Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] When I lay down and rest I am getting a grinding/tearing sensation in my chest (heart). I gasp for air and sit up quickly. I have had stress in my life, but this is happening while I am relaxed. and seems to be coming on more and more. My chest feels heavy and even my upper back is sore. EKG showed normal and I have an appointment for a halter monitor on Tuesday. I am really freaked out and scared to go to sleep.
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Breathlessness and chest heaviness in lying down position is known as orthopnea. Orthopnea is classical symptom of cardiac diseases like heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD) etc. So better to first rule out these diseases. ECG can be normal in some cases. So better to get done 1.  2d echo 2. Holder monitoring (24 hour continuous monitoring of ECG) 3. Stress test (trade mill test). 4. Coronary Angiography if required. If all these tests are normal than no need to worry about heart related diseases. Sometimes stress and anxiety can cause similar symptoms. So avoid stress and tension, be calm. Don't worry, you will be alright. But first rule out heart diseases. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.