Suggest Remedy For Chest Pressure Caused By Anxiety And Stress

Posted on Sun, 8 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm 57 year old male taking losartan and metrocarbmol. The last two days the far upper left side of my chest, approx 3 inches above my nipple gives this unusual feeling as if I was in an airplane and we lose altitude all of a sudden. It feels like my chest is caving in from the outside to the inside. I have never felt this before. The pain is very quick and does not last for any time but a couple of seconds. I may feel this about 6 times a day times two days now. I'm confused. I have been under a lot of stress. Today my back has been hurting more too. I have taken asa, and tylenol with little relief. I have VA coverage and was in the ER last week with high blood pressure 158/103 extreme tiredness Thank you

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms aren't typical for cardiac issues and are most likely related to:
- musculoskeletal disorders (thoracic spine and chest muscles)
- stress and anxiety disorders

However, is important todefinitely exclude cardiac problems with an ecg (which you should have done on ER).

If the ecg was normal and cardiac issues were excluded on ER then you should do as follows:
- Apply warm bags over your chest and spine
- Apply voltaren (or advil, deep relieve)
- Use chamomile tea
- Avoid unnecessary stress

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar