Worried about symptoms husband still has

[zil]

This will be my last post for 6 months, but I"m worried.  As mentioned my husband is 33, and has high cholesterol (260, ldl 170, hdl 60). BP is a bit high. Statins thus far (crestor, lipitor) have caused muscle cramps.  So, he is now trying zetia, and has a welchol RX.

However, for the last 3-4 weeks he has had horrid jaw pains, along the jaw line along with some tightness in his chest sometimes together, more jaw alone. The pains are aches and shooting he says, rarely longer than 10-15 seconds. These pains also radiate down his arms and he gets all of it more on the left than right. Tingling he also mentions. He has awakened with his arms numb from the elbows down (both sides). Lots of pain in the left shoulder and trapezius area also. Rare tingling in lower legs. He has also had some nights where he can't sleep because his whole chest area feels funny, not tight though. He notices it more at rest than exercise. No real problems breathing etc. Never worse at exercise, just some of the same stuff according to him. No pattern at all.

Passed a brain MRI for possible MS, his neck MRI was also clear. Not diabetic.

Obviously his risk factors are not great with the BP and cholesterol. Everything I have read says jaw and arm pain can be signs of an impending heart attack. That said, this has gone on over 3 weeks with these pains, and 6 months with various symptoms and tests. Doc says anxiety, but wow so many symptoms.

Should he have more tests? (passed nuclear stress (jan) and 64 slice ct april)

Are chest related pains constant? or do they come and go like his?

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Zil,

I am sorry to hear about your husband's symptoms.

Should he have more tests? (passed nuclear stress (jan) and 64 slice ct april)

I do not think he needs more cardiac tests.  The symptoms are very atypical for cardiac causes.  Pains that that came and go like this are often very difficult to pin point the cause.  It is worth considering seeinng a neurology and rheumatology.


Are chest related pains constant? or do they come and go like his?

Cardiac chest pains are usually intermittent and triggered by a stresses like exercise and emotion.  If someone has chest pain for more than 2 straight hours and has negative cardiac enzymes, it is very unlikely to be heart related.  Aortic pain can last that long without positive enzymes but this pain is so severe people usually immediately seek medical attention.

Your husbands age, rest rather than exercise symptoms, and the duration of symptoms despite negative stress tests make the probability of this being cardiac pain very low.

I hope this helps.  Good luck and thanks for posting.

[Carey01]

I'm obviously not a Dr but I do have anxiety (brought on by worrying about the PVC's that I get)  Anyway, I subconsciously hold my jaw very tense -- part of the anxiety "symptoms" -- and to my understanding people with anxiety disorder have an array of symptoms, one of them being muscle fatigue and pain.  I get a very painful jaw often from clenching and not realizing I'm doing it.  I, too, have almost constant neck and should er pain.  Very very stiff neck, too.  Does your husband worry about his halth a lot?

[jan]

This is from Drug Digest:

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Home

What side effects may I notice from receiving Ezetimibe (zetia)? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare (possible increased risk if taking ezetimibe with other cholesterol-lowering drugs)
•dark yellow or brown urine
•muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness
•headache
•joint pain
•stomach upset or pain
•tiredness