Currently I am experiencing fairly persistent chest pain, at times very unpleasant. A visit to A and E ruled out heart attack, and the pain remains unexplained. Could this be caused by the AF? Has anyone else experienced this? Awaiting GP and EP appointments. Would welcome comments.
Pain with AF: Currently I am... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Pain with AF
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Staffsgirl
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Tried to edit my post, but can’t find the edit button today…
I should have explained that I am in constant/ persistent AF which my EP now describes as permanent.
Hello Staffsgirl,
Just wondering if it could be digestive problems? I have hiatus hernia which causes chest pain and indigestion, at times. I notice from your profile that you have IBS which could be a contributing factor.
Apparently, the pain from digestive problems and heart can be difficult to define as in the same area. I have been to AE with the same problem in the past. AE would have checked for that, but good you have some pending appointments so that you can get to the bottom of it.
Chris.
Many thanks for your thoughts. To be honest I hadn’t considered that the chest pain could be digestive…I have digestive pain anyway: lower abdomen. The chest pain sometimes involves armpit and shoulder. I have diverticular disease, and had an urgent colonography this week! 🙄
I do know that pain doesn’t always manifest in the obvious position, and I also know how much stress can be a factor. I also have ongoing (totally unavoidable) stress…it’s simply a matter of dealing with it! Yes...I exercise, I meditate, I engage in breathwork, I eat healthful foods, and all the rest….
Onwards and upwards. Thanks!
It does all sound connected, with some stress in there, with all that’s going on with you.
It’s easy to say “relax” when you suffer with anxiety, but we have to try. Deep breathing exercises can lower the heart rate, but you need to practice and do this every day.
Maybe when you have all your appointments over you will calm down. If l have appointments looming l get very anxious before and it makes life so difficult, especially with AF. I always say anxiety is a symptom of AF.
You take care and hope all goes well,
Chris.
I don't think this pain will be from your DD (a flare I had over a month ago is still rumbling on - what an ailment it can be!) Maybe consider asking your GP for a trial of a PPI drug like esomeprazole? This will rule out acid reflux as the cause. A few get nausea as a side effect of PPIs. but most are fine. They are an excellent "litmus test" for acid troubles. A hiatus hernia would usually come and go and often is symptomless but it might cause acid by affecting the sphincter at the top of the stomach.
Gallstones usually cause central right-side pains, but they can cause many digestive issues, which can extend to the back, shoulder and beyond.
I am guessing that the pain just could be linked to the AF if it is causing some kind of local blood flow or oxygenation issues, a kind of mild angina - but that sounds unlikely to be a persistent thing, even though the AF is. I have certainly had the kind of pain you describe in my life, though, and always felt it to be somehow gastric or left-side diaphragm, maybe from my HH; as with you, it reaches into my back, left shoulder blade, and I have had it be felt as a tingling in the left jaw. A panic attack (and, of course, heart issues) causes this, too, but only temporarily, so there are nerve pathways from the chest region that lead to these parts.
You might never know but the tests you'll be having will hopefully be enlightening.
Bad luck!
Steve
Staffsgirl , I am in exactly same place, persistent AF, diverticular disease and completely persistent unavoidable stress.
I do sympathise!!!!! I suddenly started with these chest pains mainly at night in bed. They were in between ribs, sometimes into jaw. Scary cos I have a scar there from mitral valve surgery. Ticket booked in November for a trip to Mecico. 3 weeks before going, I started regularly having this pain , GP unsvailable 111 said go to A and E . 9 hours later I hsd had most possible tests. They were so kind but, I catastrophised , they told all organs were clear. I did not believe them. Going to A and E alone is 😱😱
A week later I was back in there, more tests , a supposed ulcer caused by acid reflux , to be treated with Pantaprozole twice a day. Stress has not gone away but pain has . No idea how long I am supposed to stay on pantaprozole, cos no summary from oor overworked A and E and GP unavailable.
SO , take confidence from my story , stress is often unsolvable but , if at least you sort your chest pain is explained and sorted ( keep taking your pills) you have one worry less. Thinking of you! L
Thanks for your kind thoughts. Sending some back to you!
Thanks Staffsgirl , now, what plans do you have for today ? We need diversions !! L
Plenty of those! Thank you.
BobDVolunteer
Edit is under "more". Oesophageal spam does very good job of feeeling lihe a heart attack so I would investigate diet etc.
Yes I’ve always been able to able to edit in the past, but today the option just wasn’t available for some reason. Thanks. I am able to edit my responses but today the initial post wouldn’t edit. Gremlins around I think.
I once had awful pain in my chest, was convinced I was having a heart attack and dialled 999. Two lady paramedics turned up and one immediately touched an area on my chest and asked if that was where the pain was. I was amazed that she could find that sore spot so quickly. After an ECG that was fine I was told I had costochondritis. I asked how she'd known so quickly what it was and the answer was she'd had it herself a few weeks earlier. I'm hoping that this is what you have, it can be very painful, mine went within a few days.
Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.
Jean
Yes, thank you.
I’ve had this in the past, but somehow I don’t think it is this time. The pain has lasted for ten days now, and my instinct is that it’s not costochondritis this time.
Hope I’m wrong! Also, I hadn’t known until recently that AF can sometimes cause chest pain.
I have awful chest pain when in an afib or svt episode which can necessitate, on occasion, hospital care with IV morphine for excruciating pain. Its a pain like no other.
However I get regular chest pain outwith arrhythmia/ cardiac causes. For some years my gastro people blamed my chest pain on heart until my EP after years of saying the pain isnt cardiac that he suggested I see a gastro team in his hospital for a second opinion.
The chest pain outside of arrhythmia, after tons of tests was put down to gastric issues, slow motility, poor peristalsis and chronic acid reflux. I was also separately diagnosed with epigastric nerve entrapment and costachondritis.
I am convinced my arrhythmias and gastric are interlinked in as far as one can trigger the other in my case. May be worth reading up about Roehmeld syndrome. Of course there may be other totally different reasons for your pain, its worth looking at alternatively reasons for your pain. Stress wont help either as I know to my own cost.. Best wishes.
Thanks. 🙏
Yes, I was surprised to hear AF can cause chest pain.
Like Cavalierrubie I have a hiatus hernia too, eating fatty or foods containing vinegar can kick that off for me, as can lots of bending and lifting. What a life we have!!!
Have you had the pain constantly for 10 days or on and off. Could it be your gallbladder, that pain is excruciating?
Jean
Mostly on, just occasionally off, and fluctuates in intensity.
Could it be something like coronary artery spasms or microvascular disease? I have CAS and it causes pressure but most people feel it as pain (angina). It can be bad enough to cause a heart attack and is known as INOCA.
INOCA stands for Ischaemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries. It refers to a condition where a person experiences symptoms of myocardial ischaemia (such as chest pain or shortness of breath) despite having little to no blockage in their coronary arteries on angiography. INOCA is often linked to microvascular dysfunction, coronary artery spasms, or endothelial dysfunction.
When my arteries spasm, it causes my arrhythmias to kick in because of the lack of blood flow to the heart.
Hi, I have very similar symptoms, particularly regarding the spasm/twinge causing AF to kick off. Do you mind if I ask how you managed to get diagnosed with CAS? My EP has just shrugged his shoulders when I've mentioned heart twinges/spasms/aches.
My cardiologist was the one who suggested it to me and sent me for an angiogram. It’s called a provocative angiogram and they inject a chemical to invoke spasm.
Mine apparently spasmed before they even injected it and I got to feel what it might feel to have a heart attack with the intense pressure like pain right up the side of my face.
To my knowledge, a provocative angiogram is the only test which will show either CAS or MVD.
Thanks for that - sounds terrifying! I'll have to ask about that when I'm feeling brave 🫣
I felt very safe and they immediately injected a drug to help relax the artery. I was a severe case though, even though my symptoms normally are very light in comparison to many. I just get some chest pressure, pin point pain and my arrhythmias. I thought it was the arrhythmias doing it but it was the other way around. Now on another med and I’ve had no problems really since.
That's all good. What meds do they give you for CAS, and do you find it helps prevent your AF then?
My AF is the least of my concerns. I really only get it for short periods of a minute or two and haven’t had any AF for at least 18 months now. I have multiple other arrhythmias, but it mainly made my left bundle branch block kick in.
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for your help.
This happened to me about a month ago. I was in the middle of an AF episode when I experienced a crushing pain . I’ve had AF quite a few years now and never had pain. I spent the night in A&E, with all the usual tests but no sign of a heart attack. I was told you can sometimes experience pain with AF . I never have but was told always get it checked. I went after a few hours and I was fine the next day . Hope you’re feeling better and the pain has gone Take care
Thanks for your response. Pain still there but good to know I’m not alone.
I am also in persistent / permanent AF. What is your water retention like? As I can get pain when I know I am holding on to too much.
No problem with water retention thanks.
Hi , I have proximal AF , any time it's start , I have pain . I always in pain when I have AF .
I have exactly same pain as you. been to A&E many times results no heart attack. My cardiologist indicates it is probably stress/anxiety related as I do panic when I go into AF. Thankfully no AF since May and ablation scheduled later this month. Try breathing exercises they work for me.
Thank you…I do regularly use various breathing techniques. Am pretty certain anxiety plays a part in it all. Problem is I am constantly in AF 🙄.
I always had chest pain with AF. My first cardiologist, who diagnosed, was all "nonsense you dont get chest pain with AF" but everyone I know personally with AF has experienced chest pain with it. 20 years after the initial cardiologist, my current cardiologist has been quite clear that chest pain is linked to AF.
Many thanks…interesting to know this. I’ll be interested to hear my EP’s view.
I have pretty much permanent AF and chest pain. The pain is muscle as the heart is working/beating faster than it should.
Sorry to hear your pain is permanent. 🥲
It's not really bad pain and only need to take my arm off at night time normally xx
Had chest paib on Tuesday evening, not sure if it was AF or acid reflux.
When I was having pain like that and finally rang 111, they sent an ambulance and after we’d had a jolly time watching the birds in the garden together, it was decided they would take me to Glos Royal where we spent several hours outside and then I spent a further 5 hours inside before finally being given a pill and being told I would be referred for an endoscopy. Good thing I took some nuts and raisins, a good book and a flask of water! Some weeks later the endoscopy showed I had a hiatus hernia and it seemed the escaped acid had damaged my oesophagus. That book previously mentioned advised against taking the drug that was given for it so I suck the odd anti acid lozenge now as can’t manage the daily exercise, mentioned here before, anymore. Guess it might be that you have something similar.
With all the usual diagnosis caveats, I can say that the one time I had to do the blue lights thing was when the kangaroo trapped inside my chest cavity got so severe that my other half could see my chest actually move, as if tring to paw its way out alien style. That actually hurt, but usually it doesn't.
I have pains in top left of chest…seems to come and go in waves..can go a month ..nothing then on daily basis..look for things to blame! Can’t identify one but I do have the other things.
I am anxious person ( chest discomfort..doesn’t help)
Hiatus Hernia!
Barrett osophagus..take omemprozole..
Indigestion burping..
follow a goodish diet eating and drinking…
Having (Emergency Cardio consultation ..after waiting 14 months ) next week so will ask about this!
Good luck
And to you too next week!🥰
I have had a quick sharp pain when in Afib. It's been awhile since I was in Afib, but I don't remember the pain lasting the whole time I was in Afib.
I tend to think it’s not the AF causing chest pain but our management of it.
I have recurring AF after ablation 6 months ago.
I reckon bisoprolol causing me chest pain after introducing higher dose. Cardiologist puzzled by this. I no longer tackle stairs very well….definately betablocker!
Walking before lunch no chest pain…after lunch walking …chest/jaw pain.
Digestive system, I’m sure affects AF pain.
Stress…..HUGE factor.
So many cardiologists/EPs have different ideas and hard to choose which to believe.
I suspect we take the bits that apply to us individually and decide what’s best.
This forum is great as so many people experience stuff that otherwise might be dismissed and I think a lot of your replies have been very informative.
I think the best we can do is try living our lives and overpower this AF curse. Not easy at times .
I Wish you well and hope things settle soon.
You’re right…lots of helpful replies. It’s also always reassuring to know others have similar.
I have had AF for almost 9 years and get what I refer to as chest discomfort sometimes. I thought it may be angina but EP says not. I get it sometimes whether I'm in AF or not.
I am awaiting a mitral valve repair but this discomfort appeared long before that was discovered.
I certainly didn't have it prior to AF but no one knows what the specific issue is and I have no digestive issues.
I had been feeling miserable for a month or so, but it seemed like my atrial flutter was happening constantly. Then, one night, I had all the symptoms of a heart attack - chest pain, neck pain, other symptoms I can't remember. I went to the ER and a quick blood test showed I was NOT having a heart attack - but the heart monitor showed active afib. I find it annoying that those symptoms can overlap like that because I wonder if I'd take an actual heart attack seriously or just think it must be afib.
That’s the problem isn’t it? How would we know whether it’s a heart attack.? No use me going to A and E every time I am in AF. I’d have to live there…mine is constant.
Have your physicians ruled out pericarditis?
Not been mentioned in the past…have yet to see EP or GP in relation to recent events.
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