question: I am a 28 year old male, 5'8'', 160 pounds.  Whenever I sneeze there is an immediate, intense, and sharp pain on the left side of my chest that I believe is derived from my heart.  This has been an ongoing problem for many years.  I was on beta blockers for a short time last year to help with heart palpitations, but I quit taking them because I ran out.  I also was taken to the hospital 9 years ago for severe chest pains.  I have a 5 year history of frequent marijuana use, although I have not smoked in 3 months.  I also had a 6 month period of time when I used cocaine heavily, but I have not used cocaine in 4 years.  I was a pack-and-a-half a day smoker for about 6 years, but I have given up cigarettes, as well.  I still dip snuff 5 or 6 times a day. I take hydrocodone for knee and joint pain about twice a week.  I am worried that the sharp chest pains I feel when I sneeze could soon lead to a major health issue.  How can I prevent this pain from reoccurring?