Troponin

[wzell]

I am a 39 yr old female with immediate family history of heart disease. I am a diabetic and currently on lipator. In May of this year I began having chest pain, shortness breath, nausea went to hospital-kept me my tropinin levels were high. Did heart catherization, found no damage. Did I have a heart attack? Doctors can't agree. Still having episodes of severe chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea & lightheadness. I went to the ER and the doctor told me I was having a panic attack. Which I know I wasn't. I have previously discussed/had tests to rule out panic attacks, anxiety, GURD (gerd) & hiatel hernia. Am missing lot of time from work due to the chest pain. Cannot do normal activities as before w/out shortness of breath. What do you suggest?

[Cleveland Clinic]

wzell,

Sorry to hear of your problems.

Troponin is usually specific for myocardial damage. Several things beside a frank heart attack can raise the level including unstable angina (the precursor to a heart attack), myocarditis, and a pulmonary embolism.  It can also be elevated in patients with renal problems.

You should ask your cardiologist to figure out what happened.  A direct question, "why is my troponin hight" would be the most direct way to learn about why the lab was abnormal.  I would alos be interested in pulmonary testing and the results of an echocardiogram to ensure your cardiopulmonry fitness.

Seek a second opinion if you dont feel your questions are answered.

good luck

hope those are a start.

[Dr. Erik]

Have you had your Gallbladder checked out?

[wzell]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I had a full cardio work up. Mitro valve was the only thing found. Doc did put me on Atenolol. Which I don't care for. The fatigue is terrible. I will be seeing my cardio doc this week and will demand further investigation. At this time I cannot walk around my home or office let alone the grocery store, etc. w/out terrible chest discomfort and shortness of breath. 24/7 feels like I have an elephant resting on my chest. Yesterday started w/severe stabbing chest pains that last only seconds, then a wave of warmth over my body and seeing "stars".
Thanks again it is greatly appreciated.

[Kristin391]

Consider going to a cardiologist who specializes in women's heart disease.  I am concerned that they told you that you were having a panic attack when in fact you feel you weren't.  So many times medical professionals discount women's symptoms or attribute them to something else.  Women simply do not have the same symptoms that men have.  An experienced cardiologist in women's heart disease would be able to give you a better idea of what is going on with your health.

[Carolina03]

I experience many similar symptoms and went through a ton of tests, including an ergonovine cath to test for coronary spasms. (How many 30-something-year-olds can say that).

Other than some mild aortic valve disease, I'm mystery. My doc is treating me for atherosclerosis to prevent complications like ischemic cardiomyopathy or MI and stroke. (Ten years from now some doc in North Korea will find the cause of female chest pain and say, "AHA!" Of course, we'll never hear about it.)

Meanwhile, I'm taking 180mg of Cardizem daily, nitrates as needed and feel better, i.e., no more chest discomfort, fewer palps. The drug seems to have calmed down my cardio system.

Talk to your cardio about whether or not you're a candidate for a calcium channel blocker like Norvasc or Cardizem. You may feel a little more tired on the drug, but it's worth the afternoon nap.

In my case, the Cleveland Clinic helped me after a year living with the weird symptoms. (Thank you, Dr. Heupler).

Best,

Kim

[Konopka1955]

HI, I read your post and as a WOMAN I can sympathize with your position..  But, I don't think Cleveland Clinic would not find the cuprit of your symptoms...  They seem to be very competent in their medical tests and diagnosis - as a woman or as a man...  They run the proper medical tests and are more than up to date on women and heart disease.  

As you say:  "Now 3 years later, I cannot work drive, or function as a human due to passing out, extreme chest pain and palpitation, and exhaustion. Even the much vaunted Cleveland Clinic has been of little use in establishing a firm diagnosis, or helpful treatment plan."

If you can't drive or function - without passing out - I would think that's more than abnormal and I find it hard to believe they wouldn't find the culprit of 'why' its happening medically.  Especially from the Cleveland Clinic doctors.  

I've never heard of anyone passing out that didn't have a medical 'reason' for doing so.  

I hope you take this seriously and go to the ER when you have these passing out episodes...

Konopka1955