Unusual Chest Sensations at 42 Years Old
At 42 years old, standing tall at 6'1" and weighing around 220 pounds, I engage in sports several times a week and maintain a fairly balanced diet. My meals generally include plenty of fruits and vegetables, with minimal red meat. I do have a slight fondness for sweets and enjoy takeout once a week, along with a couple of glasses of wine or cider during that time. I often experience acid reflux while lying down after a late meal or drink. In recent years, I’ve noticed an increase in colds but have managed to remain largely healthy overall. Recently, I’ve started feeling strange sensations in the left side of my chest. At times, it feels as if I’m being poked; at other moments, it’s like a flutter or a general sense of mild pressure. My awareness of my heartbeat has intensified, though these sensations only last for a few seconds at most and seem to appear randomly—like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole across my chest. Additionally, my left arm feels somewhat heavy, and I’ve noticed greater muscle tension there compared to my right arm. Occasionally, I sense discomfort in my neck and jaw, although these instances have been infrequent. The only significant discomfort I’ve experienced was a headache around ten days ago, which I attribute to not having eaten or drunk anything for about nine hours, but this subsided with ibuprofen. I’ve played hockey three times this past week, and I felt fine during those activities, yet deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that something is off, leading me to worry about the possibility of a heart attack. After about a week of experiencing these sensations, I visited the emergency room. My blood pressure measured 144/90 in my left arm, but the ECG and blood tests came back clear. I have never seen my blood pressure at such a level before. I was discharged, but the following day when I saw my family doctor, my blood pressure was back to a normal 120/80, taken from my right arm. I found this discrepancy curious and did some research, discovering that blood pressure readings can indeed differ between arms. The doctor mentioned that my blood work indicated low kidney function, suggesting it might be due to dehydration, and she is ordering additional tests. I find myself puzzled by these developments. My grandfather and uncles have faced heart issues, so I wonder if genetics could be a factor. While I understand that only medical professionals can offer insight into my situation, I’m keen to hear thoughts from others who may have experienced something similar. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 2:00:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing unusual sensations in your chest, which can understandably lead to concern, especially given your family history of heart issues. It’s reassuring to know that your recent visit to the emergency room resulted in normal ECG and blood test results. Your elevated blood pressure in one arm raises important considerations. Let’s explore what might be happening and what actions you can take.
Explanation
The sensations you describe—poking, fluttering, and mild pressure—can stem from various sources, including muscle tension, stress, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues (like acid reflux). Given your history of acid reflux, it’s possible that some sensations may arise from that condition, particularly when lying down or after meals. The heavy feeling in your left arm and neck discomfort can also be associated with anxiety or muscle strain, particularly if you’ve been playing sports actively.
Your elevated blood pressure reading may have been influenced by circumstances during your emergency visit, such as stress or anxiety about your symptoms. Differences between arms are not uncommon, but the normal reading on your right arm is reassuring.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like recent meals, activity level, or stress). This information can help identify patterns.
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Hydration and Diet: Continue to stay well-hydrated, particularly if dehydration was mentioned by your doctor. Ensure meals are balanced, and consider reducing caffeine and alcohol intake if you find they exacerbate any symptoms.
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Stress Management: Since anxiety might contribute to physical sensations, explore relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching. Regular physical activity can also help alleviate stress.
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Follow-Up Tests: Await your doctor’s additional tests regarding kidney function and continue communicating any changes in your symptoms or concerns.
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Evaluate and Adjust Activity: If certain activities or movements seem to increase discomfort, consider modifying them temporarily until you get further guidance from your doctor.
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Seek Further Evaluation: If symptoms persist or intensify, particularly with new symptoms like shortness of breath or significant chest pain, consider following up with your healthcare provider earlier.
Your concern is valid, and taking proactive steps with your health is essential. Remember that open communication with your healthcare providers is crucial as you navigate these sensations. Keep track of your changes and maintain a supportive network of family or friends to talk to about these experiences. Feel free to reach out if you need further information or support!
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