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Suggest Treatment For Chest Constriction

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Posted on Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Question: ive been having chest constriction for over a month now it is constant and gets worse and better at random points but ive had ekg, stress test, echocardiogram the ultra sound thing enzyme test on my heart chest x ray mri on brain glucose test thyroid test all is normal no pain at all just constriction or tightness opinion please
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Multiple causes to be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hi Chasebrophy21,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Since EKG, stress test and echocardiogram, Chest X ray and enzyme tests are normal, there is no need to worry about any heart causes for your symptoms. The lungs and pleura are also normal and less likely to be a cause.

You may need to review your symptoms a bit more in detail.
It would help if you can tell me what other related symptoms you experience with chest tightness.

1. Do you have a sour taste or a sensation of food re-entering your mouth?
2. Is there any trouble swallowing?
3. Any pain that gets better or worse when you change your body position?
4. Pain that intensifies when you breathe deeply or cough?

Digestive causes are to be ruled out as you have not had an oral endoscopy. This is more probable if you take meals at odd hours and eat lot of spicy foods.

If you feel intense fear accompanied by chest tightness or pain along with increase in heartbeat, breathing and profuse sweating and shortness of breath, you might have panic attacks.

If the pain in more or the front of your chest, where the ribs join the breast bone then it can be inflammation of cartilage and the condition is called costochondritis.

A pain more on the back side and increasing on changing posture and turning to one side may have origin in muscles and spine.

Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (47 minutes later)
I get a feeling of short of breath sometimes but no pain and swallowing very rarely is hard but other than that its just that tightness no pain though
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely anxiety related

Detailed Answer:
Hi Chasebrophy21,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

In the absence of significant pain but only breathlessness, the possibility of stress related anxiety must be evaluated for. You need to do breathing exercises and slow rhythmic breathing when you get these attacks. Please practise various methods of mental relaxation and have a regular fitness plan. You may like to consult a psychiatrist and get help.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chest Constriction

Brief Answer: Multiple causes to be ruled out Detailed Answer: Hi Chasebrophy21, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Since EKG, stress test and echocardiogram, Chest X ray and enzyme tests are normal, there is no need to worry about any heart causes for your symptoms. The lungs and pleura are also normal and less likely to be a cause. You may need to review your symptoms a bit more in detail. It would help if you can tell me what other related symptoms you experience with chest tightness. 1. Do you have a sour taste or a sensation of food re-entering your mouth? 2. Is there any trouble swallowing? 3. Any pain that gets better or worse when you change your body position? 4. Pain that intensifies when you breathe deeply or cough? Digestive causes are to be ruled out as you have not had an oral endoscopy. This is more probable if you take meals at odd hours and eat lot of spicy foods. If you feel intense fear accompanied by chest tightness or pain along with increase in heartbeat, breathing and profuse sweating and shortness of breath, you might have panic attacks. If the pain in more or the front of your chest, where the ribs join the breast bone then it can be inflammation of cartilage and the condition is called costochondritis. A pain more on the back side and increasing on changing posture and turning to one side may have origin in muscles and spine. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek