ExOlympianWithHeartProblem

I'm 46, and an Olympic Athlete (gold medalist)  from a very physically taxing sport back in the 80's. Back at that time, I did have an issue when pushing myself to the limit physically and mentally.  It was called PSBT? (paroxysmalSupraVentricularTechnicardia...which generally would bring on Exercise Induced Asthma)  Four years ago...after a shoulder sugery and some emotional stress, I had a bad incident of Atrial Fibrilation.  The repercussion of that lasted abour a year...then cleared up with just occassional mild 'pressure' in heart or occassional mild arythmia issues.  None which I went to a doctor for.  Recently...last six months...I've been feeling great.  Then I was hit suddenly with a new 'heart' thing.  

Well, my cardialogist has just 'showed me the door' saying I do not have a 'heart' problem.  However...the problem persists..and seems very serious in nature.  And believe me, I know my body.  I am wondering if perhaps it is some form of Ischemia myopathy (Even though I've been active most of my life...I have been drinking too much for several years)??

I've slowed down the last two years, and have gained some weight.  I'm 5'10" and 155lbs.  I exercise occassionally and do lead a somewhat active life on weekends.

Symptoms:  Last four days...I've woken up at 4-6 in the morning, feeling short of oxygen.  It feels like my natural 'breathing mechanism' is not functioning properly and feels 'reduced'....with my chest/lungs not really wanting to function.  As I feel my limbs going tired/fatiqued, I generally feel tiredness or pressure in the heart area, and a tension or 'lack of oxygen feeling in my head.  So, of course...I force myself to breath more fully (slowly, naturally).  The symptoms generally improve.  To test this...I've allowed myself to just relax and try to go back to sleep.  The tiredness and pressure increases, and I've experinced stabbing pains in the center of my chest along w/shortness of breath.  As I type now on my computer...sitting here for the last hour researching medical info....my arms (equally) and chest seem very tired/fatiqued...with some slight pressure in center of my chest...along w/tension feeling in head.

The last four days...I've had a chest xray, blood work work to see if there are any 'indicators,' and finally an echo-cardiogram/stress test just yesterday.  Everyone says it all looks GREAT!

When I was admitted to ER the other day (because of repeated stabbing chest pains in addition to everything else), I came in at 180/100 blood pressure.  This dropped (naturally) to a very normal blood pressure fairly quickly.  When my blood pressure was reading this...I was unaware there was a problem as I was just talking naturally w/the nurse.  But I commented that I was suddenly hit with this big 'wooosh' of fatigue and head pressure and light-headedness.  These are the same symptons I experience off/on for the last four days...to varying degrees.

The fatique/tiredness feeling is predominantly in my arms, chest, and pressure in the head. One night I even had a slight pain sensation in my back...heart level.  When I did the stress test...five minutes in...I got that same 'woosh' of tiredness in my upper limbs.  I thought perhaps something bad would happen, but as I pushed myself to continue....nothing did.  And they say the results were good.  Fascinating!

My cardiologist says I'm too young...and this is not a heart problem...and go find a neurologist if this persists.  I disagree.  What do you think??    Help???

ExOlympian

PS  The symptoms seem worse early in the morning while waking from sleep....or sitting around house...or after throwing hay to horses.  

[Missy1018]

Please read some articles on Prinzmetals or variant angina.  Let me know if this sounds like you.