OpenHealth Q&A

Am I Experiencing Silent Heart Attacks?

To give you some background, I'm a 19-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 260 pounds. My weight gain can be largely attributed to a series of psychiatric medications I was prescribed, although I have lost twenty pounds and am continuing to shed more. Over the past year, I have encountered a range of symptoms that have left me perplexed and frustrated. These include severe chest pain, issues with acid reflux, shortness of breath, frequent dizziness, chronic fatigue, and persistent pain localized predominantly on the left side of my body, such as in my arms and legs. Additionally, I have experienced random itchy rashes, swelling in my fingers, toes, hands, and feet, as well as sensations of numbness and tingling, often confined to one side. Notably, I've also struggled with significant brain fog and memory lapses, alongside minor twitches in my eyes, lips, fingers, and limbs, as well as neck, jaw, and back discomfort. My primary healthcare provider attributes all of these symptoms to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin D, claiming that my dizziness is merely a result of an ear infection—though I lack any other symptoms apart from the dizziness. I am currently on Lamotrigine (300mg, taken twice daily) for focal seizures, which she believes is solely responsible for my dizziness as well. I’ve attempted to communicate that my experiences feel much more dire and that my pain and cognitive difficulties cannot be sufficiently explained by simple vitamin deficiencies. Unfortunately, she insists that, being young, many of my concerns likely stem from these deficiencies or hormonal changes linked to my menstrual cycle. Just a few hours ago, I developed a troublesome itchy rash on my right arm and leg, followed by intense chest pain and difficulty breathing—sometimes feeling as if I need to yawn to take a decent breath. I also experienced indigestion, excessive belching, and sensations of heaviness and tingling in my left arm and shoulder. Now, I’m feeling discomfort radiating from the back of my neck, across my left shoulder, extending into my fingers, and down my left leg, accompanied by the same heavy tingling sensations. While the pain isn't unbearable, it's certainly concerning and distracting. I recently visited the ICU for cold and flu-like symptoms, but tests ruled out covid and the flu. I also don't have a fever, though I still have a slight runny nose. I take Esomeprazole to manage my acid reflux, but its effectiveness has been limited. I do not have diabetes or pre-diabetes, although I am aware that I am overweight. Heart disease runs in my family, and I have a tendency towards health anxiety. Throughout last year, I sought medical attention multiple times for similar symptoms, yet X-rays and blood tests yielded no clear diagnosis. Since my last hospital visit for chest pains, my symptoms have noticeably intensified. For context, both my mother and sister have been diagnosed with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD), but I have not received a formal diagnosis myself. I have high blood pressure that is not currently medicated. Due to the persistent fatigue and pain, my activity level is rather low. I apologize if this message seems disorganized or if I come across as overly anxious. I’m genuinely at a loss regarding the reasons behind my symptoms and how to alleviate them, which is incredibly frustrating, especially when it feels like medical professionals often downplay my concerns. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts!

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 6:00:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by your symptoms and the lack of clarity surrounding their cause. Your experiences involve several concerning issues that need careful attention. Given your family history, current symptoms, and personal health concerns, let’s break down what you’re experiencing and prioritize actionable steps.

Main Points:

1. You have a variety of troubling symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other alarming sensations.
2. Heart disease risk factors combined with your family history are significant considerations.
3. It's important to prioritize symptom tracking and explore further diagnostic options.

Explanation:

You mentioned severe chest pain, issues with breathing, dizziness, and other multiple symptoms, which are indicative of possible serious health concerns. Although your primary care provider suggested vitamin deficiencies as explanations, your symptoms—particularly chest pain and shortness of breath—can also be associated with cardiac issues, especially given your family history. Moreover, conditions like connective tissue diseases, which your family members have, can lead to symptoms affecting the heart and lungs as well.

Next Steps:

1. Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their frequency, duration, intensity, and any potential triggers. This will help you organize your observations and provide valuable information for healthcare providers.

2. Emergency Signs: If you experience increasing chest pain or shortness of breath, especially if it becomes severe, or if you have symptoms like severe dizziness, sudden weakness, or confusion, seek emergency medical attention immediately, as these may indicate a more serious condition.

3. Request Additional Evaluations: Consider discussing your concerns again with your healthcare provider. Ask about:

   • A thorough cardiovascular evaluation (like an EKG or echocardiogram) considering your symptoms and family history.
   • Referral to a specialist, such as a cardiologist or rheumatologist, who can assess for heart issues or connective tissue diseases.
   • Evaluation for other possible conditions, including anxiety disorders, that may be exacerbating physical symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: While awaiting appointments or further testing, focus on small, manageable lifestyle changes:

   • Gradually incorporate light physical activity if able (like walking), which can positively impact both mental and physical health.
   • Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, considering nutrition's role in overall health and wellness.
   • Aim for hydration and sufficiently managing any reflux symptoms with diet changes (like avoiding spicy or acidic foods).

5. Support and Mental Health: Since anxiety may be contributing to symptoms, consider strategies for managing stress, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. A support group or therapy could also be beneficial for discussing health anxiety.

Conclusion:

Feeling unheard and anxious about health is entirely valid. Continue to advocate for yourself regarding your symptoms, and do not hesitate to seek second opinions if you feel your concerns are being minimized. Remember, you're taking steps toward better understanding and managing your health. Please keep track of your symptoms, and stay proactive about seeking further evaluations.