Chest Pain when Walking

I have been having aches in my arms and legs off and on for a few weeks. I also have to take over the counter antacids for heartburn daily. Today after I was on my eptilipical (sp) machine for about 10 minutes, I experienced shortness of breath and felt like there was a weight on my chest. I felt like this for about 15 minutes. I have been extremely tired lately and have insomnia at 4 in the morning almost every day. I have also been experiencing occasional bouts of nausea coupled with dizziness.

Are you really power walking, or fitness walking?

What pace are you walking? How long does it take you to complete 1 mile?

One of the most respected running and walking resources online is coolrunning.com and they have great information on walking for health and fitness.

Learning to control your breathing and stride are important in learning how to fitness walk properly. When you build up your speed to the point at which you can easily complete a mile in 12 minutes or less, and not jogging at all, then you're power walking.

Sophie,

When I had my scary heart symptoms I took 4 days to see a heart specialist. You should see a doctor ASAP.

That was very dumb of me. Especially because I work here at EmpowHer.

My heart was racing and I was ignoring the warning signs.

You should not ignore the signs.

My doctor said if I didn't get diagnosed, I would have had a severely weakened heart in 3-5 years.

Care for your health like you would care for a loved ones. You wouldn't allow a loved one to wait and not seek help right?

Please post on this thread to let me know that you're going to see someone right away. Ok?

I'll be looking for your post today.

Knowledge is power. You want to know what's going on.

-Todd

Does this happen only when walking? Have you talked with your doctor about your chest pain yet? Did he or she make the recommendation that you walk to help with weight loss and chronic fatigue?

In the meantime, here's a list of symptoms of angina that can present differently for men and women. If you do, there's a possibility of stable angina that occurs while exercising. Take a look.

Chest pain and chest discomfort are the main symptoms or characteristics of angina. Nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety, sweating or dizziness are other symptoms that may accompany angina.

Characteristics of angina
The chest pain and discomfort common with angina may be described as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. Some people with angina symptoms describe angina as feeling like a vise is squeezing their chest, or feeling like a heavy weight has been placed on their chest. This pressure can extend to the arm, especially the left arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back.

The severity, duration and type of angina can vary. It's important to recognize if you have new or changing chest pain. New or different symptoms may signal a more dangerous form of angina (unstable angina) or a heart attack.

Stable angina:

* Develops when your heart works harder, such as when you exercise or climb stairs
* Can usually be predicted and the pain is usually similar to previous types of chest pain you've had
* Lasts a short time, perhaps 5 minutes or less
* Disappears if you rest or use your angina medication
* Could feel like indigestion
* Might spread to your arms, back or other areas
* Can be triggered by mental or emotional stress

Angina in women
A woman's angina symptoms can be different from the classic angina symptoms. For example, a woman may have chest pain that feels like a stabbing, pulsating or sharp form of chest pain rather than the more typical vise-like pressure. Women are also more likely to experience symptoms such as nausea or abdominal pain. These differences may lead to delays in seeking treatment.

Stable angina is the most common form of angina. If this is a new symptom for you, it's important to see your health care provider to establish the diagnosis and proper treatment. If your stable angina gets worse or changes, becoming unstable, seek medical attention immediately. You might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or emergency medical help. Drive yourself to the hospital only as a last resort.

Source: The Mayo Clinic

You may also want to watch the following video about the difference between heart attacks in men and women:

WATCH THIS: Dr. Shalizeh Shokooh Discusses the Differences Between Men and Women and Heart Disease

WATCH THIS: Deanna Carlson, R.N., BSN, Explains What Age Women Should Start Having Heart Screenings

WATCH THIS: Dr. Himanshu H. Shukla Explains If It's Common For Women With Atrial Fibrillation To Not Experience Symptoms?

WATCH THIS: Why Heart Disease In Women Is Different? Mellanie True Hills Tells You...