Heart Attack Pain has resurfaced - New to forum

[toby45]

Hi All -

I'm new to the forum. Very concerned that the pains I had when I had my heart attack 4 months ago have returned in milder form. Is this something I need to call the cardio about?

They told me I would have a lot of chest pains after the angioplasty and it's normal to have pains all around my chest. I'm a 45 yo male, had a 100% blockage of the LAD with one stent.

I hate to trouble the cardiologist about every little pain, but I'm not sure what to do. My stress levels are pretty high and I have a lot of family stuff that is stressing me out.

Does anyone know what I should do? My resting pulse has gone up to 85-90. I'm on the following meds:
Metaprolol - 12.5 mg
Plavix - 75 mg
Lipitor - 100 mg
Niaspan - 500 mg

Thanks,
Toby

[toby45]

Thank you for your advice. I called and got an appointment to see the cardiologist in 10 days. The nurse reassured me that it's normal to feel phantom pains after a heart attack and that I'm most likely sensitive to anything in the chest region right now.

I'm seeing him anyway, and will keep you all posted. I hope I'm not making a mountain out of a mole hill!

BTW - can heart problems cause pain to the right shoulder and right upper arm, or is it heart related only if it's on the left hand side?
Thanks,

Toby

[kenkeith]

QUOTE: "They told me I would have a lot of chest pains after the angioplasty and it's normal to have pains all around my chest. I'm a 45 yo male, had a 100% blockage of the LAD with one stent."

It is not normal, nor expected to have chest pain subesquent to to a stent implant.  But for some individuals the site (usually groin) for the insertion of a cath does not seal quickly to stop bleeding and causing  discomfort and for some pain.

[Flycaster305]

Do you have nitro tablets or spray to take for angina pains?  If so, next time you feel chest pressure, use the nitro.  By all means, go to the ER.  Restinosis (a plug in the stent) happens in at least 10% of all stents.

[Momto3]

Hello and welcome to the Heart Forums!!  We're glad you found us, but sorry for the reasons that bring you here.  You will find an abudance of information and support here.  Please browse the current and archived posts, ask questions, share experiences and post away.  

In answer to your specific question, I agree with the other posters - you are not a bother to your physician and you must be your own best advocate.  If you are still feeling the discomfort, please call your doctor's office for an appointment or go to the ER.

Please let us know how you're doing.  

[Tinu1959]

I also had an attack with 100% LAD block and stent was implanted. From what I have gathered from my doctor and from this forum, sometimes there is a possibility of restenosis in the stent, i.e. some growth in stent area which gradually reblocks the artery. Therefore it is important that you let your doctor know all the symptoms immediately so that tis possibility can be ruled out and if any test or corrective action is required same can be taken at the earliest.

Please do not think that you will be troubling your doctor.

Wish you good luck.

[erijon]

Don't wait for your cardiologist, if the pains return and they feel the same as when you had your MI only milder, GO TO THE ER. Why would you take a chance, you've been there before and it simply is not worth the risk.

Go get help, please.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing, I'll be looking for a response............

Jon