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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Pain And Heaviness In The Chest

When I lay down and rest I am getting a grinding/tearing sensation in my chest (heart). I gasp for air and sit up quickly. I have had stress in my life, but this is happening while I am relaxed. and seems to be coming on more and more. My chest feels heavy and even my upper back is sore. EKG showed normal and I have an appointment for a halter monitor on Tuesday. I am really freaked out and scared to go to sleep.
Thu, 15 Oct 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Breathlessness and chest heaviness in lying down position is known as orthopnea.
Orthopnea is classical symptom of cardiac diseases like heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD) etc.
So better to first rule out these diseases.
Ecg can be normal in some cases.
So better to get done
1. 2d echo
2. Holter monitoring (24 hour continuous monitoring of ecg)
3. Stress test (trade mill test).
4. Coronary Angiography if required.
If all these tests are normal than no need to worry for heart related diseases.
Sometimes stress and anxiety can cause similar symptoms.
So avoid stress and tension, be calm.
Don't worry, you will be alright.
But first rule out heart diseases.. Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment For Pain And Heaviness In The Chest

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Breathlessness and chest heaviness in lying down position is known as orthopnea. Orthopnea is classical symptom of cardiac diseases like heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD) etc. So better to first rule out these diseases. Ecg can be normal in some cases. So better to get done 1. 2d echo 2. Holter monitoring (24 hour continuous monitoring of ecg) 3. Stress test (trade mill test). 4. Coronary Angiography if required. If all these tests are normal than no need to worry for heart related diseases. Sometimes stress and anxiety can cause similar symptoms. So avoid stress and tension, be calm. Don t worry, you will be alright. But first rule out heart diseases.. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.