Suggest Treatment For Chest Pain While Experiencing Anxiety

Posted on Wed, 25 Oct 2017

Question: last Monday, almost two weeks ago, I had a few pains in my chest (lower sternum area) when I was on all four painting under a desk. I started to really work and panic it was a heart attack. went to a Dr, then another visit to the er. EKG, blood, and xray were good. But I still felt pains off and on up until a few days ago. I was still in a constant state of anxiety all week because I'm scared of having a heart attack or coronary artery spasms (google is my best friend). Well, today I began to paint a room again and low and behold I felt the same chest pain again... is there anyway this could be connected to the muscle I use while painting or do j need to worry about heart issues? I've never had any health issues other then a work up for pvcs which was fine. the day this started I had also carried a heavy fish tank with rock in it, dunno if that could do it either.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely strained/pulled muscle

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic,

The characteristics of pain, negative EKG and blood work up all are suggestive of muscle pull/strain and excludes possible cardiac cause for pain.

I'd recommend that you take adequate rest and refrain from painting until the pain subsides.

You can take Tylenol for pain.
Alternate ice and heat therapy on the area of pain.
No need to worry about cardiac issues.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarifications,

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (15 minutes later)

thank you, can muscle pain feel like it could be heart? I'm just worried its angina and I'm waiting for a heart attack. I've had an echo in the past and all was good. I'm 36 no risk factors, are my chances slim?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Cardiac pain usually is deeper, and has stabbing or tightening quality. It radiates to arm,jaw,back and shoulders. The pain will usually be aggregated by activities.
Muscle pain will be more superficial. You may notice tenderness. Movement or changes in position can trigger the pain.
Since you had all normal investigations and no risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, fily history, smoking history etc and considering your age, the chances of cardiac issue is nil.

Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana