possible heart attack

  4 days ago i had an abscessed tooth extracted. i had a mild cva 6 years ago and at that time was informed that i did have insignificant mitral valve prolapse.  i informed my dentist of this fact he followed up with my doctor at the time and was told pre medication was not necessary.  the tooth was extracted and tylenol #3 prescribed for pain.  within 1 hour of taking the tylenol #3 i experience heart attack symptoms (severe chest pains, shortness of breath, increase in blood pressure) was taken to the hospital, enroute i was put on oxygen and given a nitro pill under my tongue and a nitro patch as well as two baby aspirin.  the pain was alleviated with the nitro.  in the hospital i had a lung scan and was monitered all night in pcu and then had a follow up stress test.  i have had no results yet.  i have no idea what happened to me and have had no explanations yet.  i am a 43 year old female, i am 5'3" 115#, low cholesteral, my normal blood pressure is 90/60 i am however a moderate smoker.  can u shed any light on if there is a connection between the tooth extraction and the symptoms i experienced that afternoon?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Linda, thank you for your question. I can't postulate any connection between the episode of shortness of breath and chest pain and the tooth extraction or the Tylenol #3. You did the right thing by seeking prompt medical attention and the results of the tests that your physicians' performed should help to determine what caused these severe symptoms.  Your only risk factor for coronary artery disease is smoking and I strongly urge you to stop smoking immediately.  Even if your present symptoms are determined to be from a non-cardiac source, quitting smoking will dramatically improve your short-term and long-term health.  Finally, you may have had an unusual allergic reaction to the Tylenol #3, so you should certainly ask your physician about this.  

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
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