[19F] Experiencing chest pain and heart palpitations

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, several conditions could be considered:

• Panic disorder or anxiety: This condition can cause symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and feeling lightheaded. The fact that your symptoms seem to worsen when you start to panic and can be alleviated by trying to relax suggests that they could be related to anxiety.

  • Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause symptoms such as chest pain and burping.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

• Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It usually occurs in the cartilage where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum), an area known as the costosternal joint. Costochondritis can cause chest pain that is often worsened by coughing, deep breathing or physical activity.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and physical therapy.

• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): This is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). It involves the autonomic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms can include lightheadedness when standing up, and heart palpitations.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications and medications.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment if appropriate.

What you can do

In the meantime, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

1. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to help manage anxiety.
2. Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
3. Try to maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
4. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
5. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If your chest pain becomes severe or is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.
• If your heart palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• If your symptoms persist or worsen despite trying the above measures.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.