What Causes Tightness In Chest With Mild Pain With History Of Binge Drinking?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

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

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Thanks for your time ... I'm a 53 year old male, 6'0, 175 lbs in good physical shape. Had history of binge drinking with extended periods of abstinence mixed in over the years; two years ago, after my dog died, had issues with a racing heartbeat. Checked with my Primary, had an EKG and stress test done - both came back fine, Doc said it may have been a combination of grief and the drinking. I quit for awhile, then started again but at a much reduced level ... when I do imbibe, I get an odd, tight/full feeling in my chest with a mild ache that may also be related to self-induced anxiety that I'm still drinking (!). Obvious solution is to quit, which I am honestly working on; in the meantime, any cause for concern? Thanks again -

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms seems to be related with alcohol, exclude other problems...

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

Your symptoms seems to be related with alcohol consumption and quitting drinking alcohol is the best solution for your problems. This is why you shouldn't worry to much. However other problems should be excluded before assuming that alcohol is the only cause of your problems.

It's a well known facts that drinking regularly alcohol may cause, liver, gastric and cardiovascular problems. This is why I recommend to run the following examinations:
- Blood work and liver enzymes
- ECG
- Cardiac ECHO
- Stress test
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Upper endoscopy
This examinations will help to evaluate the actual degree of damage of this organs from drinking alcohol.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (10 hours later)

Thanks - that's about what I expected, and plan to follow through accordingly with quitting. Obviously, I do better without it, but sometimes it IS difficult; while living well is it's own reward, sometimes it's hard living a healthy - and often accordingly bland - existence. While I've never drank to the point of incapacitation (never any personal, professional or legal consequences) I've always looked forward to that chance to unwind at the end of the week. When I've gone back after periods of abstinence, it's usually with the thought, "I'm tired of being good" - not where I'm hanging off chandeliers, but being able to sit back and relax for a few hours and let my thoughts off their leash.

Oh well, back on the path ...

Thanks for your advice, it's well taken -

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hope you'll try to stop drinking alcohol...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Ok, then, if other tests as advised earlier will exclude cardiovascular and GI tract problems, then, I advise to do your best to avoid alcohol use. In this way, you won't worry of other health issues too.

All the best!
If no more queries, please do not forget to close this discussion!
Dr.Benard

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