Persistent Chest Pain - Please help

@juliar19 - I'm sorry you aren't getting a firm answer to your issue, and I can sympathize, having gone through something similar in my 40's.
After a lot of tests (and a lot of "why are you here?" from cardiac staff) the cardiologist was left to conclude I had vasospasms, resulting from stresses with job, teenager & family illness. (I also have a right bundle branch block which is hereditary, possibly congential and has changed little in 10 years of monitoring.) Due to my family history we were also concerned. When I told one sibling what had happened, she reported that she & two of my brothers had been treated for the same... So for 25 years, we have been watching, and my heart is now, in my 70's, showing some changes but still strong. Even though my Dad & most of his family had serious heart disease, and my Mom and maternal Grandfather died from serious heart issues, I guess our vigilance about about diet, weight & exercise is paying off - only a few of my 60+ cousins & siblings in this generation (aged 62-94) have serious heart disease.

Think of the stress you have been under for this year with pregnancy, childbirth & all the life changes. In your situation, I would be inclined to conclude that my heart is okay and that I need to focus on reducing anxiety. Perhaps start with your primary or OB to find that assistance.
Sue

Hello @juliar19, welcome to Connect. The type of electric shocks you describe are scary as you know what. Thankfully, your heart tests proved negative. I have not had a baby for 21 years, but do remember the stress and anxiety that accompanies the life changes.

Although we are not medical professionals here on Connect and help through our own personal experiences, I agree with @sueinmn that reducing anxiety is a healthy focus and easily could be a culprit.

My chest pain and electric shocks happened as you describe, under the breast almost in the rib cage area, and center of the chest. They often happened while I was at work and came out of nowhere. Life was super busy then, having 2 kids a job and all that comes with it. I remember thinking the pain and discomfort may not have been normal, but I was always able to slowly breath my way out of them. Then I'd commence on feeling a short-lived dull ache where they happened. For me, it was all nerve pain. Stress induced, no doubt.

I'm glad you have a follow-up with the cardiologist, and hopefully you'll stay connected with your PCP and see what they have to offer. In the meantime stress-management tools such as progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, mindful meditation can all help. Here is a quick easy way to get started -

Stop Practice: A Mindfulness Technique- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/stop-practice-a-mindfulness-technique/

How are your nights going? Are you getting adequate sleep yet? Sleep can also be a contributing factor as can poor diet. How do you feel you are doing overall with self-care?

Hello @juliar19. I'd like to add my welcome along with @sueinmn and @rwinney. I noticed that you have made a few posts on this same topic in different groups. In order to allow for members to respond to just one post, you will notice that I have removed your other posts, since they were all similar, so that you can focus on this discussion here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/persistent-chest-pain-please-help/

I will let you get back to responding to the questions from the two members who have joined you!

Lots of musculoskeletal problems can cause chest pain, i.e. shoulder problems, thoracic outlet syndrome, costochondritis, even shingles, which doesn't always cause a rash.

Also like to mention the chest pain that comes with asthma. When chest muscles contract from sensing irritation the musculoskeletal pain gives a real
Painful experience. Allergies need to be considered for any type of chest pain.

You're absolutely correct and I can't believe I didn't mention that. I just got my asthma under control this year and it has made a difference in upper body aches and pains. Muscles that take compensate for improper breathing can cause a lot of pain.

I have the exact symptoms as you do. I am 81 and diabetic, but trying to get an appointment with a cardiologist in a weeks time is impossible. Finally got one for Dec.

Hello, I’m a 28 y/o female who has been experiencing electrical shock like sensations for over two months near my heart. I feel the sensations on the left side, center and even the right side occasionally. It feels like electricity is running through me and jolts me. I have been to the doctor for an ekg, stress echo, chest x ray, blood work. All look ok. My question is, has anyone ever experienced this and does it sound cardiac to you?

Hello, posting this here as I posted in the wrong group. I’m a 28 y/o female who has been experiencing electrical shock like sensations for over two months near my heart. I feel the sensations on the left side, center and even the right side occasionally. It feels like electricity is running through me and jolts me. I have been to the doctor for an ekg, stress echo, chest x ray, blood work. All look ok. My question is, has anyone ever experienced this and does it sound cardiac to you?

@juliar19 That must really be scary. But you took the right precaution, getting your heart checked out.
Now, it sounds like you would like to figure out the real cause. Here is a helpful article that outlines a number of possible reasons:
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-attack/sudden-sharp-pain-in-chest-that-goes-away-quickly#common-causes

Given your age, and the times we live in, do you think the stress in your life could be the cause? How often does it happen?
I think with a little exploration based on what you read above, you migh be able to pinpoint the trigger(s)
Sue
Sue