What Causes Sinking Feeling In Chest?

Posted on Fri, 17 Apr 2015

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

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 Answered on

Tue, 5 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having this wierd feeling. Its difficult to explain. Its like a sinking feeling in my chest, though there is no pain. My ecg was normal. Could this be due to strees ?

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
YES / likely stress

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You are very young and the possibility of Coronary Artery Disease is rather remote.
A normal ECG is reassuring
As you rightly point out, stress is the most likely cause.

Appropriate treatment demands accurate diagnosis
And that demands examination; probably investigation too
GET EXAMINED

It is wiser to look and see rather than wait and guess
The treating doctor could conclude better based on total clinical picture…
A few other investigations (like routine blood tests, X-ray chest or lung function) may be done – mostly to exclude rather than entertain a physical problem / and will help to reassure both the patient and the physician….
Prognosis is generally excellent in such situations

Good luck
God bless you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (4 hours later)

Thank you doctor for the informative reply. I got these tests done 2 montha back. I am attaching the reports. Would be glad if you can have a look and advice. I am bit worried. Thank you .

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi

ECG - Normal variant (S1 S2 S3) / Heart rate a bit on the lower side / Normal limits
X-ray – normal
Lab –
MCV – borderline / repeat after a month or 2 / along with serum Iron and Ferritin
ALT a bit higher / Needs further investigation only if the value is 3 or more times the upper limit. At present, nothing to do except to repeat after 1 month or 2 / Avoid alcohol and any drug (including Paracetamol), unless prescribed by doctor

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta