Constant Benign Chest Pain Driving Me Insane
I am a 35-year-old woman dealing with significant obesity, though I’ve experienced these symptoms even when I had a normal body weight. My habit of vaping nicotine is also a factor, but interestingly, these episodes occurred prior to taking up vaping or smoking altogether. For more than ten years, I have endured a predominantly sharp pain on the left side of my chest, with occasional aching sensations. I have visited the emergency room countless times thinking it was urgent, as chest pain is generally treated as a high-priority issue. However, after numerous EKGs, troponin tests, and d-dimer screenings returned normal, the ER doctors have consistently suggested that anxiety is the cause. Four years ago, I consulted my general practitioner, who referred me to a cardiologist. He conducted a stress test, which I apparently cleared successfully, and I wore a Holter monitor for three days, which revealed no significant findings. Ultimately, I was simply informed that this condition is not life-threatening. While it’s reassuring to know that it's not a serious concern, the discomfort continues to be quite irritating. Although I do experience anxiety, the chest pain occurs without any underlying stress. It doesn't only manifest during physical activity; instead, it strikes while I'm engaged in mundane activities such as sitting, standing, relaxing, or even walking. Usually, I feel a sharp pain, located approximately 4 to 6 inches below my chin and about 2 inches to the left of my sternum. I also have fibrous breast tissue; however, this issue never presents itself on my right side. I have undergone a mammogram, which showed no alarming results. Is it truly possible for this type of chest pain to be benign? Can anxiety trigger such sensations even when I'm not actively feeling anxious?
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 11:00:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated and worried about your persistent chest pain, especially given your extensive medical history and the numerous evaluations you've undergone. The reassurance that your symptoms are not life-threatening is important, but I recognize that living with constant discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life.
Main Points
- Your chest pain, though persistent, has been thoroughly evaluated and deemed non-life-threatening.
- Anxiety can indeed manifest physically, even in the absence of mental stress.
- There are strategies you can use to manage the discomfort.
Explanation
Chest pain can originate from various non-cardiac sources, especially in cases that have been evaluated by specialists without uncovering serious issues. Given your history, it's possible that the pain may be tied to musculoskeletal conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, or even tension and anxiety.
Anxiety, even when you feel calm, can cause physical symptoms in the body due to heightened sensitivity and bodily awareness. This can lead to sensations like sharp pain or discomfort that may mimic other issues.
Next Steps
To manage your chest pain effectively, consider the following prioritized actions:
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Keep a Pain Diary: Document when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, and any accompanying activities or emotions. This can help identify patterns or triggers related to physical movements, posture, or even dietary choices.
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Explore Physical Therapy: Consult a licensed physical therapist who can work with you to develop a personalized plan focusing on strengthening and stretching muscles in your chest and back. This can alleviate pain related to muscle strain or tension.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. These can help reduce both physical tension and anxiety, potentially minimizing symptoms over time.
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Review Vaping and Lifestyle Habits: Since you've mentioned vaping, consider discussing this habit with a healthcare provider. Reducing or eliminating nicotine can improve respiratory function and overall health.
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Maintain Regular Follow-ups: Continue to engage with your healthcare providers. If new symptoms emerge or existing symptoms change, ensure you communicate this to your doctor for appropriate adjustments in management.
Conclusion
While living with persistent chest pain is challenging, you're not alone in experiencing this kind of discomfort. By taking proactive steps to manage both the physical and psychological aspects of your pain, you can improve your overall well-being. Please remember, if new or severe symptoms arise, it's always best to seek immediate medical attention for peace of mind.
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