Hi,I am Dr. Prabhakar Koregol (Cardiologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
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
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
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
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