Heart Problem...Please help.

[Checkpoint... Done]

Alright...I'm 17 years old and I have been experiencing some chest discomfort over the past week that needs addressing. Over the past few weeks, I've been feeling a discomfort around the left side of my chest near my heart. I don't know if its beating faster than normal but I can definitely notice it beating. I don't know how to explain it...it kind of feels like its tightening kind of...In addition to this, I have this feeling that I need to burp all the time...after I burp, the feeling goes away...but then returns about 6 seconds after...It's really scary and I'm getting really worried.

I went to the ER a few days ago but they said that nothing was wrong with my heart and that the weird feeling there was probably due to some exercise that I was doing the day before I first experienced any discomfort.

The thing is...even after the ER visit, I'm still feeling the same way...Please help...

 

[Evan L]

It sounds like you are having a combination of acid reflux/gas(which can be painful), and heart palpitations. Heart palpitations is very common with anxiety. It is the sensation of noticing your heart beating, or, it can feel like your heart is on a roller coaster. The vast majority of heart palpitations are not a concern and go away with decreased stress. If you are feeling dizzy with these, then you should consider going to your doc to get a medication called a beta blocker to calm those palpitations.

Follow basic acid reflux guidelines to see if it helps - stop pop/carbonated beverages, and caffeine, stop any alcohol if you drink, don't eat before laying down at night, and decrease the quantity of tomatoes and orange juice you have, to see if this helps. Also break up large meals into 2 portions so you are not left with the feeling of being stuffed, as this can also bring on acid reflux.

Do you have a very strong family history of heart disease? If you had a close family member die from a heart related condition before the age of 40ish, it would be a good idea to have some baseline tests/checkup done at your doc's office. If you are having this pain after exercise, I'd also see the doc to get a stress test done.

I know its scary to have chest pain, but keep in mind that men are more likely to have classic symptoms of a heart attack, including pain that feels like an elephant is sitting on their chest, the pain can radiate down the arm or to the jaw or to the back.

If you do not have a strong history of heart disease, I'd try the acid reflux controls and see if that helps any.