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What Causes Headaches During Periods Along With Tightness In Chest?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015
Question: I am becoming quite the regular visitor on this site.
As you can see, I have been having issues with headaches that typically start around the time of my menstrual cycle. This has had me worried for the past few months. Last week I traveled to attend the funeral of my grandfather and wasn’t really feeling the headache anymore, but since I got back home, I felt like I was having trouble breathing on Thursday which turned into some tightness in my chest. I visited an urgent care center and they conducted an EKG, chest xray, blood work, and urine sample and everything came back clear. They thought I was probably having anxiety and prescribed me with an anti-anxiety med. I haven’t really felt any more “panic” coming on, so I have not taken it yet.
Ever since then, I have noticed that every once in a while, I will feel a “stabbing” sort of pain in my left chest area – closer to my arm pit than the middle of my chest – that lasts 1-2 seconds. I also feel like my left arm will get a sort of tingling sensation down the side where my pinky is located. I also feel a bit “off” every once in a while – like really nervous and faint. Today I have some heart burn after my breakfast.
It is really scaring me and I am not sure if I should return to the ER or if I should just wait until an appointment set with my PCP tomorrow.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (39 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 problems, but are more likely caused by anxiety and stress. This is why I recommend to wait till tomorrow appointment with you PCP.

Mean time i recommend to start taking the treatment prescribed by the ER doctor.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (22 hours later)
Thank you.

Is tingling radiating down arm from the shoulder to the pinky typically a sign of anxiety? I also have a spot on my back that aches a little bit and is tender when I push on it.

I am very concerned about having a heart attack. Do you think it would be possible that it wasn't caught when I went to the urgent care center because it was too early and now it is getting closer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Your symptoms are typical for anxiety, as long as the examinations on ER didn't find anything wrong in you.

Moreover you shouldn't be afraid of heart attack it never start this way and once it started it's very difficult to miss him at any stage.

Please be calm and wait for your PCP visit.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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What Causes Headaches During Periods Along With Tightness In Chest?

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 problems, but are more likely caused by anxiety and stress. This is why I recommend to wait till tomorrow appointment with you PCP. Mean time i recommend to start taking the treatment prescribed by the ER doctor. Hope this was of help! Wish you health! Dr. Shehu