[39F] Experiencing heavy chest pressure and shortness of breath

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Angina: This is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Your description of the pain as a heavy pressure, which is relieved by rest and not associated with other symptoms like nausea or sweating, is consistent with this condition. However, angina usually lasts only a few minutes, not all day.

  • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes, medications, and potentially procedures to improve blood flow.

• Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone. This condition can cause chest pain that may mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions. Your pain could be due to costochondritis if it is localized to a specific spot and is reproducible with touch.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and medication for inflammation and pain.

• Anxiety/Stress: Given your history of mental health conditions, it's also possible that your symptoms are related to anxiety or stress. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like chest pain, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. However, it's important to rule out physical causes before attributing your symptoms to anxiety.

  • Treatment usually involves cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

• Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC): Since you mentioned that your symptoms started after you recovered from COVID-19, it's possible that you are experiencing long-term effects of the virus. Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms or develop new ones, including chest pain.

  • Treatment usually involves symptom management and rehabilitation.

What you can do

1. See a healthcare provider: Given the nature of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Chest pain can be a sign of serious conditions, including heart disease. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, order necessary tests, and determine the best course of treatment.

2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when your chest pain occurs, what it feels like, how long it lasts, and if anything makes it better or worse. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose your condition.

3. Manage your mental health: Since you have a history of mental health conditions, it's important to continue managing these with the help of a mental health professional. If you're not currently seeing a mental health professional, consider finding one.

4. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking (if applicable) can reduce your risk of heart disease. If your chest pain is due to angina, these changes can also help manage your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your chest pain becomes severe or constant
• You experience other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or palpitations
• You have a known heart condition and your chest pain changes (it occurs more frequently, lasts longer, or doesn't improve with medication)

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.