
At times, an anxiolytic like clonazepam is combined (Nexito Plus Forte).
You have already seen several cardiologists and got clearance!
You need to see a Psychiatrist – you are already on drugs / further assessment and counselling will help.
The cost of the tests varies with the city and the Institution.. CT-Angio may cost approximately ₹10,000 / Thallium stress at half the cost.
The tests need not be done immediately.
You can go for it later – if you are still worried – after Psychiatric assistance.
Regards
No cause for concern.
You will be well - no doubt about it - it is question of patience and perseverance.
Wishing you a speedy recovery
God bless you