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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Tightness In Heart?

I am 54 years old and feel like my heart hurts and feels tight. I am tired and physical activity has become harder to do. I feel that there is a blockage. Under alot of stress and have been chain smoking. I am 4 11 and 112 lbs always maintained my weight and no health issues except high blood pressure and have been taking my pills every 2-3 days because I can t afford my Meds. Stress of no job and losing too many people to suicide has made me feel hopeless and way too sad. The bullet that killed my brother felt like it was lodged in my heart for 2 yrs. I feel pressure in my chest over my heart. Thank You
Mon, 6 Mar 2017
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this clinical scenario:

- heart failure
- anxiety or depression
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- musculo-skeletal pain.

For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your doctor for a physical exam and some tests:

- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels.

If all these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your symptoms.

Meanwhile, I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure, frequently during the day and refer those values to your doctor.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
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What Causes Pain And Tightness In Heart?

Hello! Welcome on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this clinical scenario: - heart failure - anxiety or depression - uncontrolled high blood pressure - musculo-skeletal pain. For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your doctor for a physical exam and some tests: - a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound - a chest X ray study - complete blood count - kidney and liver function tests - blood electrolytes - thyroid hormone levels. If all these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your symptoms. Meanwhile, I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure, frequently during the day and refer those values to your doctor. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri