Feeling tight chested / breathless. High blood pressure?

[Lindt70Percent]

I've been feeling tight chested for a week now. It's like I have a weight on my upper chest. I feel breathless although I can take deep breaths. I've been quite stressed recently but this feeling doesn't seem to be going.

I had to take my husband to the GP this afternoon and while I was there I noticed they had a machine to take blood pressure so I thought I'd check mine out. I've always had very low blood pressure (even in late stages of pregnancy) but this time it was 135/81 which said on the machine was in the pre-hypertension bracket. So I asked to see the triage nurse. I'm not normally this pushy (see the doctor about once every 5 years) but I was really worried. She said that 135/81 was perfectly normal and a good blood pressure. She listened to my heart and breathing and checked my oxygen levels and said everything was fine and it was probably just anxiety.

I still feel just as bad tonight. Am I worrying unnecessarily? I sound like a bag of nerves don't I! I've had a stressful month with work and my Dad has been ill (heart attack and diagnosed with dementia) and I've been worried about how my Mum will cope. However everything's settled down for them for now so I should be feeling ok shouldn't I?

I'm 43, not overweight, don't drink (since 1st Jan) or smoke although I do eat far too much chocolate.

The tight-chested heavy weight thing could be any number of things or nothing, I think. Only a doc is going to be able to give you a proper workup so why not book yourself an appt for a chat. It may well 'just' be anxiety but no-one on here can tell you unfortunately. Hope all gets easier soon

I get this. It's difficult for me sometimes because I'm asthmatic and I have to work out if it's asthma or anxiety.
To be fair, although that blood pressure is high for you, she's right in that it's well within 'normal' ranges.
I agree with Phoenix, you need to see the GP. Get a proper check up to look at proper medical causes and also ways to manage your stress given your circumstances.

Thanks. I've made an appointment for next week just to put my mind at rest completely. I'm feeling better this morning but I think it tends to get worse as the day goes on.

I think I am a 'stressy' person and need to learn some coping techniques. I'm self employed and the last month has been very hard as I had a problem with a supplier and have had to spend most of this last month switching to a new supplier which has effectively meant I've been working very long hours for no income. One time I couldn't stop crying for an hour, it was ridiculous. This on top of the situation with my parents has probably been a bit too much.

The nurse did mention asthma which I was half-heartedly diagnosed with once although I think it was an allergy to a pet as I was fine after he'd died!

Anyway, thanks so much for the reassurance. You've really helped.

Do you have ear ache or a sore left arm? If your symptoms get worse, do seek help. Chest pain especially when persistent must not be ignored. Hope you feel better soon.

Hi. No ear ache and left arm is fine. Sometimes the constricted feeling creeps up the right side of my neck.

I've felt much better today. It's still there but in the background. I've got my appointment on Wednesday so will see how I am then.

Thanks again.

Try headspace app, brilliant for relaxing xxx