Just wondering how many others get really sharp chest pain during episodes. This is a central chest pain and I have a high pain tolerance but this has been getting steadily worse since middle of November. Today it lasted for around 3/4 hour and it was like someone stabbing me with a knife. I took 2 x sprays of the GTN and is eased off and left a 'dull' ache. During the episode I decided to call my my Surgery for advice at 4.45pm only to be told that calls after 3pm are for emergencies only and I'd have to call back in the morning. I said I only wanted advice and replied it was about my chest pain/GTN spray, but she was very hesitant to proceed any further with my call. I actually panicked a bit [which I never do] and said I'd call 111. She seemed quite happy with this, however, what I didn't realise is that 111 is only available outwith Doctors Surgery hours. Last time the episode lasted for 11 hours and the ambulance came after 12 hours and by that time I'd reverted back to NSR. I have since had another 9 hour episode but not the awful chest pain, just a dull ache. Sorry to be so long-winded, what I am wondering is can you still make your own way to A and E without going through 111? and does anyone know exactly how many times I can use the spray within a 24 hour period. I have looked on NHS site and it states to call 999 if after using it 3 times it doesn't work. I get no warning and was sitting watching something on tv when it started. I am one of those 'reluctant' folk that doesn't like to bother our services but the pain really is getting more unbearable with every episode. Many thanks if you have taken the time to read this.
Chest Pain with AFib/Arrhythmias - Atrial Fibrillati...
Chest Pain with AFib/Arrhythmias
Hi Dogsneedwalking.
I'll put a copy and post below about GNT. My take is the matter needs urgent investigation - any chest pain caused by afib does.
None of us like 'bothering' emergency services. However, chest pain lasting for 9 hours does. You are not bothering anyone and are entitled to see a medic.
You can get to A&E by taxi or better still dialing 999 and asking for an ambulance. Explain you have afib and chest pain. They should put it down as a priority call-out.
Don't panic but play it safe.
Paul
Typically you can use glyceryl trinitrate spray or tablets for chest pain up to 3 doses in 15-minute intervals. If your chest pain persists after 3 doses or returns frequently, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
For long-term safety, there isn't a strict limit on how many times you can use it in 24 hours, but you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider. If you find yourself needing it frequently, it could indicate a serious issue that needs medical review. Make sure to speak with your doctor for specific guidance.
ANY chest pain regardless of origin needs investigating. Call emergency services or pitch up at A and E if you can get a ride.
It is quite rare for AF to cause this sort of pain but not unknown. I can think of a couple of members who suffer this way. The fact you have been prescribed GTN is a big red flag anyway.
Hi I hope you don’t mind me asking you about the possible chest pain…
Husband’s got persistent bradycardic af since an ICD op 1 year ago. Since then he’s had 5 “attacks” of what sounds similar chest pain. Small area directly above solar plexus, comes on in about a minute, unbearable for less than a minute and then a dull ache for a while after.
So could this be af related?
We’re not getting many answers from cardio/ep sadly, on the whole situation. Phrenic nerve is definitely involved still causing daily diaphragmatic spasms.
RF ablation finally booked for beginning February so fingers crossed…
As I found out to my detriment on a few occasions. oesphageal spasm does a great job of mimicking angina or even heart attack and wind up quite a few people along the way. We all blame poor AF for things often totally unrelated as well.
Ah most interesting! I’ll get some research done. I hadn’t considered oesphageal spasm… but yes I’m thinking if the diaphragm is unhappy they are close by.
And another lady the other day spoke of costochondritis as a source of her chest pain.
All one big jigsaw that’s for sure, thanks again, Eva
Ah yes. Long before my AF started (1989? ) I was blue lighted to hospital after I woke with an elephant sitting on my chest. Various tests showed no heart attack and then I remembered that the evening before I had been working on a race car trying to undo the large nut that held the rear hub together. I was using an 18 inch breaker bar in my right hand whilst holding the hub in the vice with my left. Seems I tore all the inta costal muscles which chose 4 am to go into spam simultaneously. Cant blame it for my AF sadly.
Any updates? ❤️🩹
I would get to my dr straight away if I were you, and demand to be referred. If you go to a hospital, make sure you fall over in A&E. or they won’t even look at you for around 5 hrs. Just sharing my personal experience guys.
Sounds like it could be Costochondritis which I have had for about 50 years. It is the inflammation of the sternum and rib cage and it can feel like and mimic a heart attack. When I first had symptoms, I used to live in the Emergency Rooms until after many episodes I finally accepted the Drs. diagnosis and just accept it. It can be very, very painful. Hope they find what is causing your pain. GOD Bless.
Chest sore
Recovery time after ablation?
Chest pain after viscous bout of Afib?
