My Medical Diagnosis

A few things that I think are fair for you to know. I didn't know this until recently: the wall of the heart is made up of three layers: epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. The heart is located in the middle compartment of the mediastinum in the chest. The heart is divided into four chambers: upper left and right atria; and lower left and right ventricles. I didn't think I would ever tell anyone because I don't want them to worry.

It all started a few weeks ago I woke up with a sharp pain in my chest. It was really hard for me to breathe, so I started to panic. I didn't think anything of it until a few days later, I felt the same pain, [I found out later] -- in my upper left atria. I tried not to think about it, so I just ignored it. I eat healthily and I work out every day. It scared me because in the past few weeks it has only gotten more frequent and has now spread to my lower left and right ventricles. Certain places I walk past, smell, or hear can even trigger the sharp pain. Not only that but the episodes become more intense: sweating palms, uncontrolled shaking, and even my eyes become irritated. I decided to tell people about my condition, but nothing seems to be helping.

A few days ago when I was talking to a good friend I discovered she has it too. We both have the same question: how long does it take a broken heart to heal?