Experiencing Chest Discomfort?
Greetings! I’m an 18-year-old female with autism, and I have possible diagnoses of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). My family deals with various health concerns, but financial constraints make obtaining proper evaluations quite challenging. This background is relevant to my current situation. Today, while at work, I felt extremely lightheaded and noticed that my advanced heart rate monitor was showing irregular spikes in my heart rate. Typically, my heart rate fluctuates between 64 and 110 beats per minute just from sipping water, and it can soar to 150 when I ascend stairs. Right now, I’m feeling alarmed as it’s difficult for me to stand without dizziness or excessive breathlessness. Lately, I’ve been experiencing a discomfort in my chest that intensifies when I’m upright; it has transitioned into a persistent sensation. It seems to be centered around my throat and there’s a sharpness concentrated on the left side near my heart. Overall, my chest feels off, with a blend of dull and sharp pains at that region. Even while seated, I’m struggling with breathlessness, which is unusual for me. I also found that stretching by putting my arms behind my back and grasping my wrists while straightening my arms—which I typically do due to my hypermobility and joint concerns—is now triggering a novel nerve pain in my upper chest that I haven't experienced before. Though I frequently experience various symptoms, this particular one has been debilitating today, leaving me uncertain about how to proceed or what the underlying issue might be.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 7:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel alarmed given your symptoms, which could be linked to your existing health conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The combination of lightheadedness, irregular heart rates, and chest discomfort can certainly be concerning, especially when they present together and affect your daily life.
Explanation
-
POTS and Symptoms: Your symptoms, including increased heart rate upon standing and lightheadedness, align with POTS, where blood flow doesn't adjust normally when you change positions. This can lead to dizziness and breathlessness.
-
Chest Discomfort: The chest discomfort and sharp pain might be linked to muscle strain or nerve involvement, potentially exacerbated by your hEDS. Given your condition, the connective tissue in your body might be more susceptible to strain, leading to pain when certain positions are held or movements made.
-
Breathlessness: Even when seated, significant breathlessness warrants attention, as it can indicate various issues ranging from muscular to cardiac causes.
Next Steps
-
Rest and Monitor: Prioritize rest. If possible, lie down and keep your legs elevated to help blood flow back to your heart and reduce symptoms of POTS.
-
Hydration and Salt Intake: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and consider increasing your salt intake (if not contraindicated) to help manage blood volume and potentially ease symptoms. Consult dietary guidelines related to your condition.
-
Position Changes: Avoid sudden position changes; rise slowly from a seated or lying position to minimize dizziness.
-
Symptom Journal: Keep a meticulous record of your symptoms, noting the severity, duration, and any triggers or alleviating factors. This could help identify patterns or triggers related to your discomfort.
-
Manage Physical Strain: Since certain stretches have triggered new nerve pain, it may be beneficial to pause those activities until you better understand the discomfort and consult a knowledgeable physical therapist familiar with EDS.
-
Educate Yourself on Your Conditions: Learn more about POTS and hEDS management strategies. This knowledge can empower you and help you navigate your symptoms effectively.
If your symptoms worsen, especially if you experience severe pain, persistent breathlessness, or new symptoms arise, consider seeking evaluation from a healthcare professional, even if it's a telehealth consultation or community health resources that can assist given your financial constraints. Your health and comfort are important, and taking proactive steps can help manage your situation better.
Related Questions
Painless Hard Lump Under Chin: Seeking Guidance
I'm an 18-year-old male experiencing something concerning. I've discovered a firm, immovable lump under the chin, roughly the size of my fingertip. It's situated near the base of my chin, so close to the bone that it's hard to distinguish where the bone ends and the lump begins. This recent finding has left me feeling extremely scared and anxious. The thought that it could be something serious, like cancer, terrifies me. I'm on the verge of breaking down into tears from worry. To add to my anxiety, I've been struggling with the possibility of having blood in my stool for the past few months. I've already undergone several tests, including an ultrasound, a calprotectin test, and a fecal occult blood test, and I'm set to have a colonoscopy scheduled for August. My current fear is that I might have metastatic cancer! There have been small instances of bright red blood appearing about once a week. Despite the ultrasound showing no abnormalities and the calprotectin test returning normal, I still fear the worst. Given my age, it seems unlikely that cancer could have progressed to such an advanced stage so quickly, right? It can't go from unnoticeable to life-threatening within mere months, especially since I haven’t experienced any other symptoms. I truly need support; my anxiety is overwhelming right now.
Concerns Over Heartbeat and Health Issues
Greetings! I’m currently waiting to see a cardiologist, but I’m uncertain about how urgent my situation is. I was born with a heart murmur, although in recent years, medical professionals have indicated that they no longer detect one. I also suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis, which is managed considerably well with medication. Despite ongoing discomfort, I can maintain a relatively normal life. My treatment includes 50mg of Enbrel weekly and 20mg of Leflunomide daily. Previously, I was on Methotrexate and Humira for over a decade, switching to my current medication regimen about two years ago. I use ibuprofen as needed and have intermittently taken prednisone since 2012. Additionally, I am living with epilepsy and currently take 600mg of Lamictal every night. My dosage has been adjusted upwards over the past decade, but my tonic-clonic seizures occur infrequently and are effectively controlled with medication. I also grapple with mental health issues, for which I take 60mg of Buspirone and 2mg of Rexulti daily. Recently, I’ve noticed a breathy sound coming from my heartbeat, particularly when I’m lying down or bending. This noise sometimes disrupts my sleep. Interestingly, I also hear a similar sound when I exert myself during bowel movements. Apologies for the odd detail, but I wanted to provide a complete picture! 😂 Last year, I experienced a health crisis involving seizures, which led to a hospital stay. Due to medication interactions, I suffered a significant decline in kidney function to just 10% and developed sepsis. I might have a cyst in my brain, which is another aspect that my new neurologist will evaluate. To add to my concerns, my resting heart rate usually stays in the 90s but occasionally exceeds 100 beats per minute. I've observed that engaging in physical activity quickly leads to fatigue, prompting me to sit down. My smartwatch indicates that my heart rate spikes to 115 and above, even when I’m at rest, leaving me feeling incredibly drained and unwell. I would appreciate any insights or advice you can provide. I hope to receive approval for my appointment soon, as I’m quite worried about these symptoms. Thank you for your help!
Concerns about a Sore Spot on My Pinky Finger
I am a 32-year-old female currently taking Verapamil at a dosage of 120mg. I've been on this medication for nearly two weeks, using it to manage persistent headaches and a sensation of lightheadedness that has been ongoing since May 31. Recently, doctors discovered a pseudoaneurysm measuring 3 to 4 mm in my neck artery. Now, I am uneasy about a sore area on my pinky finger, which feels tender despite my not having done anything that could have caused an injury. Should this be a cause for concern?
Potential Carcinogens in Food Preparation
A 36-year-old Caucasian man, standing 6'3" and weighing 215 pounds, who is currently taking gabapentin and is a non-smoker, raises a concern after a recent kitchen experiment. While attempting to create nut butter using a blender, he encountered an unexpected issue. The process seemed to be progressing well initially, but upon sampling several spoonfuls of his creation, he noticed smoke emanating from the central area of the appliance. After inspecting the blender, he confirmed that the smoke was originating from the food compartment, accompanied by a subtle taste reminiscent of ozone. Despite only consuming the top layer of the mixture, he is now worried about whether this experience has heightened his risk of developing cancer. How serious is this potential exposure?
Concerns About Mixing Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
I've been prescribed Ativan for my anxiety and Bentyl to manage my IBS. On occasion, I also take Meclizine when I experience dizziness. Additionally, I use Zofran to alleviate nausea. Recently, I had a severe migraine that left me unable to think clearly, and I was feeling nauseous as well, so I took Zofran. In my haze, I forgot I had already taken Zofran and proceeded to take Meclizine. Thinking about my upcoming meal, I then took Bentyl. Suddenly, I felt quite strange and started to panic, leading me to take Ativan as well. It all happened so quickly—I had ingested all of these medications within about five minutes without realizing the combination I had created. After a moment of pause, my mother asked if I had taken another pill, and that's when it dawned on me—I had lost track of what I had taken. I researched potential interactions online and found warnings against combining Ativan with Bentyl, as well as Bentyl with Meclizine. I also came across a mention of potential breathing issues linked to a combination of two medications; however, I can't recall which ones triggered that alert. Given my situation, should I be concerned? I'm a 32-year-old male weighing around 180 pounds.