did I have a heart attack?

[JLRBUSA]

I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation last November and was put on Coumadin and some other medication. Angiogram shows 50% blockage of one artery. Diagnosed having a weak heart working at 40%. Yesterday a burning pain came over both shoulders equally, upper back, chest and neck. It was like a muscle burn during a hard workout but I wasn't doing anything. It's happened before but not this strong and not for this length of time. Approx 5 minutes. I was afraid to move and gently sat down. It doesn't seem to fit the symptoms of a heart attack but I cannot otherwise explain it. Could it have been a heart attack?

[JLRBUSA]

Thank you all for your responses.

[caregiver222]

First of all the term "heart attack" is absolutely positively meaningless.

Stop worrying. Many people with cardiac insufficiency live for decades.

There are symptoms of myocardial ischemia, and of damage to the heart muscle itself.

As doctornee stated this is not a typical presentation of a heart problem, but there are exceptions.

When the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen a "pain dermatome" is activated. These are sensory pathways that are nowhere near the heart. Typically these run down the left arm and sometimes show up as a feeling of someone "sitting on my chest". Usually these pains are not positionally relieved.

You should have nitroglycerine pills on hand to place under your tongue if such an event happens again.

The important thing is, if you have an unusual suspicious pain presentation call 911 and have the ambulance take you to the hospital immediately. Do not drive yourself or walk to the ambulance. Stop whatever you are doing and lie down to reduce the oxygen requirements.

My vote is with doctornee for "anxiety or panic".

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
It is unlikely to be due to a heart attack, but again there are often abnormal presentations. This looks more like anxiety and panic. It can also be due to hyperthyroidism, low Vit B12, sweat dermatitis or due to hormonal imbalance. However, please do not ignore this and get your heart also examined through tests. Take care!

[Dr_G_M_]

I am not a cardiologist neither a doctor yet but i can see that these are symptoms on angina pectoris  maybe! and I do prefer that you check or see your doctor as soon as possible. and if you have such symptoms next time i do prefer that you take sub-lingual nitrates. But checking by your doctor is the best!
by the way dont forget to avoid:
Emotional stress
Exposure to very hot or cold temperatures
Heavy meals
Smoking
Best wishes