What type of pains and how long do they last if you are having a heart attack or stroke?

December 10, 2011

What type of pains and how long do they last if you are having a heart attack or stroke?

I have small episodes of chest pain every 3 or 4 days. 29yrs old, high Cholesterol. Worry? Each episode last about 20 mins but the pain is only sharp for about 5-10 seconds at a time. I will have 5 seconds of pain in my chest and/or shoulders and then it goes aways and comes back a few minutes later. This continues to repeat itself 3-5 times in about a twenty minute span. I find a way to relax and then its all over for the rest of the day and doesn’t come back again for several days. The pain is about a 7 out of 10. Kind of a tight pain. I am on Lexipro for anxiety/depression and Pariet for Gastric Reflux condition.

4 Responses to “What type of pains and how long do they last if you are having a heart attack or stroke?”

makeupnurse Says:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
See a physician…It sounds like anxiety but better safe than sorry……….Heart attacks are very different than strokes… But the symptoms you describe should prompt you to see a physician……….
Every person does not have the same symptoms………I take Lexapro and have never heard of these symptoms,,,,,,,Or the Reflux medication…………

See a doctor!!!!!!!
Sandy Says:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Click on the links below for signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke respectively, as well as when to seek medical help. Take care.
barbara B Says:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I say go see your doctor and maybe have a stress test. It cant hurt to investigate to be on the safe side. Any kind of pain in your chest is not normal nor should it be ignored. Please go see your doctor right away.
Laurence W Says:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Anxiety causes constriction of arteries, in the heart that will lead to symptoms of chest pain. 20 minutes and 7 on a scale of 10 is pretty bad.

Do get further evaluation. An echo test will show if the heart is functioning ok, but not if you have arterial blockage.

I had two “clear” echo tests, and four “clear” EKGs, then triple bypass for massively clogged arteries not long after. My doctor said I had anxiety, too.

Improve your diet, start an exercise habit, and see your doctor. This could be heart disease, but if it comes on when worrying, then disappears for long periods, you need to learn to relax all the time. You might ask your doctor for a nitro spray to relieve the pain. I carry mine almost 24 hours a day, but for blocked arteries.