What Causes Breathing Difficulty, Tachycardia, Dizziness And Ripping Sensation In Chest?

Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015

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

Wed, 3 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Im A male ,20. A couple weeks ago i experienced shortness of breath . It went away for a couple of days and returned with a rapid heartbeat when i do sonething with the slightest of exertion . Now recently ive been getting really tired and when i look in a direction sonetines i start getting dizzy. Now when i stretch and yawn i get a kind of tearing feelimg in the middle of my chest . No other pain in chest besides that. I also havd a headache . And would just like to know why all these things are happening because its freaking me out. Any insight ?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cardiac issues to be excluded.. .

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

Based on the data you provided your symptoms may be related to cardiac issues or anxiety. However anxiety and stress is the last diagnosis if cardiac issues are excluded.

If you were my patient I would recommend to do the following examinations to exclude any cardiac problems :
- Blood work
- ECG
- Cardiac echo
- Chest x ray
- Cervical x ray

If all the mentioned examinations will result negative and nothing will be seen as abnormal, than anxiety is causing your symptoms.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (24 hours later)

I had a chest x ray ,ecg and blood work. All came back normal . Was told its jusy anxiety . Was given ativan at the hospital to calm myself but no prescription . Ive since come home and feel nauseous and my hands and feet feel warm as if they are falling asleep. Could this be a side effect

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Your symptoms are a common side effects of Ativan and you shouldn't worry about that.

Moreover nausea and the strange warm feeling will increase your anxiety.

This is why I recommend staying calm to relieve your symptoms.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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