HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Sharp chest pain

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/28/2016 7:15 PM (GMT -5)
Anyone ever had sharp stabbing pains right next to their sternum on the left side? Short duration but painful like im being stabbed .
Posted 4/28/2016 7:32 PM (GMT -5)
Yes, I have had them and I am only 25 years old. Mine tend to worsen when I try to take a deep breath. I have had cardiac testing (echo and holter monitor and both were normal). So, I chalk it up to my anxiety.

However, chest pains are nothing to scoff at. While they certainly can be due to anxiety, it is always wise to get checked out if they are persistent in nature. Have you ever had any cardiac testing performed? Do you smoke or have any other risk factors for heart disease? I would recommend seeing your doctor for a check-up and mentioning your symptoms. Better to be safe than sorry.

Also, have you considered a stomach issue to be the cause? I have fairly severe GERD and I get stomach pain occasionally as well in the sternum area. Just a thought.

I hope you feel better soon and try not to focus too much on it, as anxiety will surely worsen your symptoms! Have a good night!
Posted 4/28/2016 7:41 PM (GMT -5)
Years ago i had an echo and ecgs. A few months ago i had an ecg due to palpitations and everything was normal. I have a dr appointment tomorrow as this just started this week but im trying to keep myself relaxed. Its very sharp like nerve pain.
Posted 4/28/2016 8:01 PM (GMT -5)
Im kind of hoping its just an anxiety problem or something not serious so i was just wondring if anyone ever had it and it wasnt related to the heart. Seeing my dr tomorrow regardless.
Posted 4/28/2016 8:25 PM (GMT -5)
I'm glad you are keeping your appointment. As I said, better to be safe than sorry! Although it could be something, it could also just be your anxiety manifesting itself in a different way. I find that mine likes to do this...one day I have one symptom, the next it is something else.

For those of us with anxiety, I think we are more sensitive to the sensations our bodies experience than others, which contributes to the panic response. Perhaps it has something to do with our nerve endings? It would be an interesting topic for scientists to research, that's for sure!
Posted 4/28/2016 8:35 PM (GMT -5)
Cola,

It could be something as common as bloating/gas. This is nothing unusual with anxiety as it can cause stomach acids to rise...as well as air gulping from over breathing (hyperventilation) which we tend to do when anxious...without even being aware we're doing it!

I hope you get the answers you need at your appointment. ..but until then...

...do your relaxation exercises, and try not to worry. I am sure everything is fine .:)

S.C.
Posted 4/28/2016 9:04 PM (GMT -5)
Cola, sharp pains are never due to a heart problem, heart "pain", is dull but crushing, before i found
out about this i had many panic attacks due to a sharp pain in my chest, almost always gas, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 4/28/2016 9:23 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you! Yes this is definitely stabbing pain like a needle being shoved in to that area and its random too. Ive been having some nausea too lately so it makes sense.
Posted 4/28/2016 10:15 PM (GMT -5)
Rest easy, i know how you feel, i use to have such pains some would even make me catch my breath,
then the Adrenalin would hit my blood stream and i would be in a full panic, wish i had known then
what i know now.
Sometimes its gas and some time its the muscles between the ribs, but it still hurts, just remember
to tell your doctor because there is a link between our stomach and anxiety, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 4/28/2016 10:31 PM (GMT -5)
I just went back to work after being on maternity leave so ive been under a lot of stress. Im a 34 year old mother of 3 so I have a lot of anxiety!
Posted 4/28/2016 11:13 PM (GMT -5)
Mam, your my Hero! Peace

Larry ***
Posted 4/29/2016 2:37 AM (GMT -5)
Hi

Sounds stress related to me I often get stabbing pains when I am under a lot of stress.

Hibee
Posted 4/30/2016 9:28 AM (GMT -5)
The location along with constant burping and nausea is making them think gastrointestinal so like Gerd and Reflux.
Posted 4/30/2016 11:34 AM (GMT -5)
I agree...

Small, bland, frequent meals...

...and an OTC for heartburn should help...along with self help relaxation exercises.

Sending wishes for quick relief!

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply