A fib or coronary artery spasms

[Goldenheart]

Hi, still waiting to see my cardio after 15months, with a presumed diagnosis of coronary artery spasm, and many alive cor readings of atrial fibrilation. Recently had episodes of chest tightness with a very weak sensation,and light headedness. On taking readings a fib confirmed. Unsure if its the spasms causing a fib,or its all a fib. Has anyone experienced similiar symptoms with a fib, as ive never heard this weak sensation and chest heaviness mentioned? Thanks in advance.

[Buffafly]

Yes, I’ve got both and all that but don’t ask which is chicken or egg! Yesterday I followed my husband up several flights of stairs in a bit of a rush (he is very fit) and when I got to the top I suddenly felt as if a elephant had landed on my chest (a small one, obvs!) Very scary 😨

[Goldenheart in reply to Buffafly]

Hi,thanks for replying,yes its very scary. I restrict a lot what i do now for fear it will happen,especially as it often makes me nearly faint. My episode yesterday was triggered by forgetting to walk upstairs slowly too. Do you get like a suffocation sensation,and sometimes light headedness too? Im fed up of fear and unpredictability,and i cant get answers until my next appt,if even then.

[Buffafly in reply to Goldenheart]

Yes, exactly that. I’ve had two angiograms which were fine and my cholesterol levels are low, hence artery spasm diagnosis. Originally my symptoms were blamed on asthma. I take Diltiazem which slows the heart rate amongst other things and I wondered if it actually ‘brakes’ my heart as I don’t seem to be able to raise my heart rate much on purpose although it takes off at over 100 BPM all by itself occasionally.

I hope you do get some answers and I would be interested to hear what they are 🦋

[Goldenheart in reply to Buffafly]

Hi, has your cardio put those symptoms down to spasms or a fib? Sorry for pestering but its awful not knowing isnt it. I had a cat scan ,showing clear arteries,with a minute speck of a blockage, and apparently very mild l v h, with lots of angina episodes,....leading to my presumed diagnosis of coronary spasm. I take diltiazem too, which i know also reduces the heart contractions. Which is beneficial in one way, but in another way it seems to cause other symptoms, almost like the hearts too slow to keep up with any activity requiring an elevetated heart rate.?.? ..i never had near fainting episodes until taking tildiem. Thankyou again for advice.

[Buffafly in reply to Goldenheart]

When I was first properly diagnosed with AF I had the works - angiogram, echo, exercise test, and it was actually the nurse who was doing a questionnaire with me who mentioned artery spasm as ‘something that tends to happen to ladies of a certain age’ which I felt was slightly insulting somehow! Many years later I had an AF attack with severe spasms of chest pain which presented in hospital as a heart attack because of blood tests so I had another angiogram which didn’t show a blockage so the conclusion was ‘coronary artery spasm’ but I never had an opportunity to ask questions about it. AF commonly causes heavy chest, light headedness etc but if you feel very faint regularly you should report it as a matter of urgency.

I would be more worried about the fainting than the spasms so please make a fuss about that!

Best wishes 🦋

[Goldenheart in reply to Buffafly]

Thankyou so much for your time, a little bit of understanding means a lot. You take care too.x

[Chrissy7]

Hi I have had the chest heaviness and weakness and the light headedness... but have not had lightheaded ness lately. I had my first ever “recorded” episode about six weeks ago and went to ER. (which my cardiologist said was not typical afib but wouldn’t really say which type (I think it was mixed - flutter/PVC))

I had been having some dizzy spells for quite some time and didn’t know what was causing them .. they were brief however after losing 20 lbs I didn’t seem to have any..,until 6 weeks ago.. I out back in some of the weight. I am not on medication )my choice because it made me feel awful) and returned to cardiologist for 4 week check up Friday and he said I didn’t have to take meds but could just try taking it if I have another episode and if it dint work after 7-8 hours to return to ER.

I have cut back on coffee, alcohol, and now am walking daily - hoping to lose more weight as that helped me.

The chest heaviness/tightness was bad on and off for a few weeks after my episode/cardio version however have not had it in the last 2-3 weeks. I think those episodes really are taxing to the body and it takes a long while for some like me to recover. St first I felt awful for a couple of weeks- I still tire easier than before ... but is getting gradually better. I too was concerned about the heaviness and tightness but I had been examined and had echocardiogram so trusted it was just due to my arrhythmia.

Hope this helps...

[belindalore]

You shouldn't have to stand for a presumed diagnosis. Once again Drs don't care.

[Goldenheart]

Hi belindalore, its frightening to think that, but after a 15 month wait,and still counting,i do question certain areas . From what ive read on forums,its all a battle with coronary spasm, and mirovascular angina,in an exact diagnosis and treatment. My cardio tells me these conditions dont cause major problems, a slight under statement there . Have you had a similiar experience?