Pericarditus or Heart Attack

[Lyn1958]

Certainly felt like a heart attack.  Just turned 50 - 64 kilos in weight and 5 foot 7.  Certainly not overweight and if anything underweight.  Have lost heaps of unintentional weight in the last 12 months.  6 weeks ago after suffering from chronic bronchitus and constantly coughing, ended up getting angina for the first time in my life - twice and spent 2 days in hospital.  Did not have a heart attack but this Tuesday after starting a new job and suffering from chronic bronchitus again (severe coughing, having trouble breathing and talking for 2 weeks) went to work, started tapping at the computer, the extreme pressure feeling started against my chest (the elephant standing on me again) - paint up the side of my neck and pain down my arm.  Couldn't get my breath and was sweating like I have never sweated in my life.  After about 5 minutes of HOPING it would go away my Manager rang the ambulance, (I thought it was the end of me - the pain was unbearable and I was just about blacking out) and the paramedic sprayed nitro glycerol under my tongue which reduced the pain within a few minutes thank God.  Anyway, admitted to hospital.  Blood tests showed enzymes released into the blood.  Outcome:  One cardiologist feels it may have been pericarditus but the other said heart attacki.  I truly believe the constant coughing, rattling and trying to get air 24 hours a day for more than 2 weeks took it's toll on my heart.  I had previously smoked for more than 25 years and gave up quite a few years ago but I do feel damaged must have occurred.  I had a heart ulstrasound and the cardiologist just said my hearts not too bad and I will need to take good quality fish oil.  I am also on asprin - 1 per day.  I had a stress test but because of the bronchitus wasn't able to do much.  Another one in 2 weeks.  I also asked for an angiogram cause I worry there may be a partial blockage to an artery or narrow artery.  What do you think?  I stress a lot and need to build up my immune system

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

Your symptoms DO NOT sound like pericarditis and it would seem you should have an angiogram if the stress test was submaximal.  I am concerned about your weight loss and did you have a chest x-ray or CT scan of your  chest??  You need more evaluation.

[Lyn1958]

It's funny you mention the weight loss because I was asked when in the CCU unit if I had had a dramatic weight loss in the last 12 months which I have.  I said I had but nothing was said further.  I have actually gone down 3 sizes in clothes. Why would this be when I have never been one to overeat anyway?  

I didn't think my symptoms were that of pericarditus either. When I was suffering from the pressure and pain in my chest, I actually thought "this is it".  Never had so much pain or trouble breathing in my life.  When it came on, I was at my desk at work, and I knew I was feeling very stressed but couldn't prevent the buildup of tension in my body.  I told the Cardiologist I wanted an angiogram to rule out any possibilities of further problems but he felt the stress test would show if there were any abnormalities.  I have to have another one of these on 21st August where they state they may inject radio active trace particles.  I did  have a chest xray when I was admitted to emergency which showed a fair bit of mucus at the base of my lungs.  With regard to the heart ultrasound, the Cardiologist didn't have anything to say except that it "looked alright" and to get some Blackmore's Fish Oil.  I know that I am just one of many in an overpopulated world however after my heart scare, I admit I do feel a bit more important to myself for the first time in my life to me!  Just want to stay well now and don't want to be overlooked just cause I am one of so many.