What causes a dull, slight discomfort in the chest?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old male. I had an ECG (electrocardiography), echo, and Holter three months back. All were normal. Normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels. No diabetes and no family history of heart disease. I do not smoke, consume alcohol, or do any drugs. I have been under stress for a month, and for the past three days, I have been constipated, very bloated, and gassy. I notice dull, very slight chest discomfort below my nipple.

This comes and goes and sometimes lingers for hours. Pain changes when I change position. This dull pain also happens when I laugh or suck my stomach inside. Sometimes, it feels like a burning pain. I have been burping a lot, and sometimes, food comes up my throat when I burp. I understand this is indigestion. Sometimes, it hurts when I only lay down on the right side. Also, this started after my wife slept on my left hand. But the pain is not happening in my left arm. The pain does not radiate. The pain or slight discomfort is only below my chest nipple area. To confirm this is not heart-related pain, I did exercise. I warmed up and then ran up 15 floors in my building. I did not experience any symptoms or pain during or right after the run, but after I cooled down and sat down then, the dull pain came back. I have an issue with panic attacks. Is this heart-related, or since I have no pain when I run, this can easily be ruled out as acid reflux or muscular pain? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern regarding your chest discomfort. Given your symptoms of acid reflux and burping, your symptoms are likely gastric in origin. As you have gone through enough exertion without any chest pain, it is highly unlikely that you have a cardiac disease. Panic attacks may cause all kinds of symptoms, whether it is chest pain, breathlessness, or gastric problems. Excess tea, coffee, smoking, and alcohol may lead to gastritis.

If you consume any of the above stuff in excess, then it is better to cut it down. Continue physical activity, and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Reduce fatty, spicy, and non-vegetarian food in your diet. Walk for at least 30 to 45 minutes daily after dinner; do not lie down immediately after meals. You may take over-the-counter antacids to counter your gastric problems and make the above lifestyle changes. Do not panic; your heart is completely fine. But you need to make yourself healthy both physically and mentally.

Hope this helps. Kindly revert back in case of any queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Atypical chest pain is a kind of pain that is not typical of cardiac pain and cannot be explained by cardiac issues. So, these atypical chest pains may occur due to gastric, musculoskeletal issues, or anxiety. You continue with the lifestyle changes and do not panic because anxiety may cause chest pain. Start doing breathing exercises and yoga to maintain mind-body balance because what you think may have physical manifestations.

Hope this helps. Thank you.