Neck Pain after a heart attack

My father-in-law is 81 years old.  He had his first heart attack in 1996.  He had open heart surgery and had 5 blockages.  After the attack, he suffered severe pain in his neck for 2 to 3 years. A few weeks ago he had another very severe heart attack.  He was in the hospital when it happened waiting for a heart catherization which was to be done on Monday.  His heart attack happened on Saturday morning.  Except for being in the hospital, he would have died.  Even with that, they only gave him a 20% chance of making it.  He beat the odds but is not doing well.  The severe neck pain has returned.  It started immediately after the heart attack. He is also very fatigued and weak with bouts of dizziness and has fallen a couple of times.   Is it possible the severe neck pain was caused by the heart attack and if so, can it be treated?

[ed34]

Have they checked his carotid arteries in the neck, to make sure there is no disease build up?

[sisterspirit]

Yes..there are no blockages.

[kenkeith]

It could be referred pain as a result of the previous operation.  Referred pain can occur when the same nerves supplying areas of the chest wall also supply the tissues around the lungs, the diaphragm or the lining of the abdomen.

The neck pain can be an issue concomitant with current heart related problems or an association.  If there is a problem with blood flow to the heart, it is not unusual to have neck pain with other related symptoms.  

Has your father's doctor commented on the neck pain?  It seems if there has been neck pain subsequent to the operation 3 or so years ago, the could have been a diagnosis.