Hello... Let me start off by saying I am age 19, and I weigh about 248 pounds. When I started the atkins diet many many months ago, I was around 280-290 pounds... so I have had quite a bit of success on this diet.

However, recently I have come off the diet, and have been eating the stuff I used to eat. This is fine, as I knew I was going to be going back on the diet. I even lost some weight while on the diet suprisingly enough. I know atkins is the lifestyle for me, because I like not eating as much, and when I do eat I like not being hungry when I eat. I simply came off the diet because I told myself I could break for a bit since I had so much success.

This is all fine and dandy, but lately i've been having quite a bit of chest pains. My dad and mom didn't have any heart problems, and neither did my grandparents that I know of... but my grandpa has diabetes and it does run in the family. I don't have diabetes as I had that checked a while ago before starting this diet... but I did have high blood sugar levels then(one reason I wanted to start this diet too).

Lately when I wake up I have been feeling these fluttering pains that come from the center internal portion of my chest, escalate slightly then fade away. They return a few minutes later, do the same thing and fade then as well. It's very uncomfortable, and it's starting to worry me. I know i'm overweight, but I am losing that weight... and I haven't been having these problems when on the atkins diet. Been off the diet for a while and am now trying to get back on it, is when I am having these pains.

Anyone have any symptons similiar to these? I'm going to go to the doctor, i'd just like some information if anyone has it before hand. Last time I went to the doctor for something minor they gouged me and charged me 900 bucks, which really hurt my bank account even with insurance. I have great distaste in doctors because of this fact... so i'm a little wary to go, but I will go in order to make sure this is not life-threatening to me.

Hi Phrenzy

Please see a doctor immediately. We are really not qualified to give you any advice on this serious matter.

Thanks

Agreed - chest pains are not to be taken lightly. Please see a doctor asap. Good luck!! Let us know how it goes.

I'm glad you said you're going to the doctor. When it comes to chest pains, you shouldn't take any chances - especially when you're so young. Please let us know how it turns out.

Dont panic, relax and get to the doc with that calm mind. Whatever the case panicking might aggravate any problem. But please, do go to the doc, whatever yr opinion of them.

That said ide like to say that my dad too had a similar experiance last year. Chest pains continuously for 2 days and he told us in the night. We rushed him to the hospital but it turned out to be gas. Phew!

Hey, I'd rather rush to the hospital with gas than not go to the hospital and have it be something serious!

My dad had chest pains for a day and half before going to the hospital. He kept taking aspirin, which probably helped him. It was a pretty serious heart attack. I think a lot probably depends on what part of the heart is damaged - he was really, really lucky.

Hi Phrenzy.

As everyone suggests its best you see a Doctor.

I use to get pains pretty much like you mentioned. I did talk to my doctor at one point, but my Doctor sucs bottom. All he ever said was loose weight etc. I can tell you since I have been on Atkins I have not had any of those chest pains. I did however have some, during my second week of the diet when I started walking, but it turns out it was probably because I let my heart rate get up over 170 beats per minute, which I was no where ready for at the time, and probably still.

I have a friend I work with, that's 6'5" tall and slightly over weight, and he too gets chest pains, apparently his doctor told him to loose weight too.

Everything I just said doesn't mean don't see a doctor. By all means you should. Keep in mind though it might be nothing serious at all. Good luck to you Phrenzy.

I agree with other posters - make a doctor's appointment. It is probably nothing, but DO get it checked out. Some things are not worth taking any chances with.

The post brings up an interesting question. Is it healthly to be over weight, on Atkins, and then suddenly revert back to old ways of eating? Would all the fat in a person's system suddenly become dangerous?