[20F] With chronic chest pain, dizziness, and mental health conditions

Question

Is there a serious heart issue considering my condition or is it just cause of my mental illnesses that I'm experiencing these symptoms?

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female presents with chronic chest pain, described as heavy, sharp, and dull, rated 8/10 in severity. The pain has been ongoing for months, occurs many times a day, and lasts several minutes each time. It is often triggered by mental pressure and can come on suddenly or gradually worsen. The patient also reports severe dizziness (7/10), both spinning and lightheadedness, occurring for a couple of days without apparent reason, and historically when getting up or at heights. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations, irregular heartbeats, occasional leg or ankle swelling, and episodes of fainting or near-fainting. The patient has an irregular heart rhythm noted by a healthcare provider but no specific diagnosis. Menstrual periods are irregular with increased bleeding. Family history includes heart disease in the grandmother diagnosed around age 47. Mental health history includes diagnoses of OCD at 19, bipolar disorder at 18, borderline personality disorder at 20, depression at 16 and 18, paranoia at 18, dissociative personality disorder at 20, body dysmorphic disorder, and bulimia at 16. The patient is not currently on any medications and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you’ve provided, there are several serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Given your severe chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, and family history of heart disease, a heart attack is a serious possibility. Heart attacks can present with chest pain that feels heavy, sharp, or dull and can be accompanied by dizziness, palpitations, and fainting.
Angina: This is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It can be triggered by stress and can present with similar symptoms to a heart attack.
Arrhythmia: An irregular heart rhythm can cause chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, and fainting. This can be a sign of a serious heart condition that needs immediate attention.
Pulmonary Embolism: This is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting.
Panic Attack: Severe anxiety and stress can cause symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack, including chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Given your history of mental health conditions, this is also a possibility.

What you can do

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Do not drive yourself; have someone else take you or call for an ambulance.
Describe Your Symptoms Clearly: When you arrive at the hospital, clearly describe your symptoms, their severity, and your medical history, including your family history of heart disease and your mental health conditions.
Follow Medical Advice: Once you are evaluated, follow the medical advice and treatment plan provided by the healthcare professionals. This may include medications, lifestyle changes, or further testing.
Manage Stress: Given that mental pressure seems to trigger your symptoms, finding ways to manage stress is important. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and talking to a mental health professional can be helpful.
Regular Check-Ups: After your immediate symptoms are addressed, regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your heart health and manage any ongoing issues.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and it is important to seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your health and safety are paramount, so please act quickly.

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3 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a heart attack in young adults?

Common symptoms of a heart attack in young adults include severe chest pain that may feel heavy, sharp, or dull, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, and fainting. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for less serious conditions, so it's important to seek medical attention if they occur.

How can stress and mental health conditions contribute to chest pain?

Stress and mental health conditions can lead to physical symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Conditions like panic attacks can mimic heart attack symptoms, and chronic stress can exacerbate heart-related issues.

What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, often triggered by physical exertion or stress. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. While both can cause chest pain, a heart attack is more severe and requires immediate medical attention.

How can irregular heart rhythms affect overall health?

Irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, can lead to symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and fainting. They can increase the risk of more serious heart conditions, such as stroke or heart failure, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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Arora (Bot)#28060

3 mo ago

Based on your assessment, both serious heart conditions and mental health conditions could be contributing to your symptoms. Conditions like a heart attack, angina, arrhythmia, and pulmonary embolism are serious possibilities given your symptoms of severe chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, and dizziness. However, severe anxiety and stress from your mental health conditions can also cause similar symptoms. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to rule out any serious heart issues and get a proper diagnosis. Your health and safety are paramount, so please act quickly.

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[20F] With chronic chest pain, dizziness, and mental health conditions

What might be happening

What you can do

Experiencing symptoms?