Concerns About New Chest Pain for a 25-Year-Old Woman with Health History
Hello, I'm a 25-year-old female experiencing ongoing chest discomfort. Despite numerous evaluations, the source of this chronic pain has never been pinpointed. I come from a family with a significant background in cardiovascular issues, as both my parents, along with my twin sister, are affected by heart conditions. In addition to the physical symptoms, I struggle with high-functioning anxiety, depression, and social anxiety, which historically exacerbate my chest pain. The last few months have been particularly taxing, with last week being especially overwhelming. I found myself coerced into a work-related social event that heightened my anxiety levels considerably. Since that moment, I have been dealing with a consistent, sharp pain located centrally in my chest that refuses to subside. This sensation feels more relentless than my typical anxiety-related experiences, increasing my worry about the situation. I am deliberating whether this could be attributed to my anxiety or if it is something that requires immediate medical attention. My primary care physician is away until the 22nd, and her physician assistant is also unavailable this week. I am seeking advice on a couple of points: - Should I seek urgent evaluation for persistent chest pain, particularly given my family’s health history? - What warning signs should I be vigilant for moving forward? I recognize that an online evaluation cannot replace a professional diagnosis. I’m simply aiming to figure out the right course of action. Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 7:01:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that experiencing persistent chest pain, especially given your family history and current stressors, can be concerning. Let’s break down your situation and provide clear steps to help you navigate it.
Main Points:
- Persistent chest pain requires careful consideration, especially with your family history.
- Focus on managing anxiety and being aware of potential warning signs.
Explanation:
Chest pain can have many causes, including anxiety-related issues, but it’s crucial to take any new or changing chest discomfort seriously—particularly with a family history of heart conditions. Your anxiety may contribute to your symptoms, but given your experiences and the increase in pain, it’s wise to be vigilant.
Next Steps:
-
When to Seek Urgent Care:
- If your chest pain worsens rapidly or you begin experiencing additional symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to your arm or jaw, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious issue.
- If your pain persists and remains sharp, even without additional symptoms, consider seeking urgent care as soon as possible. Even though your regular doctor is unavailable, another healthcare provider can evaluate your condition.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, and any associated feelings of anxiety or stress. This can help identify patterns, which will be valuable when speaking with a healthcare provider.
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga to help manage your anxiety, especially during stressful situations.
- If you find your anxiety difficult to cope with, consider reaching out for support to a mental health professional or a reliable support network.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Ensure you’re engaging in regular physical activity as tolerated, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep, which can all help in managing anxiety and overall health.
-
Stay Informed:
- Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heart issues, which could include any significant changes in your chest pain, as well as new symptoms like those mentioned above.
Your proactive approach to understanding your body is essential. While daily concerns and stress can heighten anxiety and related symptoms, it’s important not to dismiss any new or persistent pain. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to seek further medical help if necessary.
Related Questions
Unusual Blood Pressure Readings
Hello! To give you some context, I'm an avid athlete, training around 9 times a week for rowing. My sessions often vary between two hours of moderate volume and intense 45-minute workouts. Just this past Wednesday, I had a routine check-up where my blood pressure was recorded at a rather concerning 150/72. Interestingly, my resting heart rate was at 53. There is a history of somewhat elevated blood pressure in both sides of my family, but considering I’m a 17-year-old male who doesn't smoke and maintains a healthy lifestyle at 180 pounds and 6 feet tall, should I be alarmed by this reading?
Inquiry About Surgical Alternatives for a High-Risk Heart Patient
I’m reaching out concerning a relative of mine, a 64-year-old woman standing at 4’11” who has never used tobacco. She has a complex medical history, having suffered 2 to 3 heart attacks linked to a tumor, in addition to enduring 6 strokes, which have been verified by her healthcare providers. Though she maintains cognitive function, her speech is somewhat impaired. Currently, she is in need of heart surgery to improve her condition. However, medical professionals have indicated a significant risk level of approximately 70% due to her prior strokes, and no surgeon is willing to proceed with the operation. I am seeking advice on potential avenues for treatment: are there any specialists or procedures available that cater to high-risk patients with a recent stroke history requiring heart surgery? I recognize that this inquiry does not replace the need for expert medical counsel.
Is This Just a Hangover?
Today, I’m not feeling my best, to say the least. Honestly, it feels as if I’m on the brink of death. Last night, I overindulged in alcohol, and now I’m suffering the consequences. I’ve been battling a severe headache and have experienced multiple bouts of vomiting, probably around ten times. My energy levels are nonexistent, leaving me feeling utterly drained. To make matters worse, my hands are tingling, and my complexion appears alarmingly pale. It’s an awful experience, to say the least. Could this just be the aftermath of a hangover? I certainly drank a considerable amount and I’ve vowed never to do this again. Age: 28, Male
Understanding My CT Scan Results
Subject: Female, 30 years of age Weight: 120 pounds Current medications: None A week ago, I experienced a facial injury and believed I might have a nasal fracture. After undergoing a CT scan yesterday, I received my results and am seeking clarification on their implications. The report indicates that there are no fractures present in my face; however, it does point out a deviated septum and the presence of bone spurs. Could this imply that my nose is intact and that surgical intervention is probably unnecessary? I appreciate any insights you can provide!
Seeking Assistance for Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, I’m a 15-year-old female, weighing 48.5 kg and standing at 162 cm tall, residing in Germany. At present, I’m looking for medical advice. My current medication status is none, and I have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For the past seven months, I have been grappling with significant physical symptoms that have been largely dismissed as psychosomatic. In early 2023, I began experiencing an increased heart rate accompanied by dizziness, headaches, and episodes of near-fainting when I transition from sitting or lying down to standing. By July 2025, I noticed a gradual loss of appetite. Initially, it was mild, but it quickly escalated to a point where I no longer had any desire to eat. Once I did eat, I frequently felt nauseous, particularly with solid food, which caused painful stomach cramps and bloating. I lost around 4 kg over the initial months of these symptoms. Regrettably, my condition did not improve; it worsened, as I also experienced similar discomfort after consuming liquids. The only things I managed to take without significant pain were thicker fluids, such as drinkable yogurt and smoothies, but now even those are difficult for me. In September, I had a moderate depressive episode, for which I received psychotherapy and a prescription for Fluoxetine (20 mg). However, the medication induced severe side effects, including heightened nausea, drowsiness, muscle cramps, and weakness. My psychiatrist decided to discontinue the treatment abruptly, tapering off very quickly—after just two days at 10 mg daily, followed by 10 mg every other day for three days. One day, I became unresponsive and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but no thorough examinations were conducted. While I was at school on October 11, I felt extremely fatigued, struggling to keep my eyes open. My condition deteriorated over the next couple of days, and by the 14th of October, I was unable to attend classes anymore. I began to experience severe fatigue along with muscle and joint pain, and general body aches. Despite sleeping extensively, my symptoms remained unchanged. I developed a significant intolerance to exertion, as even minimal activities like a brief 10-minute walk or sitting still for over an hour would lead to these overwhelming “crashes,” accompanied sometimes by a migraine or feelings of illness lasting 12 to 48 hours. Since mid-January 2026, I have been suffering from severe dizziness that sometimes prevents me from standing or walking normally. I have also experienced visual disturbances, like seeing dots in my left peripheral vision, and frequent facial numbness without relief. I was admitted to a psychosomatic unit, which only exacerbated my condition, putting me into a constant state of distress. I endured a prolonged migraine status for five days, which thankfully resolved gradually without any medical intervention. Many of my other days feel akin to being ill with the flu or suffering from poisoning. Whenever I discuss my symptoms with doctors or nurses, they attribute everything to either depression or a somatoform disorder, despite my persistent assertions that I do not feel depressed. I find the hospital I am at quite unfavorable. Previously, when I sought treatment for mesenteric lymphadenitis, they provided a placebo, insisting everything was psychological despite my existing diagnosis. I have undergone numerous tests, including a head MRI, endoscopy, ECG, echocardiogram, and various blood analyses. The MRI results were unremarkable, and the endoscopy showed no abnormalities. Both the ECG and echocardiogram returned normal results, and my blood work did not reveal much either, aside from a few slightly abnormal levels, which are listed below: - Vitamin B2: 333 - Vitamin B6: 76.3 - Vitamin A: 0.93 - Vitamin E: 32.0 - DAO: 5 - Histamine Degradation Ability: 34% - Ferritin: 19 - IgG: 192 - SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: positive - Albumin: 0.75 - Neutrophils: 66% - Lymphocytes: 9.9% - Leukocytes: 4,000 - Monocytes: 3.3 - Eosinophils: 12 - Basophils: 4.4 - Absolute Neutrophils: 0.3 None of these results appear alarming. I have also performed an Active Standing test myself, leading to the following averages: - Lay down Average Heart Rate: 75 bpm - Lay down Average Blood Pressure: 90/60 mmHg - Standing Average Heart Rate: 127 bpm - Standing Average Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg I am desperately seeking insight regarding my symptoms and would greatly appreciate any help or guidance on what might be happening.