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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Am I OK
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
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Am I OK
by kathy426, Nov 13, 2006 12:00AM
I am 40 years old and recently had a heart attack. I have two DES. One in August, the other in October. In the beginning of november I experienced chest pain and went to the hospital. A third catheterization was done and showed my 2 stents were fine as is the rest of my heart. No constricted vessels or blockages. They tested me for stomach and esophagus problems. Checked my gall bladder and pancreas and was told that I have a little GERD. I was sent home on a nitro patch. Was already taking plavix and lopressor since august (1st stent). I asked the doctor why the nitro patch if my heart is good. He said it also was to help my chest pains from my GERD. Tried going without it yesterday and experienced pain. I take nexium and mylanta every day to keep the heartburn down. I didn't think nitro helped anything other than heart problems. Can you explain more about the use of nitro patch for other causes and also are my chances of living to an old age less now because of having a heart attack at age 40 and being female. I have good cholesterol, am not overweight. I used to smoke a pack a day. I am not smoking now. I do not drink and I get a fair amount of exercise. My mom is the only family member to have a heart attack. She was 66 when she had hers. Doctor says no damage was done to my heart and my heart is very strong. Except for side effects from plavix (flu symptoms,headache) I feel ok as long as I wear the patch (no chest pain) Thank you for listening to me.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Nov 13, 2006 12:00AM
Hello Kathy,
I am sorry to hear about your recent bout with chest pain.
1. Can you explain more about the use of nitro patch for other causes?
Nitro can help some forms of esophageal spasm. Nitro also helps many forms of cardiac chest pain -- believe it or not, all chests pains are not created equally. The stents you have were placed to treat blockages in major epicardial vessels. There can also be blockages in smaller vessels, including microscopic vessels that are not detected on cardiac caths. The treatment for this last form of chest pain is nitrates and calcium channel blockers. The fact that nitro works despite no major epicardial vessels blockages suggests that your chest pain might be from a microvascular source.
and also are my chances of living to an old age less now because of having a heart attack at age 40 and being female.
Your prognosis is still overall very good. You should make sure that you stay active and take your medications like a statin and aspirin. You should continue your plavix since you have DES.
I hope this answers your questions. Good luck and thanks for posting.
I am sorry to hear about your recent bout with chest pain.
1. Can you explain more about the use of nitro patch for other causes?
Nitro can help some forms of esophageal spasm. Nitro also helps many forms of cardiac chest pain -- believe it or not, all chests pains are not created equally. The stents you have were placed to treat blockages in major epicardial vessels. There can also be blockages in smaller vessels, including microscopic vessels that are not detected on cardiac caths. The treatment for this last form of chest pain is nitrates and calcium channel blockers. The fact that nitro works despite no major epicardial vessels blockages suggests that your chest pain might be from a microvascular source.
and also are my chances of living to an old age less now because of having a heart attack at age 40 and being female.
Your prognosis is still overall very good. You should make sure that you stay active and take your medications like a statin and aspirin. You should continue your plavix since you have DES.
I hope this answers your questions. Good luck and thanks for posting.
I just wanted to let you know what my gastro. dr. told me...I was having esophageal spasms and he put me on this medication that is very similar to nitroglycerin. He said it basically works the same by relaxing the esophagus muscle, similar to the relaxing and dilating of nitroglycerin.
I hope you feel better. At least the doctor told you that your heart attack didn't cause any damage and is still strong and healthy. There's your silver lining I guess (: Take care and best wishes!
The experience was scary because I also believed nitro only helped cardiac pain. When it helped my pain, I was sure it meant I was having a heart attack! Turns out I wasn't though. Esophageal pain can really trick you, right down to what eases it.
Mels22
11/08/2006
C15 Al Dente Hi Al,
So sorry to hear about your rough time with health issues! How old are you if you don't mind my asking? It started in your 20s??? Thats crazy, do you have lots of family history? I have a question for you if you don't mind (you seem to be really smart)...
I am 25 - female - had a baby 6 months ago. Since beginning of September, I have had chest pains, shoulder/arm pains, even some in my jaw. I have been to 2 regular MDs, 2 cardiologists, a neurologist and have had chest x-rays, CT scan, MRI, 8 EKGs, blood work,