Oh my. I’m having chest pains or I think I’m having chest pains or maybe I think I’m having chest pains. Is this the Big One? You could be having a heart emergency and need medical attention. Or you could be having high anxiety in which case chest pains can be a sign of real stress.
Many people with high levels of stress talk about tension in the chest or feel their hearts are beating erratically. You actually could be hyperventilating, a prominent sign of anxiety. These kind of symptoms make you even more anxious because now you think you are going to die from a heart attack. It is essential for you that you have the medical tests to rule out a heart problem . Then you go from there with dealing with your enormous stress level.
Let’s say you learn that you are in fine physical shape after many tests but still have the chest pain. Listen up. Even though your heart is racing or thumping, your heart is not going to give out. This is not the Big One. You are just a little more anxious than usual and very aware of your body activities. Any stressful life event can bring on anxiety related chest pains along with any sense of loss, feeling threatened, or experiencing rejection.
This is the time when you need to have a family doctor you feel comfortable with and can talk to. Almost half of the people who go to see their primary physicians talk about chest pain. If your doctor has previously done tests and found that you are in good physical condition , you still need someone to tell you that you are OK today. There is nothing worse that to get the stink eye from your doctor who explains that you have already been through this before and should see a psychiatrist. (The implication is that you are taking up time and space you do not deserve) You don’t need a lecture or someone who talks down to you when you are worried. If your doctor does not understand the interaction between stress and physical symptoms, you have the wrong doctor. At a time like this you just need someone to ask what is going on in your life and what might have set you off to feel this way. Nothing like a kind, caring, friendly face in a storm.
Do these symptoms sound familiar? All of a sudden you feel clammy. Your heart seems to be beating wildly and you have thoughts of dying. You have a shortness of breath and shaking and trembling. This can come on you day or night, anytime you really need it to go away. And the chest pains convince you that you may be having a heart attack.
The bad news is that life is stressful for most of us these days and it is not likely that things are going to get much easier. The good news is there are ways to reduce stress including avoiding people who upset you and are toxic to you whenever you can. You have to make changes where you can to make things more bearable for you.
Here are some things I advise you to do right away:
Make sure you get the hours of sleep you need every night. No exceptions.
Avoid using alcohol or non prescribed drugs to ‘get you through it’.
Get an exercise time going for you and do it at the same time every day.
Listen to calm music, using headphones if necessary to screen out other noise.
Eat a healthy diet. Avoid fast foods and excess sugar. Lower your caffeine intake. As I said, eliminate contact with people who do you no good. Start learning to say ‘no’ to people and taking time for yourself. If you need a little extra help, consider asking your doctor for a mild tranquilizer to help you though really stressful times. We all need a little help now and again to get back to a good functioning level.
When you need support and reassurance, demand it. You are a good person and should not be deprived of encouragement and kindness when you need it. More to come in future blogs.
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