Is it normal that i experience chest pains when someone in my family is sick?

62% Normal
1 Comment

Whenever someone in my family is sick (heart disease related, ususally) I don't really "worry" that much, but I start to get these weird physical symptoms.

It first happened almost two years ago when my grandfather had a heart attack late one evening when I was at a party; when I was about to go to bed I suddenly had a panic attack (chest pains, sweating, nausea, intense fear that I was going to die, etc.). It came out of nowhere.
This summer it happened again after one of my best friends died from an enlarged heart, and then I had daily panic attacks (and constant chest/arm pains all day long) for three months. I did several different tests just to be sure there was nothing wrong with me, and there wasn't. After that things went back to normal for a few months, but now my grandpa broke his back and was hospitalized - and for some reason he has to get a pacemaker as well.
Now the mild, constant chest pains are back again.
I know there's nothing actually wrong with me and that the pains are all in my head, but is it at all normal that this happens?

Do other people worry like this?

Voting Results
62% Normal
Based on 26 votes (16 yes)
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Comments ( 1 )
  • karmasAbich
    12 years ago

    Absolutely normal. Anxiety is becoming more and more common as life is getting busier, more pressures from peers and elders, and more pressure to.society in general. It's a great thing that you know that its all in your head. That is half the battle. Take deep breathes, focus on your surroundings and take your mind off of it. Honestly, when I think of a heart attack it gives me a feeling in my chest as well. Good luck :)

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