Question
I am a 29 year old female with family history that contains several life threatening cardio illnesses - grandparents all passed from heart disease, uncles and aunts in the process (as early as 30).  I do not exercise, I smoke, but I also have a history of hypochondria.  I am actually experiencing chest pain, but it happens when I sit straight or arch my chest (very slightly) &/or take a moderately deep breath.  I can feel my heart beat with the pain, as well.  It increases during stressful times, and began yesterday morning when I realized I was an hour late for work.  When I ran to my car it became very painful.  Could this be a heart condition of some sort?  Or is it more likely a pulled muscle or something?  

Thank you in advance,
Amanda  

Answer
Dear Amanda,

Thank you for your question.  

Even though medical diagnosis is not a service that I would provide in my field, I would say to you that diagnosis under the best of circumstances is something of an art.  It would be irresponsible for anyone to give you a guess by e-mail or the web about your situation.  Diagnostic work and therapeutic advice is difficult enough when done properly.  It becomes a riskier proposition when done poorly.  You would be best served getting opinions from someone with first-hand knowledge about you, not a limited acquaintance through correspondence.  Anyone who is willing to speculate about your situation by e-mail is providing you little more than a guess and perhaps a dangerous one, at that!  

Amanda, I hope you understand the seriousness of this advice and seek appropriate information in person from a qualified provider.  

Sincerely,
James W. Healey, D.C.