OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Intense Heart Sensations?

Age 29, female. Last night around 10 PM, an unusual feeling overtook me. Despite having an uneventful day prior, I suddenly experienced chest discomfort followed by soreness radiating to both my upper and lower back, akin to after an intense workout. The onset was abrupt and unexpected. As someone managing anxiety, I began to feel increasingly apprehensive about my symptoms. Soon after the discomfort started, I noticed my heart rate accelerating. To alleviate the situation, I began hydrating excessively, consumed a body armor drink, and applied a heating pad to both my chest and back. I attempted to rest, but noted my heart rate spike to 115 when I stood to move around. The only way to bring it back down to the lower 80s was by sitting still—an occurrence that felt out of the ordinary. After taking my dogs out, I decided to take melatonin in hopes of sleeping better. Fortunately, I woke up this morning feeling a bit improved, yet I still experienced similar issues. My heart rate hovered in the high 90s, which I recognize as typical, but it’s unusual for me as I’m accustomed to my heart rate consistently being in the 80s. Being overweight and working from home has dwindled my activity levels. Additionally, I face health challenges that include fatty liver disease, a suspected kidney stone, varicose veins, and diverticulitis. I’m uncertain whether these conditions could be the catalyst for these unexpected symptoms. Today, I managed a trip to the store with my mother without much trouble. Nevertheless, I still feel the intensity of my heartbeat, and it’s particularly striking; I can sense it pulsing in various parts of my body, including my neck, fingertips, and even in the back of my head. It seems to escalate when I lie down, making it uncomfortable, even while sitting. Short walks within my apartment pushed my heart rate to 99, but when I paused, it dropped to 88. It’s as if my heart rate rises with movement, yet resting lowers it, although lying down is still uncomfortable due to the forceful beats I’m experiencing. My anxiety intensifies my fears, especially considering my mother’s health history—she underwent open heart surgery at age four and was diagnosed with SVT and AFib last year. I struggle with severe health anxieties and dread hospital visits, yet I realize that seeking medical attention may be prudent. My past experiences include several episodes of chest pain and rapid heart rates; I’ve had multiple EKGS, been monitored with a Holter device twice, and although some EKGS returned borderline results, doctors often dismiss my concerns, asserting that everything is fine. Has anyone else encountered symptoms similar to mine? Additionally, my blood pressure fluctuates—just five minutes ago, it registered at 136/88 with a heart rate of 76.

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 3:40:32 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about intense heart sensations, especially when paired with anxiety and a complex medical history. Your symptoms, including chest discomfort, back soreness, and heart rate fluctuations, could stem from various factors, including anxiety or physical health conditions.

Explanation

The sensations of your heartbeat being forceful or intensified can often be linked to anxiety, especially in context with your history of anxiety and health-related worries. Physical conditions like fatty liver disease, potential kidney stones, and varicose veins may also contribute to how your heart feels. It’s common for anxiety to amplify awareness of bodily sensations, which can lead to feeling as though your heartbeat is more noticeable or intense.

Immediate Next Steps

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Try deep breathing exercises or guided mindfulness to help manage anxiety. Techniques like box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) can calm both your mind and heart rate.

2. Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your heart rate, any discomfort, and emotional state over the next few days, including activities prior to the episodes. This can help you notice patterns and provide useful information if you decide to seek medical help.

3. Gentle Movement: While high-intensity exercise might feel overwhelming, aim for gentle activities like stretching or short walks around your apartment to improve circulation and lower anxiety, rather than pushing too hard at once.

4. Stay Hydrated but Balanced: While hydration is crucial, ensure you're not over-hydrating as that can sometimes lead to discomfort. Maintain a balanced intake of fluids, especially considering your kidney health.

5. Monitor Your Comfort Levels: If lying down worsens your symptoms, consider propping yourself up with pillows while resting to help prevent discomfort and allow your heart to settle more easily.

6. Prioritize Rest and Sleep: Aim for adequate rest each night, which is crucial for both physical recovery and managing anxiety levels. You might benefit from establishing a calming bedtime routine.

7. Seek Professional Guidance: If symptoms persist, worsen, or if you experience any alarming signs (such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting), seeking medical attention is advisable, even if it feels daunting. Professionals can provide reassurance and the necessary evaluations to address your health concerns.

While it’s normal to feel anxious, with these steps, you can begin to manage your symptoms while maintaining a focus on your overall health. Remember that you are not alone in experiencing these feelings; many people share similar concerns.