[JaneHB]

Does anyone suffer with actual heart pain through upset, stress or depression?

I had a rather scary episode at the weekend experiencing real discomfort around the heart area. It was bearable but to be safe I rang 111 and they sent paramedics. I was checked out in hospital and given the all-clear yesterday. They were 99.9% certain that my heart was not at fault but could not help with finding out what caused it. Realistically, it could be anything, I know that.

However, I had quite a lot of emotional upset on Friday and Saturday. I am also quite exhausted at work. I wouldn't say that I feel particularly stressed and can happily have a laugh with friends. But what damage underneath? Could emotions have caused the pain? it happened in the middle of the night while sleeping.

JHB

[Lmats]

I always get a ton of discomfort in my chest when I'm overwhelmed with emotion, especially anxiety. Whenever I have a panic attack, I actually always assume I'm about to die of cardiac arrest or having a heart attack or something. It's normal, but I'm pretty sure it's not good for us! Maybe whenever that happens, lie down for a bit. It helps me a little!

Yes it happens to me too. I know it will pass, but it is certainly uncomfortable.

[bronzeowl]

After losing one of my dogs, my depression got so bad that I actually experienced heart pain for a month or so. At one point, I literally felt like I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER like I was supposed to and was, essentially, treated like ****. Eventually was told I 'just pulled a muscle lifting something' (I don't do ANY heavy lifting... so I figure I must have "pulled a muscle" playing WoW -__- ). But that kind of treatment in the ER is normal down here.

I eventually just gave up and left because no one would listen to me. Even though it really, really hurt. It lasted a few days after the ER visit but I didn't go back. Stupid on my part, but I didn't want to put up with them any more. My mom later told me about something called broken heart syndrome. I didn't even know it was real. Always thought it was a figure of speech. To this day, I don't know for sure that's what it was. But the chest pains did go away once the grieving progressed to the easier stages and I did experience all the symptoms.

Point is, that sometimes, emotional and mental anguish can manifest itself physically. And sometimes, it does this with chest pains. I can't say why for sure. I'd imagine this is likely why early philosophers supposed the center of our being was our heart.

If it continues to happen, don't be like me. Keep getting checked out by a doctor. As sometimes, depression can be linked to actual physical problems and you never want to take the gamble.

[JaneHB]

Originally Posted by Lmats

I always get a ton of discomfort in my chest when I'm overwhelmed with emotion, especially anxiety. Whenever I have a panic attack, I actually always assume I'm about to die of cardiac arrest or having a heart attack or something. It's normal, but I'm pretty sure it's not good for us! Maybe whenever that happens, lie down for a bit. It helps me a little!

...overwhelmed with emotion - yes that's exactly how it feels. Strangely my discomfort eased with sitting up!

[JaneHB]

Originally Posted by Supanova

Yes it happens to me too. I know it will pass, but it is certainly uncomfortable.

It helps just knowing I am not the only one this happens too!

[JaneHB]

Originally Posted by bronzeowl

After losing one of my dogs, my depression got so bad that I actually experienced heart pain for a month or so. At one point, I literally felt like I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER like I was supposed to and was, essentially, treated like ****. Eventually was told I 'just pulled a muscle lifting something' (I don't do ANY heavy lifting... so I figure I must have "pulled a muscle" playing WoW -__- ). But that kind of treatment in the ER is normal down here.

I eventually just gave up and left because no one would listen to me. Even though it really, really hurt. It lasted a few days after the ER visit but I didn't go back. Stupid on my part, but I didn't want to put up with them any more. My mom later told me about something called broken heart syndrome. I didn't even know it was real. Always thought it was a figure of speech. To this day, I don't know for sure that's what it was. But the chest pains did go away once the grieving progressed to the easier stages and I did experience all the symptoms.

Point is, that sometimes, emotional and mental anguish can manifest itself physically. And sometimes, it does this with chest pains. I can't say why for sure. I'd imagine this is likely why early philosophers supposed the center of our being was our heart.

If it continues to happen, don't be like me. Keep getting checked out by a doctor. As sometimes, depression can be linked to actual physical problems and you never want to take the gamble.

You know I always dismissed the thought of broken heart syndrome but I am convinced now. My local hospital were very good and checked me thoroughly before letting me go. However, they made it clear that their job was to make sure my heart was ok and not really to investigate the cause. You are so right about not taking a gamble though. ALWAYS get it checked out. The nurse said to me on leaving, this is a snapshot - you are ok now but if it happens again come back in because next time might be different. I was not made to feel like a time-waster and I would strongly urge anyone to get checked - just in case!

It's happened to me before.

[chrissysworld]

I get tightness in my chest, and feel like there is a cold snowball there, when I get anxious. I try putting my palm over my heart, thinking that will ease things. Works sometimes.

[too SHy]

I thought I was the only one! I don't go to the ER because this is a small town and they will definitely treat me like s***. I feels like an all encompassing grief. "Broken heart syndrome" is a good name for it.

[JaneHB]

Originally Posted by chrissysworld

I get tightness in my chest, and feel like there is a cold snowball there, when I get anxious. I try putting my palm over my heart, thinking that will ease things. Works sometimes.

Mine is a hot feeling rather than cold. But I do the same with my hand - its kind of comforting

Yes, it happened to me before.

[JaneHB]

Originally Posted by too SHy

I thought I was the only one! I don't go to the ER because this is a small town and they will definitely treat me like s***. I feels like an all encompassing grief. "Broken heart syndrome" is a good name for it.

I now believe it's very normal, that helps