Bad news at the doctors...

Last night as soon as I lay down I noticed a stronger than usual chest pain on he left side (I had been to the doctors the day before and it was suspected that this was indigestion). I rang 111 and after an assessment they said that I should see a doctor within 12 hours. The pain seemed to diminish when I sat up, or at least it was alleviated. I attended the appointment about an hour ago expecting to have pretty much the same verdict (this time it was a different doctor) but he said that he thought it might be a cardiac pain. It was a good sign that I did not feel tired and that the chest pain was not occurring on exertion, but he wanted me to attend Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic at the local hospital (in spite of the name this probabaly involves a wait). He also mentioned the possibility of angina caused either by the AF it independent of it. I rang the British Heart Foundation helpline for more information and was told that the doctor had done the right thing, then went on to explain that AF can cause a spasm which restricts blood flow to the heart, hence the pain. Or it could indeed be “independent” angina which is a progressive condition (or possibly indigestion). So I now face the prospect of angina on top of AF. She suggested ringing the hospital to see if I could “walk in” to clinic, but nobody is answering the phone at the moment.

[BobD Volunteer]

Try not to get too wound up about this. I know it concerns but it my well be nothing at all to worry about. Keep relaxed and take it easy. From memory these rapid access clinics can be as little as two weeks and they may well decide to do a stress ECG (rolling road) to check that there are no restricted cardiac arteries which may cause angina. I have had similar (Non cardiac ) pain due to oesphageal spasm which does a pretty good impersonation of angina.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I have been told that I will be seen within a couple of weeks. I have had some reflux issues in the past so I am hoping the pain could be related to that rather than the heart (although reflux is itself no laughing matter). Thanks for your reply.

[Hidden]

I'm going through something similar at the moment. Intermittent chest pain, sometimes on exertion , sometimes at rest.

I have been through the rapid access clinic (took a month for the appointment) which was inconclusive. Referred for a cardiac CT scan (another 3 month wait) which shows some narrowing of my arteries but again, nothing conclusive (previous scan 12 months ago showed that my arteries were clear and cholesterol is low )

Now have an appointment to see cardiologist in August, I'm trying to not worry too much, if it were serious I'd be 6ft under or on a ward I guess

Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

So far I haven’t really noticed anything on exertion but the BHF nurse said this doesn’t mean angina can be ruled out. Apparently angina can be AF -related or independent of the AF. Not sure if one is better than the other. August is a long time to wait for an appointment. Hope everything turns out well.