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chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

  • 1.  chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-24-2020 06:12
    Edited by Tom Hillson 08-24-2020 06:13
    Hello good people.  Does anyone here experience chest tightness or discomfort that is not brought on by exercise?  I had double bypass surgery 8 years ago at only age 44 and have had a number of heart attacks since age 34, one just 2 years ago.  My cardiologist isn't currently concerned that what I experience is cardiac, because I can exercise without increased discomfort, but because it's chest tightness, I am always a little concerned.  He thinks it's anxiety, and I know I do worry, even if mostly subconsciously.  But this affects me almost every day, it makes life much less fun, and it makes me feel that I'm not going to be able to hold down my job (software engineer) much longer and that I may have to go on disability.

    Thanks,
    Tom


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    Tom Hillson
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  • 2.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-24-2020 13:10
    Hi Tom,
    Sorry to hear you are feeling this way. I had a double bypass one year ago last May. i recently felt tightness, discomfort and pain while lying down watching TV. It wasn't going away and concerned me enough to go to the ER. After numerous tests, a dose of Flexeril,  and a followup with my cardiologist it turns out they were muscle spasms.
    It sounds like yours may be more stress related. A few months after my surgery I developed anxiety and depression, which put a lot of stress on my body. I started seeing a therapist once a week for about 8 months.  I can definitely tell you it helped me tremendously to live in the here and now, and to not always be so focused on every little twitch, discomfort or whatever it may have been.
    I was able to return back to work full time in Jan. It sure felt nice having that normalcy back in my life.
    Now with COVID I'm back home (teleworking) but so thankful to still have my job. I started seeing (video) my therapist again every few weeks to help me with the anxieties the COVID brought on and also the feeling of isolation staying home. I can honestly tell you with the help from this group and some therapy, it has helped me a great deal! Oh and I figured since I now have a new office I needed a new coworker haha!

    Best of luck to you : )
    Michelle

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    michelle leverett
    Ridgecrest CA
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  • 3.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-25-2020 00:53

    Thanks Michelle.  I've seen a lot of counselors since my first heart attack in 2002.  They help somewhat.

    "... not always be so focused on every little twitch, discomfort or whatever it may have been" - thanks, that helps.

    Cute dog.  I don't think I'll get an animal though, because of the work involved.  Maybe an ant farm?  Lol.  Maybe watching them do their thing would be therapeutic.  I could watch leafcutter ants at the zoo for hours.

    I'm going to try CBD oil.  I'd rather try something natural like that than something artificial, which I've done before (Xanax, Lexapro, Remeron, Welbutrin, and other man-made chemicals).

    Thanks,
    Tom



    ------------------------------
    Tom Hillson
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-26-2020 11:39

    Hello, Tom, have you ever tried meditation? Just sitting quietly and breathing while pushing away any thoughts like clouds in a blue sky feels amazing. It was the hardest thing for me to do in the beginning. 5 minutes felt like 5 hours. I would rather run 5 miles than do it. It quickly gets easier. 5 minutes becomes 15. I run at an easy pace 6 days a week, but that's not meditation. It works when practiced regularly. There are guided meditations like Calm and Headspace. 

    Good luck,

    Mike



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    Mike Anthony
    River Edge, NJ
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  • 5.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-26-2020 14:43
    Hello Tom, I'm a firm believer in using CBD cream. I had my bypass surgery in 2002 and my arthritis began to take over in 2012. The pharmacist suggested using Ice Hot and other creams that work but not well. I.e. mentioned it to my son and living in Kentucky and he sent me a small container of CBD cream. It worked well in my shoulders and I found it very effective in other areas such as lower back and ankles. Some states do not allow to be sold in their area. I live in upper Maryland and have sources in Delaware and Pennsylvania as well as Maryland. I also found a good source in Amazon, lower prices better selection and all the latest. I wish you well, if you have any questions I have a phone number listed in my signature please feel free to call. Dr Bill

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    Dr Bill
    Ryan. PhD.
    Elkton MD. USA
    443 485 6266
    Mended Hearts Chapter 179. Past Pres.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-27-2020 01:31
    Thanks Dr. Bill.  I just bought CBD oil the other day and I'll start taking that soon.  CBD cream might be better even, because I can focus it on my chest.

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    Tom Hillson
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-28-2020 12:09
    please che k with your cardiologist and heart surgeon before taking cbd or what ever suppliments.

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655


    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-28-2020 15:14
    Hi Tom, 

    I hope you find some relief. Please be careful and always talk to your doctor before taking supplements. I know it's always good to hear from others about what works, but as a reminder we don't want to give medical advice (or even advice that might be perceived as medical advice). I do know that CBD has been found to be successful for some, but not others and depending on your heart or medical conditions it's important to ask your doctor. 
    Meditation is always a good place to try and relieve anxiety. I have also found that it's hard to relax (even during meditation) so I have started listening to audio books. That seems to help get my mind to focus on that and not the stress. 

    Good luck!

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    Andrea Baer
    Grapeville PA
    (724) 396-7820
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-29-2020 02:39
    Thanks Andrea and Marilyn.  I'll check with my cardiologist about if CBD oil is ok for me to take.  

    Thanks,
    Tom

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    Tom Hillson
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-27-2020 01:30
    Thanks Mike.  I have tried meditation, but haven't stuck with it much.  I'll try to.

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    Tom Hillson
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-28-2020 08:06
    It's hard for me as well to always stay consistent with it, Tom. Meditation works just like exercise and eating well - if you stop doing it you soon lose the positive results. I find meditation to be exercise for the brain. Learning to concentrate on your breath or a mantra gives your brain / mind the strength to calmly push away any anxious thoughts when they intrude during the day. Like pushups for the mind.

    Best, Mike

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    Mike Anthony
    River Edge, NJ
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-29-2020 02:39
    Thanks Michael.  I'll try to make meditation a habit.

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    Tom Hillson
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-29-2020 10:37
    Great to hear, Tom. Practice gratitude as much as possible too; I need to work on that myself often.

    Mike

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    Mike Anthony
    River Edge, NJ
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    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-31-2020 08:11
    Hello Tom,
    Good morning. Sorry to hear about your pain. I had CABGX4 at 48 and continued having chest pains after surgery. My tremendous team of doctors discovered that I have Coronary Microvascular Disease (CMD also known as Small Vessel Disease). The small vessel get blocked and create pain when under stress, etc. Maybe you should consider asking your doctor to test you for CMD.  It's worth a try. Take good care pray, meditate, ... talk with your doctor about CMD. 
    Blessings,
    Virginia from Ohio🙂

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    Virginia Cuff
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    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-30-2020 12:14
    How about prayer?



    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 08-30-2020 10:12
    Tom please continue to investigate with medical personal to find the cause of your symptoms. All techniques sound good to alleviate the symptoms, but knowing the cause is essential. Sometimes, the answer is “unknown” “just one of those things”... well OK . But if I were you, i would double check for cause. it might not be heart at all.

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655


    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 09-02-2020 12:22
    Edited by carlo pinini 09-13-2020 14:15
    I also recommend using CBD flowers https://berkshirecbd.com/. I have the same problems...and its really work.

    ------------------------------
    carlo pinini
    Engineer
    TDLS
    Miami FL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: chest tightness w/ stress but not w/ exercise

    Posted 11-27-2021 20:18
    Hi Tom,

    I realize you posted this a while ago, but I'm new to the forum and wanted to respond.
    Ever since my heart attack, 7 months ago, I feel that my heart is extra sensitive. I kind of think of it as my new barometer. When someone is unkind, I feel it first in my heart, if I am anxious, I feel it in my heart...I believe it's anxiety, which is something I was never aware of before. Certainly am now! My symptoms are tightness mostly. Not pain, but awareness of a tightness. 
    My heart tests to be very well recoverd and I am doing daily exercise, even running, etc. The minute I'm in a stressed situation, my 'tightness and tension show up". My cardiologist says it's likely anxiety, but if it persists, we can do some testing. Thing is, it's gotten less over time, but never gone away. When it happens, I remove myself from whatever situation I'm in and try to rest, taking deep measured breathes. This almost always helps relieve my anxiety and it goes away.

    I kind of like to think of it as my new superpower. Yeah. 

    If I learn anything else, I'll let you know. I don't mean to dismiss what might be a sign of something else wrong, however, my overall health is really good, except for the one artery which was 100% blocked and treated with a stent. 

    Superpower.

    ------------------------------
    [Christine ] [Wagner]
    [clinical herbalist and nutritionist ]
    Christine r Wagner
    Dixon, NM 5756133218
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