Pinching pain in chest

[HettieHen]

Hi everyone. I have permanent AF and am awaiting cardioversion. Every now and again I feel a pinching/slight burning pain in my upper chest (much higher than my heart). I think it began when I had my flu jab - it was literally 10 mins after I had it and lasted a couple of days. I don’t recall feeling it before that. That was a couple of months ago. Now it only happens occasionally and lasts an hour or so. Does it sound familiar to anyone?

[Paulbounce]

Hi Hettie.

I can't say it's something I am familiar with. It could be trapped wind (serious - try burping when it happens and see if that helps - that has happened to me a few times and solved the problem).

I'm sure you needn't worry and there won't a cause that is serious. However any chest pain should be investigated just to play safe. I think you'll be fine but get it checked by your doctor just to be sure - it will put your mind at ease too.

That's what I would do - just to be 100% positive all is ok.

Paul

[HettieHen in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul - I just feel guilty about bothering the doctors at the moment.

[Paulbounce in reply to HettieHen]

Sure Hettie - I understand. My GP has a 'consult your doctor online' service were they call you back. Maybe it's worth doing it online and explaining the situation that way ? I'm sure they would ask to see you if they are worried. If not at least you'll have checked and know all is ok.

Paul

[jeanjeannie50]

Hettie, have you tried taking something like Gaviscon just to see if that helps? If you can get some today I would. If it doesn't help then that could point to it not being an acid or wind problem.

As Paul had said, all chest pain needs to be reported to your GP, don't forget you can always get immediate advice via the 111 (NHS helpline) or if your pain becomes worse the emergency 999 number.

It does rather sound like it was started by your flu injection and I've heard of others having pain afterwards, but it's usually in the arm where it was given.

Jean

[HettieHen in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean. It doesn’t feel like indigestion, but may be worth trying Gaviscon if only to rule it out.

[Ppiman]

Higher than your heart doesn't leave much else that can be felt apart from the oesophagus or gullet. This can track away from the vertical and even press against the atria of the heart, and is relatively mobile, I gather. It can have small spasms that feel like a lump in the throat or anywhere along its length that feel very strange. A burning sensation is also common and is usually caused by acid reflux from the stomach. I think the link to the flu jab sounds most unlikely. A link with atrial fibrillation is, however, possible, since the oesophagus can physically affect the heart.

Steve