Heart problem? Why does it sometimes feel like someone is reaching inside of me & trying to rip my heart out?

Question

I've been having this problem for as long as I can remember. When it happens it's hard to breathe and it doesn't last for a set amount of time, anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. I have been to see a cardiologist and worn a heart monitor for 72 hours and they told me it was nothing and they got no results. Why am I in pain sometimes if it's "nothing"?? Please give me guidance

thanks ~ Liz

Answer 1

It sounds to me like it might be angina. Angina is a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. You should go see another doctor.

Answer 2

O.K. Here is what a layperson thinks. It is an Esophageal Spasm. Look it up on the net. I think I have had it for years. One time it was so bad, my daughter actually stood on my chest (breast area). It worked, but what works is sipping water when it starts. That is what works for me. It usually happens after strenuous work etc.

I never drink fluids with my meals, which dilutes the Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach, milk is a Protein, so I think it is o.k., in limited amt's. Try sipping on a glass of Alkaseltzer. I can remember having this problem for over thiry years. I do have an arrythmia, and was asked if I wanted Medication. Instead, I control the irregular heart beats by holding my breath, and squeezing my diaphragm with just presssure by bearing down during the breath hold.
If you have a good doctor, I would mention it to him/her. I forgot to mention it to my Doctor, but I only see one about every four years for a complete check up and blood chemistry panel.
To anyone reading this, self diagnosis is not a good thing. I have an extensive background in the field of Physical Therapy, and learned a lot from my patients Medical Files, and the Surgeons I worked for. Also I am a trained C.N.A. with Geriatrics and Alzheimers Care. So, I feel o.k. with my tricky ways. I am a risk taker, and a go getter, because of my own self education on health etc.
A good book to read is YOU, The Owners Manual, Michael F.Roizen, M.D. Mehmet C. OZ. and
Brain Longevity, Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. with Cameron Stauth.
These are two excellent books.
I found the info. on the Net by chance on the Spasm info. I know just how painful it can be. Try some stretches for the rib cage also. Don't over extend, and cause inflamation in the tissue between the ribs. You probably have what we call "Trigger Points", that activate the spasm into action. You might try moist heat packs to the chest. Wet a hand towel, wring it out,nuke a min. or less, and get those areas relaxed. Also, be a food detective, and
keep track of what you eat on a daily basis.Take care, and you will win this war of keeping this human going.( not bragging, I have been a Masseuse since 83, also.)
Viva Lebanon and Palestine

Answer 3

Do you have any other symptoms when this happens such as extreme anxiety, a feeling like everything is closing in around you , difficulty breathing (hyper ventilating) ,sweating, numbness in parts of your body? If so you may be having anxieyt attacks, Most people who have them describe them as feeling like their having a heart attack. Talk to your doctor again, Maybe he/she will try you on some anti anxiety medications to see if they help.

Answer 4

there are a lot of possibilities, hiatal hernia can cause the same symptoms as can a gall bladder attack, I would consult another Dr.

Answer 5

Do you have any lung problems? Or stomach problems? (acid reflux?)