[42F] Experiencing intermittent chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, possible explanations include:

• Angina: This is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The discomfort can also occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion. Stress and physical exertion can trigger angina pain.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes, surgery.

• Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. Panic attacks can cause similar symptoms to a heart attack and often cause a sense of doom.

  • Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic 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, causing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. If these don't help, prescription medications or surgery might be an option.

• Pulmonary Hypertension: This is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms of this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

Please remember that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described, and not a definitive diagnosis. Only a healthcare professional can provide a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given your symptoms and family history of heart disease, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Please call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency department.

2. Lifestyle changes: If your symptoms are related to GERD or angina, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and exercising regularly can help manage your symptoms.

3. Medication: Depending on your diagnosis, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms.

What you should look out for

• If your chest pain or discomfort becomes severe or persistent
• If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that worsens
• If you develop other symptoms such as lightheadedness, fainting, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or sudden, severe weakness or difficulty moving one or both of your arms or legs.

Remember, it's important to seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing chest pain or discomfort, especially if it's accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or fainting.