Angina

[Chaand]

Hello There!!!
I am a 36 years old woman. Recently I found out that I have minor blockage in my arteries. I am on medication for last couple weeks now and I am waiting for my angiogram. The doctor has told me that it could take any where from 1 month to 3 months. Now I am having pain in my chest and my left arm almost everyday. Sometimes it goes to my back and my neck too. I have shortness of breath every now and then. My doctor sent me to emergency the other day, as he thought I might get a minor heart attack, but in emergency they said all my tests are fine, and there is no damage to my heart. Now I am concerned that if everything is fine then why am I having chest pains and shortness of breath. Just wanted to let you know my twin sister died of heart attack when she was 25 years old. I am scared, I don't want to die like her. What should I do??

[kenkeith]

Has the doctor ruled out right side heart disorder...this would explain your symptoms and that condition is sometimes overlooked.  Shortness of breath is an indication of pulmonary edema (fluids in the lung tissues).  Thre are other causes for edema.

■Lung infections. When pulmonary edema results from lung infections, such as pneumonia, the edema occurs only in the part of your lung that's inflamed.
■Kidney disease. When your kidneys can't remove waste effectively, excess fluid can build up, causing pulmonary edema.....

[Chaand]

I had Stress test done, which showed blockage in my arteries. They are not yet sure how much is the blockage.
I feel shortness of breath while I am doing something, like cleaning the house or walking fast or going up stairs. Sometime I get it even when I am talking. It's worse when laying down, I usually take high pillow so that I can breath.

[kenkeith]

Minor blockages shouldn't cause angina (chest pain due to vessel blockage).  But minor blockage with a coronary vessel spasms can cause your symptoms.  That condition is not easily diagnosed with the usual tests at ER.  What tests have you had?  Shortness of breath should be a concern...that was all I needed to be admitted to ER and then ICU for several days for congested heart failure.  My SOB felt as if I could not get enough air causing hyperventallation when laying down.

Shortness of breath can also be a result of anxiety, and the pain is unrelated to any particular condition.  If your health center has a CT scan 128 scan or greater a diagnosis can be assessed within the matter of minutes.  The hospital my doctor is associated with has the scan.  If possible, find a cardiologist with CT scan angiogram availibility. If you wait too long you can develop congested heart failure,  I didn't have any warning before I had heart failure!  Take care.

[mammo]

I can certainly understand your concern!  Minor blockages are not serious at this point, but with heart problems in the family, I would think they could put a rush on your angiogram.  I know it's difficult, but stressing out over this will not help your condition, as stress is very hard on the heart.  I would contact your cardiologist and explain your concerns and ask if he can somehow get the test moved up, even if it means going to another facility.  Can you tell us under what circumstances you get short of breath, and how long the chest and arm pain lasts?

[LarrytheAstronaute]

it could be your anxious mind playing with you, i can create chest pain just by thinking about my chest, heart etc. Also maybe you could go to another clinic and ask if they can do an angiogram earlier.