I had two stents placed in a right artery and performed above my age group on a recent stress test, although I experienced burning in my chest and lungs. Below are my symptoms: 1. For the last two-to-three months, I have been experiencing a chest and lung burning and congestion feeling 2. This feeling gets worse during exertion but can also be present without exertion and even when I would described myself as being calm 3. This feeling is temporary relieved by nitroglycerin pills but re-occurs 3 to 5 minutes after taking a pill and then gradually resides but is still there at a 3 out of 10 level 4. This feeling is not generally relieved by taking Kapidex, Librax, Pepcid Complete or Gaviscon. The antacids appear to have a mixed, temporary, affect 5. Many times the feeling is accompanied by left rhomboid pain, however, the rhomboid pain can be present without the chest and lung burning and congestion feeling. I have been diagnosed with chiropractic subluxation at C5-7; T-6-7 and L4-5 and was born with slight scoliosis of the spine 6. Many times the rhomboid pain will also be accompanied with chest pain that is painful to the touch, or palpitation 7. Combined relaxation training (i.e., progressive relaxation, autogenic and visual imagery) and restorative yoga sometimes appears to help relieve the feeling but many times it is painful to breathe deeply and slowly as yoga requires 8. I am not sure if the feeling is not related to eating, although I am going to test that theory tonight I am wondering if I am experiencing a side effect of altace. Any thoughts?





Dr. Laman,
Thank you for this feedback. I had an adenosine stress test yesterday and while the results of the test were negative for any damage to my heart or blockage, the cardiologist would like to consider re-entering cardiac re-hab so that I could stress my heart through exercise while being monitored. She also recommends restorative yoga and stress management classes in case the pain is anxiety related.
Kevin