Experiencing Chest Discomfort at 21: Seeking Advice and Reassurance
Age: 21, Female, approximately 173 lbs. I used to smoke on a daily basis until about a year ago, but now I only indulge occasionally in both tobacco and cannabis. The discomfort began after a workout session with my girlfriend when I mentioned feeling a pressure-like sensation on the right side of my chest, initially dismissing it as something typical. However, it became apparent that this sensation is not considered normal, prompting her to express her concern. I've had episodes of this sensation intermittently for quite some time. Thankfully, the degree of pain is mild and often resembles a cramp. It tends to subside after a few minutes, but its intensity can vary. On this particular occasion, I pressed on the area, which resulted in a slight increase in discomfort. Additional context: I’ve observed that I tend to hold my breath involuntarily during exercise. I recently underwent blood tests, which revealed low levels of vitamin D and B12. In the past couple of years, I had several visits to a cardiologist following an EKG that indicated irregular heart rhythm; however, they attributed these findings to anxiety after substantial testing and expense. Furthermore, I've recently been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea. If anyone has any insights or advice, I would greatly appreciate it! As someone who has a tendency to worry about health issues, any reassurance would truly help!
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 4:20:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about chest discomfort, especially given your history and the context of your symptoms. The sensation you describe may originate from muscle strain, anxiety, or other benign sources, but it’s essential to pay attention to your body's signals.
Explanation
Your reported pressure-like sensation may be related to various factors, including your physical activity, breathing patterns during exercise, or even stress and anxiety levels. Since you mentioned holding your breath involuntarily during workouts, this might increase tension and discomfort in your chest area. The mild, cramp-like quality of the discomfort is often suggestive of muscle-related issues rather than something more serious like heart concerns, especially in someone your age without major risk factors.
Next Steps
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Breathing Techniques: Focus on your breathing during exercise. Try to maintain deep, controlled breaths rather than holding your breath, as improper breathing can lead to discomfort and anxiety.
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Hydrate and Nourish: Ensure you have a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, especially since you're low in vitamin D and B12. Consider incorporating foods like leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fatty fish, or discuss supplementation with a health professional.
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Manage Anxiety: If anxiety is impacting your health, it might be helpful to engage in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga to reduce overall tension in your body.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities or stressors. This can help identify patterns and be useful information for future discussions with a healthcare provider.
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Follow-Up on Sleep Apnea: Ensure you're managing your sleep apnea effectively, as it can contribute to overall health issues, including heart strain and oxygen levels during the night.
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Consider a Re-evaluation with a Cardiologist: Since you have a history of heart irregularities and have ongoing symptoms, a follow-up with your cardiologist may be beneficial, particularly since episodes are recurrent. Bring your symptom diary to provide them with detailed information.
Reassurance
While it’s natural to worry, many causes of chest discomfort, especially in a young individual like you, can be benign. It’s great to stay proactive about your health; just remember that not all discomfort is a cause for alarm. Pay attention to how you feel, and if at any point your symptoms change significantly (e.g., increase in intensity, lasting longer than usual, or associated with severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain), seek immediate assistance.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further support!
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