After all the different tests for heart attack have come back negative?

Question

If you've taken all the different tests for heart disease ie: stress test, ekg, blood work up, cat scans, etc. and all have come back negative (thank goodness!) what can be causing the tightness in the chest or shortness of breath, etc. Can this be just a figment of my imagination (I'm sure the Dr. thinks I'm a lunatic by now)...Thank you for your responses in advance. It's just very troubling to me

Answer 1

Lucky, 2/3 or about 4 millions among 6 millions people were released early from ER for MI symptoms yearly. Thyroid, GERD, problems of lung or nerves, cracked ribs; etc. can also cause same symptoms. Better be more suspicious than too late.

Answer 2

There are a lot of things, actually, that feel like a heart attack but aren't. High blood pressure, indigestion, heart burn, etc.

Take a critical look at your diet. Take a blood pressure test throughout the day (just go the the pharmacy and use their free test thing. Stress and anxiety can cause your chest to get tight.

If you want to help your doctor out, carry a notebook around for two weeks and write down everything you eat, drink and do. Lack of exercise, spicy foods, sugar, alcohol, etc. Times and dates are a must. You may find the culprit in something as innocent as mexican food!

Answer 3

Not to say "It's all in your head" but stress and anxiety might be a factor here, too.
Breathing and relaxation has lots of benefits anyway. Try taking up Tai Chi or Yoga and see if it helps the discomfort. Give it a fair trial - six months or a year.

Answer 4

Hiatal Hernia is the most common cause of symptoms like yours. Now that you have ruled out a myocardial infarction (a wise thing to do!), see your family Chiropractor to evaluate (and treat) the possibility of a Hiatal Hernia.