Am I just being paranoid?

[raptalon]

About a year ago, I had a 'full' blood test, as my doctor called it. I was told my cholesterol was very high, which was no surprise given that I'm overweight (BMI about 42 at present, though it was a lot higher then). I've since lost over 40kg in weight, and the doctor says my cholesterol is improving well. I'm on a low fat, low sodium diet, with regular, light exercise. I don't drink, smoke or take any drugs that are not prescribed to me.

Anyway, about 8 months ago, I was sitting with my family when I came over ill. My chest went tight, I was sweating, I went very pale and my eyes seemed unfocused, according to those present. I had pain in my limbs, tingling in my left hand and foot, a throbbing around my left ankle, like it was being squeezed. I also felt sick and very weak, like even the slightest movement was very difficult. Naturally my mother panicked, and called for an ambulance. The paramedics came, checked my heart and told me they felt everything was fine, but that they still had to take me to the hospital. Here I had an ECG, which I was told was normal. I've since also had a treadmill stress test, which was also normal. My blood pressure is also 'normal', according to my doctor. I have regular blood tests every six months, because of my cholesterol and history of diabetes in my family.

Yet I continue having these symptoms, mostly at night. The hospital said it was likely a mixture of panic attack and Acid reflux?, both of which I am receiving treatment for, yet I can't help worrying that there is something more. The symptoms are usually at rest, and are most noticeable after eating, which I suppose would support their diagnosis? They hit just about every night, when I am trying to get to sleep. I walk pretty much everywhere, and can do so comfortably enough, so that doesn't seem to trigger it in any way. The medications I've been given have so far had no noticeable effect, which does concern me. Am I worrying over nothing?

Thanks for reading.

[Pantx]

See if your cardiologist will be willling to do an MRA to check for blockages or possible vascular issues which could be ocntributing to your symptoms. Wouldn't hurt

[achillea]

Just one more thought:  Have you been checked for something called 'Variant' or 'Prinzmetal's Angina'?  It's a tad unusual in that stress tests are generally normal, and the symptoms come on when the person is at rest, and usually at night.

[Flycaster305]

I'd take the GERD medication exactly as prescribed, usually an hour before mealtime, don't eat or drink alcohol at least 3 hours before bedtime.

[raptalon]

Thank you very much. I feel a lot more reassured now. I've also spoken to several people who suffer from GERD, who have told me that they suffer from symptoms almost exactly like my own, most noticeably at rest like mine seem to be. I'm thinking that my doctors initial suggestion was right. It was just very scary, feeling that way and finding no relief from the medication that had been prescribed for me. We're going to try some different medication now, and hopefully that'll help me find relief :)

[CCFHeart MD25]

Generally speaking, chest pain with exertion relieved with rest is the classic angina of cardiac etiology. An exercise stress test was a great way to evaluate your atypical symptoms. Given that your symptoms have not changed, and your have had a normal stress test this is all reassuring. However, no stress test is perfect and obesity can decrease their sensitivity. It is important for everyone to maintain a good diet and exercise on a regular basis. You can consider a cat scan to look at your coronary arteries if you are still concerned.