[18M] With chest pains, palpitations, and shortness of breath post-vaping cessation

Patient Description

An 18-year-old male reports experiencing chest pains, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats since quitting vaping a month ago. The chest pains are described as sharp and pinching, occurring randomly for a second, and tend to hurt more when the patient is still rather than moving. The heart palpitations feel like fluttering, happening about three times a day, starting suddenly and stopping just as quickly, and can be felt as irregular with the hand. The patient does not notice any specific triggers for these symptoms, and they do not worsen with exercise. The patient has been feeling more anxious and stressed lately due to concerns about his heart. There is no history of fainting, severe chest pain, or swelling in the legs. The patient has a family history of heart disease and was born with a heart murmur that has since resolved. He is not currently taking any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Nicotine Withdrawal: Quitting vaping can lead to nicotine withdrawal, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like palpitations and chest discomfort.

    • Treatment: Nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or gum) can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Over-the-counter medications for anxiety and stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, can also be beneficial.
  • Anxiety: The stress and anxiety from quitting vaping and worrying about your heart can manifest physically as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity can help manage anxiety. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend therapy or medications.
  • Heart-Related Issues: Given your family history of heart disease and past heart murmur, it is important to rule out any cardiac conditions. While your symptoms could be related to withdrawal or anxiety, they could also be indicative of an underlying heart issue.

    • Treatment: A healthcare provider may recommend an ECG (electrocardiogram), stress test, or other cardiac evaluations to rule out any serious conditions.

What you can do

  1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's important to see a doctor to get a formal assessment and rule out any serious conditions. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
  2. Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice stress-relieving techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and regular physical activity. Consider talking to a mental health professional if anxiety is significantly affecting your daily life.
  3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support your overall health.
  4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or worsening chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that doesn't improve with rest
  • Fainting or near-fainting episodes
  • Swelling in your legs or severe pain in your calves
  • Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, while I can provide information based on your symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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8 mo ago

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People Also Ask


Can quitting vaping cause chest pain and heart palpitations?

Yes, quitting vaping can lead to nicotine withdrawal, which may cause symptoms such as chest pain and heart palpitations. These are common withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.


How can anxiety affect heart symptoms like palpitations and chest pain?

Anxiety can manifest physically and may cause symptoms like heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Stress and worry about health can exacerbate these symptoms, making them more noticeable.


What are the potential heart-related issues to consider with a family history of heart disease?

With a family history of heart disease, it's important to rule out any cardiac conditions. Symptoms like palpitations and chest pain could be related to underlying heart issues, so a healthcare provider may recommend tests like an ECG or stress test to ensure there are no serious conditions.


What steps can be taken to manage symptoms after quitting vaping?

To manage symptoms after quitting vaping, consider nicotine replacement therapy to ease withdrawal, practice stress-relieving techniques like deep breathing and meditation, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.


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