I don't know of any here, but maybe someone could shed some light on the subject... Lately, like in the last two or three days, I've been having some heart palpitations and tightening around the left underarm area. I went to the doctor to get it checked out, and I got an EKG, an xray and my heart rate tested. Everything came back perfectly normal. The doctor told me it'* stress, and to lay off the caffeine and start taking ibuprofen. I haven't had any caffeine lately, and I'm taking ibuprofen regularly, but it just won't go away. I'm loosing a ton of sleep over this. The added anxiety of wondering what these are adds to the pain and causes me to lose even more sleep. The loss of sleep is starting to get serious, and it'* starting to get really annoying. Does anyone know what I can do? Keep in mind, I'm only 20, so it'* not like it'* heart disease or anything...

It can be diet. I'm 19, and have had high blood pressure since I was 16. I weigh 260 ish and I'm 6'0, but even if I were a slender 160 I'd still have high BP because it runs in the family. I've gotten same kind of feeling before, and I notice diet and exercise have a LOT to do with it. If you don't already, start doing some physical stuff. I don't mean like walking, I walk at least five miles a day between work and school (I've added it on a pedometer), but something that gets your heart rate going. I lift weights (bench like 4 sets of 10 reps or 3 sets of 15 reps, preacher curls, etc). Also, I ride bikes a LOT during the summer, like in the mountains with the rocks and streams and just on the road. I destroyed two bikes last summer .

I used to really freak out when that kinda crap happened, but now that I keep physically active, it seems to have really diminished. Even the Dr. said that diet can have everything to do with it. Don't worry about it, try keeping physically active for at least a little bit each day and see what happens is my two cents.

Yeah, used to ride my bike a lot until my brother trashed it and used it for parts

Diet'* starting to change. I started eating really badly after school finished up last quarter, but after the issues started, I've been trying to eat healthier. I get little to no exercise in a given week when I don't go to school, which might be a problem, but when I'm in school I walk a lot. Also, I take the stairs whenever possible. But yeah, I just got an exercise bike from my parents, and I'm also starting to lift small barbells while I watch TV, but none of this is making the pain go away...

Anything that actually gets your heart rate going and a sweat started, though?

not really...

That'* what helped me. Running/jogging, hard core bike riding, etc. My bench set really gets me going too because I get the urge to want to finish the set off every time.

Not a physician but have worked in EMS 14 years and I am a Paramedic (Advanced Life Support Provider)...

Did they do any blood work? First of all, and not to scare you, just because you're 20 does not mean that heart disease or other congenital problems aren't potential factors. While it is true that it'* unlikely, age means little.

What you're describing certainly sounds like it MAY be stress, but of course there are many other possibilities. Before going on, I will say right out of the chute that if this is causing you as much grief as it seems to be, you need to follow up and get another opinion.

With individuals experiencing chest pain, a "normal" or non-diagnostic 12-Lead ECG can mean very little. An ECG can be used to confirm specific cardiac events, but in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) does not necessarily show changes. AMI related changes in an ECG can take a long time to appear, sometimes never will. This is generally dependant on the degree of damage. Many patients are diagnosed as having a heart attack by blood work alone, not an ECG.

Again, this isn't meant to alarm you but to simply try and provide accurate information and dispell myths.

If you dialed 9-1-1 and I appeared at your door, these are SOME of the things I would ask and consider. Keep in mind that a line of questioning may changed based on responses throughtout.

The first is to try and confirm or potentially rule out cardiac involvement. This is because it is the most urgent and potentially life threatening. Considerations are the event(*) at the time of onset (physical activity, rest, etc) along with sudden/gradual. Risk factors of the individual (gender, smoker, diabetic, obesity, lifestyle, etc). and information on family history (those who have a strong family history of cardiovascular disease are at higher risk).

Determining stress levels is important. This four (actually six) letter word can induce many cardiac-like symptoms. Stimulants such as caffeine are also contributory.

Other considerations are lung related. If you have decreased lung function, this may reduce adequate oxygenation resulting in CP. Again, this is unlikely with your age group and no previous symptoms. Any sort of musculo-skeletal stress or injury can cause CP. Lifting heavy objects, sports related injuries or unusual movement/positioning can aggravate the body and result in CP. Chest infections resulting in persistent coughs have also been culprits.

Some nerve bundles are shared which is why some people feel neck, jaw and arm pain with an AMI. There are so many different presentations now, it can be difficult to make a determination based on symptoms along.

It would not be responsible to tell you what is wrong over the internet. Like I mentioned before, seek an additional physician opinion if it'* this stressful. Don't gamble with your health. In the interim, staying away from stimulants sounds like a very good idea. Don't forget that 9-1-1 can be your friend

WRONG!! Chest pain is ALWAYS something to worry about. No offence, but this is bad advice. See my post.

Wow, now that'* the kind of answer I was looking for, haha. To be honest, it wasn't just a doctor, I went to the emergency room last night at around 4am. I was there until 7am. They sent me home with a prescription of 600mg ibuprofen. The pain is almost constant, and it has been for the past three days. It seems to get worse the less active I am. Lately, I've been much more active than I have the last few months. I've been walking a lot more. I do have a history in my family on my mom'* side. My grandfather had a heart attack when he was 71 (I think). I don't smoke, drink or do any kind of recreational drugs. I've been under a TON of stress lately with school, finding a job and just life in general, and I do drink about 2 or 3 caffeinated drinks daily. Hope that helps a bit. I don't expect a diagnosis over the internet, all I'd like is some advice on how to get to sleep to night.

I guess I should re-word that. Instead of don't worry about it; don't allow yourself to get stressed about it. Agreed, don't worry about chest pain is bad advice :P.