Can a fib cause angina type pain

[Goldenheart]

Hi all. My cardio has wrote to me confirming a fib, via alive cor readings i sent him.Im very happy that hes scheduled me for a stress with echo test,to also exclude possibility of any obstructive coronary artery disease, despite feeling very anxious. I also have a presumed diagnosis of coronary artery spasm,and maybe microvascular angina too following a cat scan showing clear arteries. Can anyone be kind enough to be specific about paroxysmal a fib symptoms,,,,,has anyone experienced angina pain, burning sensation,with any episodes?

[BobD Volunteer]

The problem with AF is that everybody experiences it differently Goldenheart. I do know people who suffer really bad chest pain when in AF neediing morphine even but it is relatively rare. Shortness of breath and tightness may be more common but general advice is seek medical attention if you have any chest pain.

It is also worth mentioning that oesphageal spasm can mimic angina for those who's AF is set off by digestive problems.

Always best to err on the side of caution.

[Goldenheart in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, thankyou for replying. Have you ever heard of angina being a trigger for a fib?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Goldenheart]

Nothing is impossible wit AF

[meadfoot]

It’s good you are having further cardiac tests. I struggle with severe chest pain when in af and svt but also have chest pain outside of an arrhythmia episode. My cardiologist has organised a ct angiogram for me to check whether I have angina or any other cardiac issue out with my arrhythmias.

I also have terrible gastric issues, GERD, and failed peristalsis diagnosed after many gastric tests. Oesophageal spasm can be a problem causing chest pain too.

My cardiologist and gastroenterologist are working together to see which or both issues are causing my ongoing chest pain.

Here’s hoping they get to the bottom of things for you. It’s really distressing having chest pain even more so when there hasn’t as yet been a full diagnosis. Best wishes.

[Goldenheart in reply to meadfoot]

Hi meadfoot,thankyou for your kind reply. Yes,the not knowing has totally taken over the last three years of my life. And im not blaming the Nhs, i have total sympathy for the strain on them. Its the near fainting spells that have made me anxious to leave home alone ,that can accompany my symptoms,that i cant cope with. I have oesophagul spasms in the past too..forgive the spelling. I was elated receiving the cardios letter,i feel very lucky to now be under his care. I hope you get the answers and care you need.

[Maggimunro in reply to Goldenheart]

Hi GoldenheartAnxiety is a so and so for us Afibbers. It was my SVT that caused my numerous fainting episodes back in 2016-17. So I didn’t drive the car at all for about 6 months, which really cuts down on personal independence and hikes up the anxiety. It was a relatively easy fix with one short ablation to cure that particular problem. No fainting or light headedness at all since the op.

Hang on in there.

[Goldenheart in reply to Maggimunro]

Thankyou for your time. Yes i too had ablation for svt, avnrt, eleven year ago. Now my near fainting episodes can be due to the conditions i mention below. I can cope with the pain,but not the lightheadedness.

[Ppiman]

I don't know what angina feels like, but the chest pains I had while I was suffering from atrial flutter and tachycardia last year were sufficient for me to describe them to my doctor as feeling like angina. I suspect they were muscular but they were still frightening. Angina is, I gather, usually exercise induced and diminishes once the body rests. Is that what yours are like?

I was lucky to have been given a stress MRI and I gather that is the current "gold standard" heart test, and all turned out well. That said, I have lost so much of my stamina since this whole thing started that I just don't know what is going on at times. Maybe being 67 doesn't help!

[Goldenheart in reply to Ppiman]

Thankyou, ppiman,for replying. My angina pains arent caused by the usual blockages which you refer to. My cardio has given me a presumed diagnosis of coronary artery spasm,and likely microvascular angina too. Which dont always settle with nitro,or as quickly as, the angina you refer to.And can be triggered at rest. I now have a fib thrown into the mix,which makes the cause for these pains even more complex. Until my confirmed diagnosis im constantly looking for answers. This forum has been a big help in that, so thanhkyou again. What is the stress mri? Im awaiting a stress echo test..........and due to all the above ,am quite anxious.

[Ppiman in reply to Goldenheart]

I would ask for a stress MRI if you can. An “echo” uses ultrasound and an MRI uses magnetic waves but the results are very different in terms of accuracy with the MRI said to be the very best investigatory technique available to science.

[Ppiman in reply to Ppiman]

The “stress” part, by the way, means they inject a small amount of drug that speeds up your heart to emulate exercise. It’s totally painless.

[Goldenheart in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks for the explanation,i had an idea it was that. Unfortunately i have eleven titanium imlplants in my jaw bone hence im not a candidate for any mri. I did have a cat scan of the heart over a year ago, but im sceptical of the reliability, based on the fact my heart rate rocketed sky high,the radiologist told me the images were unclear and hed do his best to interpret them. Im aware a low rate is necessary to give a good result.

i

[Buffafly in reply to Goldenheart]

Titanium implants ok with MRI 😀

[Goldenheart in reply to Buffafly]

Not in my case, some may be candidates,but due to the ammount and extent of the work ive had,.extreme dental surgery along with sinus grafts and lifts,and eleven implants , the dctrs confirm not. But thanks for trying to help anyway.

[Buffafly in reply to Goldenheart]

Eeeek! 😱 Sorry 💜

[Goldenheart in reply to Buffafly]

Hi, its ok. Wish i could have one, fed up of no diagnosis . You stay well.👍

[Ppiman in reply to Goldenheart]

Bad luck on that - MRI is such a good tool for doctors. A CT scan isn’t as well defined as an MRI, I gather - but still produces amazing 3D images of the organs - some better than others. The heart just won’t keep still for a moment though (thankfully!), so I imagine that’s what happened. With an echo cardiogram, the radiographer is able to see and record in real time all that the sonogram shows, and perform various measurements.

[Goldenheart in reply to Ppiman]

Thankyou ppiman.