Persistent Chest Discomfort and Dizziness After ER Visit
Hello everyone, I’m seeking some guidance regarding an ongoing health issue. I’m a 25-year-old transmasc individual, currently identifying as female for simplicity, residing in the United States. Last night, I experienced severe chest tightness accompanied by shortness of breath, sharp pain radiating to my shoulders and back, as well as dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea. Due to the intense nature of these symptoms, I opted to call for an ambulance, suspecting a heart attack. Upon arrival at the emergency room, I underwent two ECG tests, had my blood sampled, and my vital signs were assessed—all of which returned normal results. As my condition slightly improved, I was discharged with the assumption that it was a significant panic attack. However, more than 12 hours have passed since that episode, and I'm still intermittently suffering from chest pain, breathing difficulties, and persistent dizziness. Additionally, I've been recovering from what seemed like a viral illness, with a negative COVID-19 test following a mild fever that occurred two days prior, which lasted only a brief period. The only substance I consumed to potentially alleviate the anxiety was a small amount of marijuana after my symptoms began, as I have a history of its use to manage panic attacks. Could anyone share insights on what might be causing these symptoms? At the moment, I'm without a primary care physician due to insurance changes. Although I’ve dealt with similar symptoms in the past, they have never persisted for such an extended period. I am inclined to believe that it could be anxiety combined with fatigue, but I want to ensure that there’s no urgent need to return to the emergency room. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 6:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a very challenging experience with your health. While the emergency room tests returned normal results and indicated that your symptoms could be related to a panic attack, it’s understandable to feel uneasy about ongoing symptoms like chest discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Here’s a breakdown of important points and practical steps you can take.
Main Points
- Your current symptoms might be residual effects of anxiety or stress.
- Ongoing discomfort warrants careful observation, but it’s important to focus on self-care while monitoring the situation.
Explanation
Your experience of chest tightness, pain radiating to your shoulders and back, dizziness, and nausea can indeed be caused by anxiety, especially after a panic attack. Sometimes after a severe episode, it’s not uncommon for the body to take time to recover, leading to lingering sensations of discomfort. The fact that tests ruled out immediate serious conditions is reassuring, but it’s also valid to be cautious as your feelings and sensations persist.
Next Steps
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Practice Deep Breathing: Focus on deep, slow breathing to help manage anxiety. Try inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for a count of four to help calm your nervous system.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest, as fatigue can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and discomfort.
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Limit Stimulants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and any recreational substances that could heighten anxiety or make you feel worse.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers you might identify. This can help you see patterns and provide useful information if you seek medical help in the future.
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Consider Relaxation Techniques: Engage in gentle activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, or gentle stretching. These can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
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Follow-Up Care: Since you currently don’t have a primary care physician, consider looking into community health clinics or telehealth services where you can discuss your symptoms more comprehensively when you feel ready.
Should your symptoms escalate—like experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or unexpected changes—returning to the ER would be reasonable and necessary. It’s always better to be safe and get checked out.
If there's anything more specific you'd like to address or if you need further guidance, feel free to ask!
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