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
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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.
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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.
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Breathlessness: Even when seated, significant breathlessness warrants attention, as it can indicate various issues ranging from muscular to cardiac causes.
Next Steps
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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.
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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.
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Position Changes: Avoid sudden position changes; rise slowly from a seated or lying position to minimize dizziness.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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