Symptoms of Stress?

[Yoheadden]

This past Wednesday I began having a strange burning sensation in the left center of my chest. Shortly after, I felt a numbing/tingling feeling around my left cheek bone. So I do what anyone would do with access to a computer, I Google stroke/angina/heart attack symptoms. Around this point, I break out in a sweat. Another symptom or is it a reaction to looking at the symptoms. I really don’t know at this point. I tell DW and she says “Let’s go” we’re off to the hospital.

A little back story. I’ll be 51 in Nov. Up until 2 moths ago (my DFIL passed) I was exercising 6 days a week, so I am pretty fit. DW and I own a small business together and hope to ER in 2024.

So we get to the hospital and they treat it like a heart attack until tests prove otherwise. They admit me for observation and over the next 2 days, conduct a series of EKGs, Blood Work, an Echocardiogram and stress test. By Friday night, all of the tests say I am healthy, it was not a Heart attack and I did the treadmill stress test better than some 20 year olds that they have had. I get discharged with a prescription for aspirin and atorvastatin, which if you don’t know, is a generic form of Lipitor, a cholesterol medication and instructions to F/U with the cardiologist and my Primary Dr. I asked the discharging nurse, why am I getting the prescriptions since all of my blood work came back fine. She replied that it was standard for people admitted for heart issues.

So, I have no idea what caused the symptoms and after the barrage of tests, I know I’m at least heart healthy.

Has anyone had a similar experience or heard of something along ness lines happening to other people. I know stress can be a serious issue. I’m a pretty low key type of guy and it takes a lot to get me worked up, but between my FIL’s passing, the business, projects at home, and probably 10 other things that go through my head daily, I probably have been experiencing more stress than normal.

Just as a side note, I will do another post on my misadventures during this stay and being your own advocate.

 

[chassis]

Sorry to hear of the episode and that you are alive to share it.

How is your BMI? The stressors you list, and potential lifestyle factors (BMI, smoking, exercise or lack of, etc.) can cause a situation as you experienced. Treadmill results similar to a 20 year old aren’t impressive in my view if you have seen some of the 20-somethings walking around lately.

In today’s American healthcare system, question everything. According to Paul Krugman, the American healthcare system is a “howling mess”. I am likely as far as one can get from Mr. Krugman’s political views, however on this point he and I agree.

 

[qwerty3656]

I don't know if its stress or some other issues (dehydration, low blood sugar, etc). I just wanted to say that just because it wasn't a heart attack this time, don't hesitate to go to the hospital next time. I had a heart attack and resisted going to the hospital for some time because I didn't want to get there and be told it was just gas. If I didn't finally give in and go, I would probably be dead. Since then, I've gone to the hospital again and it was a false alarm, but I don't regret going the 2nd time - always better safe than sorry.

 

[braumeister]

By all means follow up with a cardiologist. That's what they're for.

 

[O2Bfree]

Any chance the burning was heart burn? Not sure what might cause the tingling in your cheek, maybe it was coincidental or a nervous system response to heart burn.

 

[MRG]

I've had that, it's a panic attack.
The first one I remember sent me to the ER. Diagnosed and released the same day, good thing because my insurance didn't cover mental health. Took a while to pay it off.

Your stress level is a likely cause. "Panic comes from being put in a situation we don't think we have the skills and capabilities to navigate". I've had these for years the best treatment I've found is deep rhythmic breathing, better than benzos. . There's many instructional videos, recordings, and devices. I was loaned a Heartmath device that worked well, I didn't buy my own.

 

[splitwdw]

Acid reflux can cause those symptoms. My uncle has gerds (gastrointestinal reflux disease) and said he gets a weird feeling along his jaw line.

 

[Yoheadden]

Sorry to hear of the episode and that you are alive to share it.

How is your BMI? The stressors you list, and potential lifestyle factors (BMI, smoking, exercise or lack of, etc.) can cause a situation as yours

BMI has always leaned toward the heavy side, but I’m far from overweight. At 5’8” and 195lbs, I have a stocky, muscler build. Haven’t smoked since 1992 and only drink occasionally. Probably doesn’t count since it’s been 12 years, but ran a 3hr, 45 min marathon in 2009.

I don't know if its stress or some other issues (dehydration, low blood sugar, etc). I just wanted to say that just because it wasn't a heart attack this time, don't hesitate to go to the hospital next time. I had a heart attack and resisted going to the hospital for some time because I didn't want to get there and be told it was just gas. If I didn't finally give in and go, I would probably be dead. Since then, I've gone to the hospital again and it was a false alarm, but I don't regret going the 2nd time - always better safe than sorry.

I’m glad you got checked out and are okay. I was hesitant to say something too. I just thought, I’m too healthy and young to have a heart attack. That’s nonsense of course, since pro athletes and runners have heart attacks. I am glad that I at least went and had a thorough check up.

 

[Yoheadden]

Any chance the burning was heart burn? Not sure what might cause the tingling in your cheek, maybe it was coincidental or a nervous system response to heart burn.

Don’t believe so. It was a whole different feeling, but TY.

 

[OldShooter]

I went through pretty much the same thing maybe 5 years ago. Middle of the night pain/ER trip, initial treatment for heart attack (unneeded), lots of tests, etc. Good job by the ER folks but in the end no diagnosis.

My PCP is pretty involved as we are in a concierge program. His theory is that I passed a single gall stone, leaving no evidence or symptoms. So far, so good.

 

[Yoheadden]

I've had that, it's a panic attack.
The first one I remember sent me to the ER. Diagnosed and released the same day, good thing because my insurance didn't cover mental health. Took a while to pay it off.

Your stress level is a likely cause. "Panic comes from being put in a situation we don't think we have the skills and capabilities to navigate". I've had these for years the best treatment I've found is deep rhythmic breathing, better than benzos. . There's many instructional videos, recordings, and devices. I was loaned a Heartmath device that worked well, I didn't buy my own.

This is what a I am thinking too. Especially after all of the tests showed that I was healthy. I think the name panic attack is a little misleading. It brings to mind a wild, out of control event and what I experienced was far from it. It just felt like something was going on, but hard to describe. I feel like every other day, I have a different ache or soreness, but that is because I am active, so as silly as it sounds, I had to think if something was really goin on.

 

[Yoheadden]

I went through pretty much the same thing maybe 5 years ago. Middle of the night pain/ER trip, initial treatment for heart attack (unneeded), lots of tests, etc. Good job by the ER folks but in the end no diagnosis.

My PCP is pretty involved as we are in a concierge program. His theory is that I passed a single gall stone, leaving no evidence or symptoms. So far, so good.

I’m glad it was a wasted trip. Here’s to continued good health

 

[tb001]

FWIW, I’ve had two extremely fit friends (both marathoners) who had heart attacks, one in his 30s and one in her 40s. My friend in his 30s didn’t make it. Sometimes genetics trumps fitness and diet. Much better to be safe than sorry.

 

[O2Bfree]

Another thought not mentioned yet: maybe it was a temporarily pinched nerve?

 

[pacergal]

I don't think they would have admitted you if there were not some definite signs of cardiac concerns. Usually other things are ruled out fairly quickly in the ER ( GI cocktail to check GERD/acid reflux), sometimes anti anxiety med for panic attack. Perhaps something in your EKG gave them pause to consider admit for 2 days.
I definitely would follow up with PCP and cardiologist.
Whether it is heart or something else that mimics, it never hurts to go to ER for heart attack concerns. It can go bad really fast.
Glad you are feeling better.

 

[braumeister]

Another thought not mentioned yet: maybe it was a temporarily pinched nerve?

That might be a possibility. IIRC the vagus nerve goes through all the places mentioned in the OP. But this is one of those cases where you really need the professional followup.

 

[11522914]

This is what a I am thinking too. Especially after all of the tests showed that I was healthy. I think the name panic attack is a little misleading. It brings to mind a wild, out of control event and what I experienced was far from it. It just felt like something was going on, but hard to describe. I feel like every other day, I have a different ache or soreness, but that is because I am active, so as silly as it sounds, I had to think if something was really goin on.

+1 on panic attack.

A couple of years ago my wife had an issue with a family member. She was very stressed out about it.

Driving home from work she called me with pretty much the same symptoms you had. It really sounded like she was having a heart attack.

She went directly to the ER. They ran a bunch of tests. The conclusion was a major panic attack.

The issue with the family member was resolved and she hasn't experienced anything like that again nor has she experienced that level of stress.

 

[Bob_Walter]

test for heartburn by drinking something acidic like orange juice, see if you getting burning sensation. I have heartburn for 20 years. I take H2 inhibitors which work, ok. I never had tingling cheek, that doesn't have anything to do with heartburn imo.

 

[teetee]

Mini stroke is difficult to detect after it has passed. If the white blood cell count is normal, it is likely not an infection. If you had short of breath or syncope (fainting), I would measure the blood pressure and oxygenation level right after the event multiple times within 24hours.

Heartburn or anxiety attack don't normal have chest pain or facial sensation but better to confirm with the doctor.

 

[Telly]

BMI has always leaned toward the heavy side, but I’m far from overweight. At 5’8” and 195lbs, I have a stocky, muscler build. Haven’t smoked since 1992 and only drink occasionally...

Not that you were asking... But the US National Institutes of Health BMI calculator put you at the very top end of the Overweight range. Gain just 2 pounds, to weigh 197, and you're Obese.


Separately -- Another observation about "observation". When a person is "admitted" into a hospital for "observation", they aren't really "admitted". Though they think they are in the hospital, they really aren't... wait, what? It is to a hospital's benefit not to actually admit some people. Being actually admitted is an admission that the person is under their care. If after discharge, the truly admitted person keels over and has to be readmitted within XX number of days, it makes the hospital look like they provided poor care. In the Medicare-patient world, hospitals get dinged for that, and can lose $$ in payments from Medicare. And to receive certain further services from Medicare, one has to be actually admitted for a minimum number of days to proceed to the next step. Hospitals care about the metric. Holding some patients out at arms length via "observation" status, lowers their risk. The hospitals risk, that is. It's a big business, hospitals.

 

[old medic]

The human animal has a built in fight or flight system... Tiger or Bear stalking and BOOM... you go into overdrive.... That system still there, Your heart rate goes up, breathing increases, blood flow to the large muscles increases, GI tract shuts down. Your getting ready to fight or run....But there is no no tiger or bear... its a reaction to stress... a perceived fear.. And yes it can cause all kinds of symptoms... Chest discomforts, the tingling in face and hands, even passing out... And of course... your anxious, stressed, start feeling symptoms, you worry about whats going on... BINGO... more stress and symptoms can get worse...
I will suggest you do some reading up on Anxiety and Panic Attacks... Although Its your mind causing the issues, The symptoms are real, and can lead to problems.
Don't avoid medical evaluation if you think you need to...
Defiantly follow up with your Family Dr, bring a copy of your hospital medical record for him to review and he may want you to follow up with a cardiologist.
Aspirin, one a day or every other wont hurt... I personally would not take the meds unless your cholesterol out of control... which appears its not...
Of course this is just my opinion coming from 35 years as a paramedic, and a few ER trips for stress induced issues...
Dont ya love the treadmill run... I think they actually are trying to give you a heart attack...
Best of luck to ya.

 

[Aerides]

I think either way, the OP should follow up with a good cardiologist, and his PCP, for a battery of tests, and then have follow ups every few months for the next couple of years. It could be nothing, it could be something.

This reminds me to renew search for a good cardio doc. Don't care for mine, and don't really need him now, I just have some extra heartbeats, genetic. But I know I don't want him to be in my care team if I'm ever in a pinch. Get a team you trust.

 

[ExFlyBoy5]

Not that you were asking... But the US National Institutes of Health BMI calculator put you at the very top end of the Overweight range. Gain just 2 pounds, to weigh 197, and you're Obese.

I'm glad you said it because I was thinking it.

OP, not trying to "call you out" but perhaps you are thinking yourself as being more fit/healthy than you are. Not saying you are or are not...but I think it would be prudent in taking a "whole person" concept and look at where you stand physically and mentally. Your body was/is trying to tell you something.

 

[Aerides]

Not that you were asking... But the US National Institutes of Health BMI calculator put you at the very top end of the Overweight range. Gain just 2 pounds, to weigh 197, and you're Obese.

I'm glad you said it because I was thinking it.
OP, not trying to "call you out" but perhaps you are thinking yourself as being more fit/healthy than you are. Not saying you are or are not...but I think it would be prudent in taking a "whole person" concept and look at where you stand physically and mentally. Your body was/is trying to tell you something.

I think there's a point here that's valid, but, A) BMI as a medical tool is way overused and often way off base. It doesn't account for muscle or frame or the individual, and is overused as a reason to NOT look at other factors. Doctors miss cancer symptoms because, eh, just lose some weight you'll be fine...

but, also...

B) Many average people think they are above average. It is very common to overestimate and be overconfident in one's physical health and ability. Reverse body-dysmorphia, if you will.

 

[chassis]

I think BMI is an excellent first/high level health metric. It’s not something to be calculated to the third decimal point. It’s a go/no-go indicator. You are fat, or you are not.

People are in denial they are fat.

People who are fat, generally need to eat less and exercise more. Then re-assess their health statistics.