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When does simple angina become an emergency?
I have had rythem problems for fifteen years, cronic a-fib for 7, ( I am 42) and really never noticed any symptoms except for the occasional shooting pain in the left side of my chest. I experianced exercise induced sob from a beta blocker, but all in all, not too much of what I would call chest pain.
About a month and a half ago, I noticed a heavyness (void?) in my chest when I was walking up hills or climbing stairs, sometime with a sensation that would cause me to massage my chest. I mentioned it during my annual physical, and because my other tests (including angiogram 3 years ago) showed no blockages, we figured it wasn't a problem.
A week after that, while at a wedding, I was doing the electric slide with my daughter, and had a larger pain develop with my left bicep throbbing and some tightness in my chest, so I sat down, and the symptoms lessoned over the next hour until we went home. At home, while reading a book, the pain came back with the left arm and cold sweats. I got up to use the bathroom and get some cold water and I noticed I felt dizzy. I decided sleep might help. The next morning I had a repeat performance. I made it through the day and decided that if it had been a heart problem, it would have become apparent, so I decided to wait until my annual cardio appt, which was the following week. The nurse was upset , but the doctor didn't seem overly concerned.
I still have the heavyness when I walk, but at which point can a person call a doctor and not feel embarrassed by having what was probably heartburn or gas?
About a month and a half ago, I noticed a heavyness (void?) in my chest when I was walking up hills or climbing stairs, sometime with a sensation that would cause me to massage my chest. I mentioned it during my annual physical, and because my other tests (including angiogram 3 years ago) showed no blockages, we figured it wasn't a problem.
A week after that, while at a wedding, I was doing the electric slide with my daughter, and had a larger pain develop with my left bicep throbbing and some tightness in my chest, so I sat down, and the symptoms lessoned over the next hour until we went home. At home, while reading a book, the pain came back with the left arm and cold sweats. I got up to use the bathroom and get some cold water and I noticed I felt dizzy. I decided sleep might help. The next morning I had a repeat performance. I made it through the day and decided that if it had been a heart problem, it would have become apparent, so I decided to wait until my annual cardio appt, which was the following week. The nurse was upset , but the doctor didn't seem overly concerned.
I still have the heavyness when I walk, but at which point can a person call a doctor and not feel embarrassed by having what was probably heartburn or gas?
Hi Nana Rose!
Well, I didn't let the ER brush me off with answer! I marched myself down to the hospital just today with my 3 little girls in tow, and waited while they made copies before my very eyes! I absolutely made them give me a copy of the ekg too. They actually seemed surprised that I wanted it! I'm sorry to hear of your previous heart attack. Hope you're doing better and I'll think of you tomorrow during your EGD procedure. Thanks again (: Best wishes!
Well, I didn't let the ER brush me off with answer! I marched myself down to the hospital just today with my 3 little girls in tow, and waited while they made copies before my very eyes! I absolutely made them give me a copy of the ekg too. They actually seemed surprised that I wanted it! I'm sorry to hear of your previous heart attack. Hope you're doing better and I'll think of you tomorrow during your EGD procedure. Thanks again (: Best wishes!
You tell that ERroom that not only do you want copies of all your blood work but also a copy of the EKG they took. They told me in ER a few years back that my EKG was Normal. I went back months later to pick up the copy of my EKG and it was all but normal. It showed that I had a heart attack and no one bothered to notify me.
Very interesting stuff. I did more reading on esophageal spasms and from what I've read most people can't tell them apart from a heart attack so they go to the ER, thinking it is a heart attack.
About prinzmetals angina, it sounds pretty rare. I know that usually it can come on during rest. All the chest pain I've had in the past was at rest and now it comes with exercise. I don't know. I have a follow-up with my cardio dr. tomorrow am and I took Nana Rose's advice and called the ER about my results too. They say they can't seem to find them. Well, that's very re-assuring. I'm waiting for them to call me back...
I always thought the thallium stress test was supposed to be an excellent tool but now I'm not so sure from what some of you have said. Mend's story really freaked me out...a friend went in with heartburn, was sent home, returned next day with a heart attack. Great. I'm trying to remain calm and do my own reading up, especially on ekg's. My st segment was very long everytime I had the burning and cramping in the ER Monday. Not sure what the heck that means.
Anyhow, I hope you're all doing well. Good comment Al, about what you do if you can't access your meds. I guess don't flee the country then! Best wishes and health to you all!! (:
Al, out of curiosity, do you feel there's any clinical significance in st segment length? Just wondering.
About prinzmetals angina, it sounds pretty rare. I know that usually it can come on during rest. All the chest pain I've had in the past was at rest and now it comes with exercise. I don't know. I have a follow-up with my cardio dr. tomorrow am and I took Nana Rose's advice and called the ER about my results too. They say they can't seem to find them. Well, that's very re-assuring. I'm waiting for them to call me back...
I always thought the thallium stress test was supposed to be an excellent tool but now I'm not so sure from what some of you have said. Mend's story really freaked me out...a friend went in with heartburn, was sent home, returned next day with a heart attack. Great. I'm trying to remain calm and do my own reading up, especially on ekg's. My st segment was very long everytime I had the burning and cramping in the ER Monday. Not sure what the heck that means.
Anyhow, I hope you're all doing well. Good comment Al, about what you do if you can't access your meds. I guess don't flee the country then! Best wishes and health to you all!! (:
Al, out of curiosity, do you feel there's any clinical significance in st segment length? Just wondering.
Hi Nana Rose,
Wow, thanks for the insight. It's possible that I do have esophaphageal spasm. I'm due to undergo an EGD as soon as my cardio dr. gives them the ok. I had no idea that nitro can take that pain away as well. I've never been officially diagnosed with any esophagus problem, but my cardio dr. put me on 40 mg. protonix because I get lots of center of chest squeezing. How do you tell the difference.
At the ER they took my blood and an hour 1/2 later I was being discharged. Great advice! I will definitely get my blood work results sent to me.
Quick question, did the nitro give you a headache? I got a horrible one this afternoon but it was about 24 hours after I'd had the nitro spray. Thanks so much! Have a good night (:
Wow, thanks for the insight. It's possible that I do have esophaphageal spasm. I'm due to undergo an EGD as soon as my cardio dr. gives them the ok. I had no idea that nitro can take that pain away as well. I've never been officially diagnosed with any esophagus problem, but my cardio dr. put me on 40 mg. protonix because I get lots of center of chest squeezing. How do you tell the difference.
At the ER they took my blood and an hour 1/2 later I was being discharged. Great advice! I will definitely get my blood work results sent to me.
Quick question, did the nitro give you a headache? I got a horrible one this afternoon but it was about 24 hours after I'd had the nitro spray. Thanks so much! Have a good night (:
Thanks!
I have read about variant/prinzmental angina. I'm hoping it's not that (: I really do love this forum. Just from people who've responded to my questions (like you and Al Dente and others) I've learned so much. I think Al mentioned trying the mylanta too to see if it changes anything. I will get myself a bottle tomorrow. Had no idea about the mint triggering gerd issues, very good to know. I did notice more pac's yesterday afternoon when I got back from the ER.
Wow, it sounds like your Thursday will be fun! I'll be thinking of you on that day then so everything goes smoothly. Good luck!
I have read about variant/prinzmental angina. I'm hoping it's not that (: I really do love this forum. Just from people who've responded to my questions (like you and Al Dente and others) I've learned so much. I think Al mentioned trying the mylanta too to see if it changes anything. I will get myself a bottle tomorrow. Had no idea about the mint triggering gerd issues, very good to know. I did notice more pac's yesterday afternoon when I got back from the ER.
Wow, it sounds like your Thursday will be fun! I'll be thinking of you on that day then so everything goes smoothly. Good luck!
Yes, Nitro can give you a SUPER BIG HEADACHE!!! With the Spray, I heard (not carved in stone) that headaches can last longer. I did not care for the spray. I also get very tired and get palpitations with Nitro. They are a wonder drug but I do not care for the side effects. I go for an EGD and colonoscopy on Thursday. Finally, got the clearance as I have to be off Plavix for 5 days and I am hoping and so is my cardio that a heart event does not happen, i.e. clot in the stented area. I am having mine at Methodist DeBakey Hospital. I have a great gastro doctor.
With esophageal spasms, yes they can feel like Angina but I try the MAALOX route first. I also do a couple of deep hard coughs and this sets things back into normal after a minute or so. I might add that Maalox and Mylanta make a mint flavor. Mint if any kind can trigger a Gerd attack (Reflux) and an esohpageal spasms.+
Also, in younger women, you can see a condition called Prinzmetal/Variant angina. This is treated with Nitrates and or Calcium Channel Blockers and a good hearted doctor.
With esophageal spasms, yes they can feel like Angina but I try the MAALOX route first. I also do a couple of deep hard coughs and this sets things back into normal after a minute or so. I might add that Maalox and Mylanta make a mint flavor. Mint if any kind can trigger a Gerd attack (Reflux) and an esohpageal spasms.+
Also, in younger women, you can see a condition called Prinzmetal/Variant angina. This is treated with Nitrates and or Calcium Channel Blockers and a good hearted doctor.
I don't know if this will help anyone, but I have just been told that I need the aortic valve replacement plus 5 arteries bypassed. I have had angina for several years that progressed in different ways. I am a female, and I would suggest that you should get a second opinion from another cardiologist if you feel that your body is not right. Angina can be very different at different times. I took a Thillum test that did not show anything. I did get symptoms working out on the treadmill. I had chest squeezing and some jaw pressure when I got up to a certain speed. There were times when I was teaching that I experienced some shortness of breath feeling and sometimes lightheaded. I even went to a dentist to find out what was wrong with a tooth on the left side. I had a cath in 2001 and was told I had 2 blockages about 50%. In 2006 I went to a major medical center and they told me I had 5 blockages plus the valve problem. The first cardiologist that I went to told me I would die of something else before I would die of heart problems. So, as you can see, it pays to seek out other information if your body tells you something is not right. As for the ER, I had a friend that went to the ER complaining of heartburn. They did blood, etc., and sent her home. She went back 1 day later having more severe heartburn and she had had a heart attack. Even feeling exausted can be a problem. The last few months I have had symptoms of exaustion that has lasted 2 days feeling like I can't get enough oxygen. He told me this was ischemia. To make a long story shorter, listen to your body.
With me, one 4mg. Nitro works almost instantly. I had to ask for this med as I was not believed. But, Nitro can work on Esophageal spasms also but I do know the difference as i have both.
Mom to 3 Girls, if they did blood work, call for the results and ask what your Troponin levels were. And all heart enzyme testing. Ask for a copy of the report and keep itwith you. MY ER room does not stop with one set of blood enzymes as the first set can be normal and 3-4 hours later they could be elevated meaning HEART!... Good Luck.
Mom to 3 Girls, if they did blood work, call for the results and ask what your Troponin levels were. And all heart enzyme testing. Ask for a copy of the report and keep itwith you. MY ER room does not stop with one set of blood enzymes as the first set can be normal and 3-4 hours later they could be elevated meaning HEART!... Good Luck.
Hi...I think you meant to send your message to "Momto3girls" instead of me (momto3). There are two of us now : )
Hope you are doing well.
Hope you are doing well.
Thanks Al!
You really should put "MD" next to your name. I'm impressed with what you know although I'm sorry it's because of your own heart problems that you do. You're still in my prayers and I hope that is some kind of comfort to you.
Your answers did clarify a few things for me...the typical ER visit was exactly as you described, down to the hour! As a general rule, I'm not thrilled with most of the doctors I've come across. They look at me, see that I'm a young mother of 3 and chalk it up to stress/anxiety. Whenever I've done my own research and then asked questions, the doctors get frazzled. I think medicine (particulary heart/thyroid) is so interesting. I've done some reading and comparisons and unfortunately when I start talking like I have some idea of what's going on, they shut me down real quick. Very frustrating. It's so funny too because if anyone has a real interest in my health, it's me!
Angina still seems elusive to me. All this morning I've been thinking was it angina or not. I woke up with mild cramping again so who knows. I do realize that it's hard to diagnose as there's no real non-invasive test to perform other than listening to a person's symptoms. I do have family history, though I'm not sure how significant it is. My paternal grand-father had 3 heart attacks and died at 48, my uncle (same side of the family) had a heart attack at 35 and is still living. My dad has multiple issues...svt, rbbb, pac, pvc, and mild angina. My mom's side of the family is CLEAN! My own symptoms run the gamut as well...pac, pvc, some form of tachycardia (which I'm on atenolol for) and chest pain.
I've tried to reading up on ekg's and they're still confusing to me. Yesterday while I was hooked up, everytime I noticed cramping, the line between the first set of waves and the next would get really long and then go back to normal. I don't know. I'm just so frustrated. The ER doctor needed a shot of good bedside manner if you ask me, or maybe a shot of personalit! I know their job is to assess whether I'm in a life-threatening situation. Still, it was upsetting.
Your mom sounded funny if she got mad at you for suggesting the ER! I hope you're doing alright dealing with the sadness of losing her. Life is so hard and even more so for you as you have serious heart issues. My heart goes out to you and your dad.
Please have a wonderful, angina-free day. Your comments were immensely helpful to me and greatly appreciated! Hang in there yourself! Best wishes (:
You really should put "MD" next to your name. I'm impressed with what you know although I'm sorry it's because of your own heart problems that you do. You're still in my prayers and I hope that is some kind of comfort to you.
Your answers did clarify a few things for me...the typical ER visit was exactly as you described, down to the hour! As a general rule, I'm not thrilled with most of the doctors I've come across. They look at me, see that I'm a young mother of 3 and chalk it up to stress/anxiety. Whenever I've done my own research and then asked questions, the doctors get frazzled. I think medicine (particulary heart/thyroid) is so interesting. I've done some reading and comparisons and unfortunately when I start talking like I have some idea of what's going on, they shut me down real quick. Very frustrating. It's so funny too because if anyone has a real interest in my health, it's me!
Angina still seems elusive to me. All this morning I've been thinking was it angina or not. I woke up with mild cramping again so who knows. I do realize that it's hard to diagnose as there's no real non-invasive test to perform other than listening to a person's symptoms. I do have family history, though I'm not sure how significant it is. My paternal grand-father had 3 heart attacks and died at 48, my uncle (same side of the family) had a heart attack at 35 and is still living. My dad has multiple issues...svt, rbbb, pac, pvc, and mild angina. My mom's side of the family is CLEAN! My own symptoms run the gamut as well...pac, pvc, some form of tachycardia (which I'm on atenolol for) and chest pain.
I've tried to reading up on ekg's and they're still confusing to me. Yesterday while I was hooked up, everytime I noticed cramping, the line between the first set of waves and the next would get really long and then go back to normal. I don't know. I'm just so frustrated. The ER doctor needed a shot of good bedside manner if you ask me, or maybe a shot of personalit! I know their job is to assess whether I'm in a life-threatening situation. Still, it was upsetting.
Your mom sounded funny if she got mad at you for suggesting the ER! I hope you're doing alright dealing with the sadness of losing her. Life is so hard and even more so for you as you have serious heart issues. My heart goes out to you and your dad.
Please have a wonderful, angina-free day. Your comments were immensely helpful to me and greatly appreciated! Hang in there yourself! Best wishes (:
Thanks again Al,
Liked your joke about the atenolol (: When I was on 25mg 2x a day, I felt out it and I'm pretty darn sure you're taking more than I was!
Ya, I guess you're right. I need to re-evaluate how much I trust my current cardio dr. It's hard because this is #3 and I still feel like they all just pat me on the head and send me out the door, completely disregarding my symptoms and family history.
Reading about your mom brought tears to my eyes. She sounded very special and I'm sure you must miss her. Thank goodness you have a good father to rely on. Great advice about taking charge of a family member too. Yesterday I didn't even make the decision to call the EMT's, it was made for me (: Nobody likes going to the ER so it would be easy to just let them decide not to go.
I'm going to chime in with what momto3 said, that you're a tremdous resource on this board. Thanks for taking the time to answer me and others. Hopefully you can find some kind of research regarding coronary small vessel disease that will help you! Take care and best wishes to you and your dad (:
PS I just remembered a previous post of yours concerning your own angina after a stent. Did they decide to re-stent or open it up somehow? Did they determine that the 50% blockage was responsible for your angina? Hope you're feeling well (:
Liked your joke about the atenolol (: When I was on 25mg 2x a day, I felt out it and I'm pretty darn sure you're taking more than I was!
Ya, I guess you're right. I need to re-evaluate how much I trust my current cardio dr. It's hard because this is #3 and I still feel like they all just pat me on the head and send me out the door, completely disregarding my symptoms and family history.
Reading about your mom brought tears to my eyes. She sounded very special and I'm sure you must miss her. Thank goodness you have a good father to rely on. Great advice about taking charge of a family member too. Yesterday I didn't even make the decision to call the EMT's, it was made for me (: Nobody likes going to the ER so it would be easy to just let them decide not to go.
I'm going to chime in with what momto3 said, that you're a tremdous resource on this board. Thanks for taking the time to answer me and others. Hopefully you can find some kind of research regarding coronary small vessel disease that will help you! Take care and best wishes to you and your dad (:
PS I just remembered a previous post of yours concerning your own angina after a stent. Did they decide to re-stent or open it up somehow? Did they determine that the 50% blockage was responsible for your angina? Hope you're feeling well (:
Hi Mom!!
No problem on the name....We've got a right to be proud : )
We have one daughter and two sons.
Al is a tremendous resource on this board. I'm glad he was able to help you out......
Connie
No problem on the name....We've got a right to be proud : )
We have one daughter and two sons.
Al is a tremendous resource on this board. I'm glad he was able to help you out......
Connie
Hi,
I'm so sorry...when I chose my name I didn't see their was already a "momto3". I'm sure people will get confused more than once now! Just out of curiosity, do you have 3 boys or girls? Have a great day (:
I'm so sorry...when I chose my name I didn't see their was already a "momto3". I'm sure people will get confused more than once now! Just out of curiosity, do you have 3 boys or girls? Have a great day (:
How do you know if you have angina pain or if it muscular? I get a lot of upper chest pain, neck and shoulder. In fact right now the side of my neck and shoulder gets a hard tingling feeling and tighens, sometimes it goes into my upper chest on the left.this comes and goes. I have been dxed with costochondrits, fibromyalgia and just had a MRI, which showed cervical nerve compression and lots of arthritis.
I have been getting the upper chest pain for years. How is angina dxed? I just had an echo done a few weeks ago and everything was in normal limits.
I might add when I get this pain I cannot even touch myself it hurts, even the shower hurts.
I hope no one gets tired of me asking questions, but I read these posts and they make me wonder about my problems.Rather ask you people than post to the Dr, you are living with these problems. that way someone that really needs help can post.
Thanks, Linda
I have been getting the upper chest pain for years. How is angina dxed? I just had an echo done a few weeks ago and everything was in normal limits.
I might add when I get this pain I cannot even touch myself it hurts, even the shower hurts.
I hope no one gets tired of me asking questions, but I read these posts and they make me wonder about my problems.Rather ask you people than post to the Dr, you are living with these problems. that way someone that really needs help can post.
Thanks, Linda
Thanks Al,
I appreciate your writing me back. After reading your answer, it made me feel so awful for you that you still have heart issues going on. It can always be worse and it's good for me to remember that.
About the angina, when they gave me the nitro I noticed a small lessening of cramping but 10 minutes later had a whopper that went from my chest to my shoulder. Not fun. The EMT guys were great though, very calming and soothing despite the fact I thought I was having a heart attack (and my 3 little girls were still at the child-care in the gym!) The ER doctor was very condescending and as soon as she heard that I recently passed a nuclear stress test, she said she'd send me home. All she did was order some bloodwork, an ekg and sent me on my way.
The cramping moved around my chest while exercising and continued long after I got off the treadmill. I'm still having it off and on now with the burning. The burning did start in the center and now it's my whole throat that burns so probably it is heartburn.
Anyhow, thanks so much for your input. I do realize that angina can present differently for men and women though. Still thanks for letting me know. I truly hope you can get the help you need to relieve your own angina (: Have a great evening.
I appreciate your writing me back. After reading your answer, it made me feel so awful for you that you still have heart issues going on. It can always be worse and it's good for me to remember that.
About the angina, when they gave me the nitro I noticed a small lessening of cramping but 10 minutes later had a whopper that went from my chest to my shoulder. Not fun. The EMT guys were great though, very calming and soothing despite the fact I thought I was having a heart attack (and my 3 little girls were still at the child-care in the gym!) The ER doctor was very condescending and as soon as she heard that I recently passed a nuclear stress test, she said she'd send me home. All she did was order some bloodwork, an ekg and sent me on my way.
The cramping moved around my chest while exercising and continued long after I got off the treadmill. I'm still having it off and on now with the burning. The burning did start in the center and now it's my whole throat that burns so probably it is heartburn.
Anyhow, thanks so much for your input. I do realize that angina can present differently for men and women though. Still thanks for letting me know. I truly hope you can get the help you need to relieve your own angina (: Have a great evening.
Very sorry about what you are going through, and hope you get resolution soon. Have to say though, sounds like you need a new doctor - definitely a cardiologist if your current doctor isn't one. If you have already shown a minor blockage, and are experiencing chest pain that comes during exercise and is severe, you need a good look-over. The doctors say the "gold-standard" is the heart cath. I've have stress tests and EKGs, all of which show up negative. The only test that has been accurate (other than the heart cath - I've had 4 over the last 2 months and 4 stents) has been the thalium stress test. Take care and get a good check up from a realible cardiologist - I'd take your symptoms seriously. Also, for all the other women, just a note, asking we men about our symptoms isn't necessarily the best for you as women's symptoms typically present completely differently from men's. Good luck to all and God bless!
Hi Al,
I just spent the better part of my afternoon in the ER. This morning I was working out at the gym on the treadmill. First thing I noticed was burning in my chest. Ignored, thought it's acid. Well, 20 minutes later I had horrible, cramping chest pain. Stopped my work-out obviously and went to sit down. The personal trainer asked me if I was ok and I burst into tears. Next thing I knew the local EMT was there and they were putting me into the ambulance.
Here's my question for you (if you don't mind), they gave me 2 baby aspirin and a spray of nitro under my tongue. Took the edge off the cramping but I still had some as well as the burning in the center of my chest. I've read from you before that heartburn and angina are 2 different beasts. How does your angina feel? Also, does using the nitro take all of it away? The EMT told me that it's a diagnostic tool but not perfect. I am very uspset and frustrated especially with the way the ER doctor treated me. I'm still in pain and was sent home lickity split. Any advice? I hope you're feeling well yourself (: Thanks!
I just spent the better part of my afternoon in the ER. This morning I was working out at the gym on the treadmill. First thing I noticed was burning in my chest. Ignored, thought it's acid. Well, 20 minutes later I had horrible, cramping chest pain. Stopped my work-out obviously and went to sit down. The personal trainer asked me if I was ok and I burst into tears. Next thing I knew the local EMT was there and they were putting me into the ambulance.
Here's my question for you (if you don't mind), they gave me 2 baby aspirin and a spray of nitro under my tongue. Took the edge off the cramping but I still had some as well as the burning in the center of my chest. I've read from you before that heartburn and angina are 2 different beasts. How does your angina feel? Also, does using the nitro take all of it away? The EMT told me that it's a diagnostic tool but not perfect. I am very uspset and frustrated especially with the way the ER doctor treated me. I'm still in pain and was sent home lickity split. Any advice? I hope you're feeling well yourself (: Thanks!
Thanks, I did have a minor blockage on he bottom of my heart in the last angiogram. I have never had a nucleur test I could pass, the last time I was told I'd need bypass surgury,only to have the doctor doing the angiogram wonder where they got that from.
The angina is pretty consistant now,but it sounds like that is pretty common. My GP told me to try prilosec to see if it goes away.
As far as mastering the electric slide, I'm sure my dancing was causing shortness of breath in the other guest as they laughed, but a father like to dance with his daughter when she allows.
The angina is pretty consistant now,but it sounds like that is pretty common. My GP told me to try prilosec to see if it goes away.
As far as mastering the electric slide, I'm sure my dancing was causing shortness of breath in the other guest as they laughed, but a father like to dance with his daughter when she allows.
"at which point can a person call a doctor and not feel embarrassed by having what was probably heartburn or gas?"
I know what you mean but ...
If your doctor isn't taking your symptoms seriously, then I would see someone else for a second opinion, if only to ease your mind.
Female-pattern heart disease can present differently, e.g., microvascular versus macro, and we're only beginning to develop the proper diagnostics and treatment for it. Not only that, it'll take a couple of generations of cardios to change the almost axiomic belief that male-pattern heart disease is heart disease.
Anyway, I certainly don't know what's causing your chest pain but from what you've described, it sounds like what I've experienced and I have microvascular heart disease.
An angiogram three years ago wouldn't be able to tell you if there was a problem today. A thallium stress test, or cardiac MRI may be better at finding perfusion defects.
Try searching on the term "microvascular disease," or go to the New York Times or Wall Street Journal and search under the same term for a broader view.
I don't mean to raise anxiety, I'm not a doctor. I just hate hearing fear about expressing your symptoms to a doctor. If he or she is a good one, then pressing him or her shouldn't be a problem.
All the best,
C
I know what you mean but ...
If your doctor isn't taking your symptoms seriously, then I would see someone else for a second opinion, if only to ease your mind.
Female-pattern heart disease can present differently, e.g., microvascular versus macro, and we're only beginning to develop the proper diagnostics and treatment for it. Not only that, it'll take a couple of generations of cardios to change the almost axiomic belief that male-pattern heart disease is heart disease.
Anyway, I certainly don't know what's causing your chest pain but from what you've described, it sounds like what I've experienced and I have microvascular heart disease.
An angiogram three years ago wouldn't be able to tell you if there was a problem today. A thallium stress test, or cardiac MRI may be better at finding perfusion defects.
Try searching on the term "microvascular disease," or go to the New York Times or Wall Street Journal and search under the same term for a broader view.
I don't mean to raise anxiety, I'm not a doctor. I just hate hearing fear about expressing your symptoms to a doctor. If he or she is a good one, then pressing him or her shouldn't be a problem.
All the best,
C
Hi discobeat,
Great question. Angina pain seems so elusive to me...is it really that or gerd or gas and the list goes on. I think the same thing as you said...if it was my heart wouldn't it have come to a head for crying out loud? I had 2 episodes of horrible chest pain yesterday while out with my husband and 3 little girls for Mother's day. What a nice way to finish off the day (: I'm curious to see what the doctor will say. I have dizziness pretty much on a regular basis and sometimes the chest pain aches and goes in my left arm.
I know what you mean though, the last thing I'd want to do is go into the ER only to be told by some unsympathetic doctor that I have gas or gerd. Hope the doctor offers some good advice for you, especially since you have rhythm issues too. Best of luck!
Kudos on being able to do the electric slide, I have yet to master that move as I'm pretty much uncoordinated and always end up facing the wrong way (much to the delight of on-lookers!)
Great question. Angina pain seems so elusive to me...is it really that or gerd or gas and the list goes on. I think the same thing as you said...if it was my heart wouldn't it have come to a head for crying out loud? I had 2 episodes of horrible chest pain yesterday while out with my husband and 3 little girls for Mother's day. What a nice way to finish off the day (: I'm curious to see what the doctor will say. I have dizziness pretty much on a regular basis and sometimes the chest pain aches and goes in my left arm.
I know what you mean though, the last thing I'd want to do is go into the ER only to be told by some unsympathetic doctor that I have gas or gerd. Hope the doctor offers some good advice for you, especially since you have rhythm issues too. Best of luck!
Kudos on being able to do the electric slide, I have yet to master that move as I'm pretty much uncoordinated and always end up facing the wrong way (much to the delight of on-lookers!)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
discobeat,
Chest pain is a difficult symptom to deal with. Angina refers to the general symptom of cardiac chest pain. There are different causes of angina
To try to simplify for your question:
Angina which is caused by known or fixed blockages in the arteries that comes from exertion or demand for blood supply that is limited by those blockages is known as stable or chronic angina. This pain is usually reproducible in timing and quality and relieved by rest or nitrates. Often, percutaneous intervention with balloons and stents or bypass surgery is effective at relieving this type of angina. In some, there is no mechanical option and medication is helpful.
Angina, can sometimes be caused by spasm of the arteries. This type of angina is usually treated with medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates.
The most concerning type of angina is referred to as unstable angina. This is caused by an unstable cholesterol plaque in the coronary artery, which in its worst form leads to a blood clot forming in the artery and a frank heart attack. This is usually characterized by a sudden change in the quality of chest pain in someone with a history of angina, or pain occuring at rest.
The reason your nurse was concerned was because your chest symptoms had changed from those you previously experienced.
good luck
Chest pain is a difficult symptom to deal with. Angina refers to the general symptom of cardiac chest pain. There are different causes of angina
To try to simplify for your question:
Angina which is caused by known or fixed blockages in the arteries that comes from exertion or demand for blood supply that is limited by those blockages is known as stable or chronic angina. This pain is usually reproducible in timing and quality and relieved by rest or nitrates. Often, percutaneous intervention with balloons and stents or bypass surgery is effective at relieving this type of angina. In some, there is no mechanical option and medication is helpful.
Angina, can sometimes be caused by spasm of the arteries. This type of angina is usually treated with medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates.
The most concerning type of angina is referred to as unstable angina. This is caused by an unstable cholesterol plaque in the coronary artery, which in its worst form leads to a blood clot forming in the artery and a frank heart attack. This is usually characterized by a sudden change in the quality of chest pain in someone with a history of angina, or pain occuring at rest.
The reason your nurse was concerned was because your chest symptoms had changed from those you previously experienced.
good luck
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