Ongoing centre chest pains, breathleness, upper back pain, been to A&E 3 times in 1 month

[Bighugs88]

Hi 👋
I have spoken to my gp for medical advice. I am just hoping for reassurance, support and if anyone else has or is going through the same thing. I will try to keep this short but a lot has been going on.

Background: 33 yrs female, no high bp, normal cholesterol levels, never smoked, never taken recreational drugs, bmi of 20, active and work part-time as a Midday Assistant. No previous or known heart conditions. Both parents are in their 60s and high high bp, high cholesterol and are on medication (blood thinners). My mum recently has been suffering from breathlessness and chest pain so is under going tests through the NHS relating to Angina.

So from Feb to April I had random pain in my upper left arm which went after a week, then randomly I had a sharp pain right in the centre where my heart is and this pain travelled across my right chest to my shoulder. I couldn't move and had to sit down then after 4 mins the pain went and I was completely fine. This then happened again numerous times after 3 weeks gap. I only started to take this as a serious health concern when on 30/5/2022 in the evening the pain happened again, terrified in quickly went to local A&E they did an ecg which was normal and then said I could go home and a doctor will call u tomorrow. I didn't ask for further testing as I felt fine, but on the same day at night when I was sleeping 10:45pm I wanted to turn and then then pain started again but this time my right shoulder up to my elbow was hurting. Went back to A&E in the car as the ambulance didn't come. They kept me in and did ecg, chest x ray & blood test for inflammation, viruses & tropnin, the results all came back fine. The doctor was surprised I was having these pains since Feb, said it might be costochondritis eventhough my ribs and sternum were not tender or sore. Since 31/5/2022 I have been having continuous dull ache in the centre of my chest (feels like my heart is injured or bruised 😞) I get random sharp chest pains for a few seconds on my left and right side. Having fluttering of the heart which feels like in my throat, breathlessness & upper back pain. When breathing in or laughing my chest hurts at the centre. I was back in A&E 2 days ago and again chest x ray is clear (no inflammation & no swelling of heart), blood tests normal, ecg fine. The doctor tested for blood clotting, haemoglobin & d dimer for clotting all the results are fine so ruled out anaemia & doesn't think clot in lungs.

My anxiety levels have been really high, thinking the worse that I am having an impending heart attack, swelling of heart, blood clot in lungs . I have a 5 years old daughter who has autism and she is my world. Due to hig levels of anxiety I have loss my appetite and have now a sensation that there is a lump in my food pipe and finding it hard to swallow.

My gp finally has referred me to a cardiologist as the rapid access chest clinic do not take female patients under 40 yrs if there is any abnormal result (high bp, abnormal test results from A&E). She has referred me for 24 has ecg and also an ultrasound scan of my abdomen to rule out problems with gall bladder. This might take weeks, but the doctor said if I feel very unwell or unable to keep down liquids then I need to go back to A&E.
I am just so worried that I am going to drop dead, that there is something seriously wrong with my heart. Even typing this now I am getting weird palpitations. Seriously I am not disregarding pain, but if the pain was somewhere else I wouldn't be so worried but as it is my chest area right in the centre I am thinking the worst is going to happen even though 2 different doctors at A&E have reassured me there is no instant danger. Please anyone there for support

The rapid access clinic at the hospital would have seen me quicker ( within 1 week)but their eligibility criteria is for females is that you must be above 40 yrs old. If you are under 40 then there must be additional factors apart from chest pain meaning either any abnormal result from A&E or high bp, overweight or A&E doctors refer u. If not the gp has to refer to cardiologist.

Has anyone mentioned a echocardiogram? I had suspected heart failure and the echo rules almost everything out.

Symptoms persist but I'm confident now it's not my heart

I'm glad you're seeing a cardiologist to rule things out. Most of what you've said could be anxiety related though so try not to get too stressed until you know more

Have you tried taking an antacid?

Unlikely to do any harm and refux causes bonkers symptoms in some people.

Leaving aside the utter stupidity of chest pain clinic not seeing females under age 40...

Does the pain change at all if you sit forward?
Have you recently had a cold / viral illness?
Does the pain change when you take a deep breath? And if so, is it worse when breathing in or out?

I have some (not all) of these symptoms as part of long covid. Could that be a factor?

I was admitted out of the blue with chest pain and in atrial,fibrillation with a heart rate of 170 last week. Given IV magnesium. All bloods ok except a high inflammation marker (CRP) of 120. This came down within 24 hours and the pain subsided. I then had two days of ectopic beats and am now also under the cardiologist on beta blockers and awaiting 48hour monitoring.
My pain was worse when leaning forward and breathing in. CT, X-ray and echo all negative. BP ok.
No one could tell me the cause but they did ask if I've just had COVID. I hadn't to my knowledge and tested negative.
Still,getting the odd stray bump in the chest.
Scary isn't it. I'm living on a knife edge. 50.

IncessantNameChanger: thank you for replying. The gp said the cardiologist can do this, but I know when I get seen the first appointment most likely be a consultation. I am tempted to get an echo scan done privately, in london there are a few private clinics on Harley street. The price for echo is from £300-£400 pounds.
I might do this as appointment availability is quicker & faster.

This sounds like reflux.

Pain in centre of chest is classic.

bbqhulahoop: I do believe that anxiery can make the symptoms worse and make you think that you are suffering that condition. Hence, the palpitations & lump in throat feeling that I have been having recently. Spending time with my mum and keeping myself busy so not to worry to much.

Thank you for all your messages,
The pain in the chest is the same regardless moving forward or backwards. Breathing in causes a discomfort and pain in the centre of my chest. The upper back pain is between my shoulder blades and feels very stiff throughout the day. I just feel very tight around my chest and back.
I did have a runny nose and mild fever twice in late march and early may which I recovered from taking paracetamol. The recent blood tests at A&E ruled out inflammation and any viruses.

The A&E doctors did check my legs especially my ankles for swelling as this could be an indicator for heart failure.but there is no swelling or clots, purple or green colour/ no bruises on my legs.
I have been given lansaparole tablet (one to be taken each morning before breakfast) to help with nausea and indigestion.
I have been burping quite a lot recently and feeling full.
I have suffered anxiety in the past, which has caused vomiting even on empty stomach and fainting, but I have never has chest and back pain with it. I just want to know what is going on, the waiting time on nhs is very long though.
I don't know if this is something to do with my gall bladder or pancreas waiting for ultrasound scan. The gp has sent the referrals on 24th June. God knows how long this will take, I am just taking her words hopefully she has made the referrals. But this constant chest and back pains are runing my life. The chest pain and back pain is very sharp I literally catch my breath with it. I am taking neurofen tablets but haven't been prescribed stronger painkillers as I am already quite dizzy

Burping would be reflux. So would feeling full.

Anxiety could account for all of your symptoms. It jumps out at me that you say your symptoms worsen while you are typing out your symptoms.

While you wait for your appointment could you ask your GP for some anxiety medication?

You have already had lots of tests which have come back clear and I think your anxiety is so high that further investigation is likely to trigger more symptoms.

I am trying to control my anxiety as I know anxiety can do very horrible physical symptoms which I have suffered in the past. I am trying not to think about the pain too much unless it's very painful then I would go to A&E, because thinking about my symptoms makes the pain worse than it is.
However, I was having chest pain like angina on and off since Feb and now when I have moments I am relaxed the pain in the chest and back remains. I will just need to wait it out until hopefully I get seen by the cardiologist.
My mum kept reassuring me and she is my biggest support with my husband. The fear of the unknown has been so bad that the days when my husband has a night shift af work j have asked my mum to sleep over my place at night as I am so afraid that something might happen to me at night. My daughter is always saying to me "mamma happy" I just feel that I need to be there for her.
I am just hoping as I am low risk due to my history in my first post with regards to weight, bp & cholesterol I don't have heart disease . Please do add your posts and comments. Sensing hugs to everyone x

Your symptoms sound similar to mine- I have a hiatus hernia and reflux and had gallstones (gallbladder removed). It’s well controlled with Rabeprazole once a day.
Anxiety certainly exacerbated my symptoms as does swigging gaviscon when it’s particularly bad.
I do hope you get to resolve your symptoms, it’s miserable I know.

Sounds like Pleurisy??

Gallstones? Sounds similar to my experience.

Have you had a ct? I was in a and e 3 time before they did one and diagnosed me - I have a really rare autoimmune disease which it is unlikely to be but it could show up other causes?

Both occasions at A&E the doctors said your chest x ray are fine ( no inflammation) and blood tests were normal so very low markers for inflammation.
When I take a deep breath my heart (middle of chest) hurts

Gp said could be gallstones as in some cases upper back pain and chest pain can occur. The area above the belly button and below the breastbone is quite tender and hurts when pressed. I did have sharp abdominal pain in that area 1 week ago but it wasn't trapped wind. The pain came at night and woke me up thought I was in labour. The pain remained for 10 mins. Haven't had that pain again for now. Hopefully an ultrasound scan will rule this out the gp has referred me for this on 24th June.

The palpitations were really scaring me, they started 2.5 weeks ago when I was really anxious about my heart and lungs. I was having thuds and fluttering sensations during the day and night which would wake me up. However, for the past 3 days or so as I am trying to calm myself down and not be so anxious the palpitations are less I would say I haven't woken up in the night with them recently. I do still have them during that day but not so aware of them now or probably not taking notice of them too much 🤔

It's just makes me wonder how if anything goes wrong with the human body how it can have detrimental affect on your mental and physical health.

@jossysgiant thank you for your message. The A&E doctors did not do a ct scan, did 2 chest x rays, lots of blood tests (tropnin, blood clotting, d dimer, viruses, inflammation etc) and 2 ecgs. The results were all normal. The A&E doctors sent report to gp to follow up for further investigations. So my gp has referred me to cardiologist and ultrasound scan of abdomen.
If you don't mind me asking what was your diagnosis?
How are you feeling now?

The A&E hospital where I live do not do ct scans unless u have been admitted or there is an urgent reason. They just do the tests mentioned above to rule out any immediate danger to heart and lungs based on symptoms present.
I have called numerous times and only after speaking to the third gp that she agrees to get me referred to rule out heart problems. The other 2 gps refused to refer and said it's costochondritis which it is not .

@Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas

Did you have similar symptoms including chest and upper back pain?
I am 33 years old and have a good diet can problems with gall bladder occur at any age?
I have been referred for ultrasound scan of the abdomen.

Can gall bladder problems cause chest pain and palpitations due to worry and anxitey?

I suffer from ongoing costochondritis and would never have imagined the pain it could cause.... I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. I get flare ups occasionally but nothing as bad as the first attack which lasted about 10 months.

I was lucky to go through the rapid access chest clinic after several visits to A & E and hospital stays but it took nearly 7 months to get a diagnosis.

This sounds similar to my experience with gallstones. I get pain just under my breastbone and in my shoulder blades when my gallbladder gets angry. It usually wakes me up at night.

In the short term, maybe try eating low fat to see if that helps.