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Q: Tight sternum, painful breathing
asked by: jaxelman on September 8th, 2008
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I'm twenty years-old, 341lb. 33.4% bodyfat. I've been getting back into a healthy eating and exercising lifestyle lately, but I've noticed that when I do certain exercises, and sometimes when I get shortness of breath, my sternum feels somewhat tight, and breathing in past a certain point will start to pain the inside of my chest. It's not excrutiating pain, but it's enough to make me stop and wonder what is going on.

I hope this is the right forum for chest pains as well as heart discussion.

Any and all information on this would be wonderful.

Thanks.
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Dr. Nikola
replied on September 9th, 2008
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Have you ever examined your heart (ECG) and if so, what were the results?

Have you ever measured your blood pressure and blood levels of the cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose?
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jaxelman
replied on September 9th, 2008
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I had an echocardiogram a few years ago because I was undiagnosed with postural hypotension at the time, and he wanted to rule out a heart problem for whatever reason.

The results, the cardiologist said, were normal. He didn't exactly sound like the smartest guy in the world to me, though.

I recently had blood work done, and my triglycerides were indeed on the high level. That was the only thing, aside from low testosterone levels, that my doctor noticed. As for blood pressure, it tends to usually be on the high side 150'ish/90'ish. I have a family history on my mother's side of high blood pressure.
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GeeGee2
replied on September 9th, 2008
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Dr. Nikola
My mother is 61 yrs old, healthy weight, has always had low/normal blood pressure. A few days ago she had what I suspect are heart attack symptoms. Suddenly didn't feel good, stated 'something is wrong', described heavy pressure on her shoulders, and nausea. I am uncertain how long this last, as I was not present. My parents were a short distance from home and my mom asked my dad to take her home. If I were to guess I would say it lasted about 30 minutes. Before they got home she felt fine again. I have just learned of this episode today and am quite concerned. She does not see a doctor on regular basis. I told her she absolutely needs to be checked out and in the mean time start taking 81 mg aspirin daily. She said she would start doing the aspirin and look in to making a doctor apt. I don't think she took it very seriously. I am going to insist she see the doctor and atleast have some blood work. What tests should be done?? What are the symptoms in women regarding heart attack. Do you think this is what it sounds like?? Please enlighten me!! Thank you in advance for the information! Much appreciated!!

~Gee
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Dr. Nikola
replied on September 11th, 2008
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To jaxelman
You have a few risk factors (overweight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and family history) for getting a coronary heart disorder, including a heart attack. That's why you could request an ECG and coronary stres test.

You should consult a cardiologist about this issue.
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Users who thank Dr. Nikola for this post: jaxelman 
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jaxelman
replied on September 12th, 2008
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Should I avoid elevating my heart rate for the time being?
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Dr. Nikola
replied on September 12th, 2008
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You can't sleep and seat all the time so that your heart rate never rises.
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jaxelman
replied on September 12th, 2008
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Well that's obvious. I meant avoiding unnecessary exertion. Sticking with light exercises rather than heavier ones, etc.
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Dr. Nikola
replied on September 15th, 2008
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Light physical activity is recommended. Hard physical activity is not forbiden but I am not sure that your body could stand sych actifity for a longer period.
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