I am 4 weeks post stent to the mid LAD and I am having chest pains all day even at rest. I have spoken to my cardiologist who said with the flow they achieved it is unlikely cardiac related however to me it is the same as before I had my angioplasty (I didn’t have a heart attack). I know that worrying isn’t helping me but it is something bothering me everyday. I have done some research and it says it’s normal to have pain post stent but m worrying as to why it isn’t easing as the cardiologists said I should feel like new and I am yet to. I am also unsure of what to do next. I have also been started on Ranolazine to take everyday which works the same as iIsosorbide mononitrate but one cardiologist says take it whilst another says I shouldn’t need to. Am totally confused as well as a little tearful about it all as I just want to feel well like they said I would.
I would welcome any advice regarding the pain.
Thank you in advance ❤️
Written by
Tracy298
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I had a stent in my LAD last September - same as you I didn’t have a HA.
I did have pains for quite a while afterwards. They were very worrying but the pain reduced over time and I grew in confidence that the pain was just the stent settling in.
In my situation I previously couldn’t walk 200 yards without getting a sharp pain and tight chest, but these eased up straight away which gave me the confidence that my symptoms had been fixed.
Sometimes your meds will give you some pains too, especially if you are on a high dose whilst the stent is settling. I still get really bad aches and pains around the bottom of my ribs.
It’s difficult because so much has changed in a short space of time. If you remain concerned however keep going back to the experts - you know your body better than anyone else.
Ps did you get GTN spray? And if so have you used it and did it clear the pain?
Thank you Darren for your reply. I am gaining in confidence slowly and have just stayed at home for the first time in my own!!
I have done some meds research and the Ticagleror antiplatelet tablet can cause chest pains and I guess it’s down to me worrying less.
I am the type of person that sits quietly as I don’t want to worry anyone else in the family.
I am glad you are better and have noticed the benefits. I too am not as out of breath.
You are right about the change with it all and I think that’s what has been hard psychologically.
Some of my pain is around the ribs too.
Thank you I will go back if it doesn’t ease.
I got a GTN spray and have used it a few times and the pain does ease. They have now put me on a tablet called Ranolazine which is a nitro but I guess I am a little scared to be taking a tablet like this long term when they told me I wouldn’t have to.
I am glad I have joined here because when trying to help yourself and research the internet it can be scary what you come across.
Thank you again for taking the time to reply and all the best to you too.
With your doctors referral you could join local 'level 4' cardiac rehab classes. Pretty much the same as hospital but held in the community. Look online for your area or ask your GP
I had a stent following heart attack and had all sorts of weird pains and sensations. I ended up going back to the hospital a couple of times with chest pains and was told it was post stent pain. But at the time it’s difficult to distinguish between the two. So if in doubt seek help. They also did a scan post stent to check flow which was fine. I guess I was anxious as well (still am at times). It does settle but sometimes it’s about getting to understand how your body is adjusting. Shame about the rehab but there maybe a BHF group in your area that offers support and they have a list on their website. Your local area may have a health and well-being service attached to your local council which may offer lifestyle support. Run by council but offered through the gym. If you need to talk through your worries then your GP can offer counselling. I found it a great help. Or you can self refer to talking therapies. Do take care and hope you continue to gain your confidence. Best wishes Zena
I totally agree with you and it’s the distinguishing that’s the hard part. I will definitely have a look around as from reading many posts people say how valuable it has been in reassuring them that everything is ok and that you can return to a normal life. I also think I need to talk to someone because I go Ito a world of my own when something is not right and that’s hard for my family as I am normally the positive one full of energy!!
Thank you for your response and I am glad I have joined as it’s easier to talk to people who have gone through the same thing. The internet can be a very scary place!!
I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing these symptoms. As you’ve said, the stent will usually improve the symptoms of angina, but there may be narrowings in other arteries too. These might not be severe enough to require another stent, so you may still have angina symptoms – this is why working with your doctor to get your medication right is so important.
It is also possible that you are experiencing discomfort because the stent is taking time to settle. This is quite normal, but make an appointment to see your GP and check if they want to review your medications. The tablets you take every day should keep most of your symptoms under control, but for any flare-ups you may want to use a GTN spray under your tongue. Always remember that if resting and using your spray during an angina attack hasn’t worked, call for an ambulance.
I hope this has been of some help. To chat to a cardiac nurse, please call the Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 (calls are a similar cost to 01 or 02 numbers). The Heart Helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Thank you for your reply. I have started taking Ranolazine 375mg tonight in the hope that this may settle the symptoms and have a GP review next week. If things don’t settle I will go back to hospital to get it all checked.
Some of it could be still my body getting used to the different medications I suppose.
Thank you again for your advice and it’s good to know there is so much support here as I feel lonely with all of this.
Tracy four weeks post stent and HA, still waiting for my doctors appointment and rehab meeting but have phoned a couple of help lines. Like you I have had minor pains but normally when sitting down, so not through strain. I think most of mine is anxiety and stress and worry but I have convinced myself it will get better and that does help. All the best and I hope things get better
Thank you Steve for your reply. I think mine is anxiety and stress too but like now I have had chest pains all day at rest but trying to keep calm. My cardiologist say it’s. It the heart but I guess I know it shouldn’t be but there is still a risk of HA after etc so that’s why I am worrying. Hope you feel better soon and all the best to you.
Thank you again it’s food to talk to people who understand 😊
Hello. I had a heart attack and stent 12 weeks ago. I still get twinges and the odd palpitation. I am suffering with terrible anxiety and want to feel well again.
You are not alone. I am being medicated for anxiety
Harekatie, With me I am not sure whether it is Body or Mind, I had a stent fitted 2 months ago, at the time they also found out I had Hiatus Hernia, I suffer with trapped wind caused by the medication (not Acid Reflux)which causes pain in the chest, It was so bad that I went to A&E, they kept me in and checked everything they said it was not Cardiac related, I now take Lansoprazole to ease the wind but at times when I am relaxing my mind wanders and at each little twinge I still think it could be my heart. But by reading other individuals posts on here puts my mind at rest.
I’m 47 years old, 5 weeks post HA and stents. The first four weeks I had chest pains about 50 percent of the time, and feared all the time that I was about to suffer another HA. I have health anxiety which probably wasn’t helping as I was extremely focused on every little sensation, and turned each one into a big deal. After the fourth week I just woke up one day and didn’t have any more chest pain or fear. That was 3 days ago. I’ve felt like a new person since, and I’m hoping it continues. I think with time you will feel much better. It was a very tough mental struggle for me while in the midst of it. I thought I would never get better and that was terrifying. I had to constantly remind myself the improvements I’d made since first coming home from the hospital. That helped a little bit. I thought recovery would be quick and simple. It isn’t. Focus on the good things and the little things that get a little better each day.
I know how your feeling had an episode about 40 minutes ago I’m thinking should I go to A&E but last time about 3 weeks ago ECG was normal and bloods were fine it’s very worrying I know I’m waiting a call next week from the doctor to be referred back to the Cardiologist if you’re worried though I would go to A&E and get it checked out their very good and you will be seen very quickly stay strong 💪
Hi TracyI'm in the same situation and was getting little help or answers from the cardio nurses or G.P. I stumbled across an American Website called Heart Sisters which was eye opening! It seems it is a fairly common occurence post stenting ( up to 40% ) which put my mind at ease. You can post questions there which are promptly answered and read stories of those who have also experienced this. It might help you.
I am only 1 week post stents plus Rotablation and have to admit I wasn't ready for how painful this would be. I have had a bypass and recovery from that didn't seem this bad. However I do know the pain is different, I hate it when they ask what kind of pain I am feeling as how do you describe pain, that said I do recognise angina pain now.The pain I am currently feeling I would describe the pain as 'stitch like', I was told that is quite normal. I feel quite confident that I just need to heal I just wonder, how long.
I am the same, I had severe stenosis mid LAD and no MI/HA.
I also had chest pain for quite some time after having the stent, including one episode that GTN didn’t help with elevated Troponin T (indicates heart muscle damage), 3 days in MAU and another angiogram.
While these are only hypothesised, I think the combination is likely:
- stretch pain from the stent
- the tiny vessels that can’t be seen on an angiogram that get blocked off from the stent die off and cause chest pain and elevated troponin
-long term stenosis May result in cardiac stunning and/or hibernating myocardium (heart muscle). Waking up the heart muscle might hurt a bit
In my case, I also have left sided subacromial pain/rotator cuff issues that gives me deferred pain to the chest, just to confuse things.
My cardiac nurse told me that paracetamol will relieve any musculoskeletal pain around the chest, but it won’t work on heart pain.
It is difficult to tell sometimes. It has taken me ages to not sleep with my GTN spray basically in my hand.
I am now 4 months on and it is getting better.
I think one of the issues is the BHF says that with an elective stent, recovery is one week. It took me about two months!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
How should one feel post stent (after 6 weeks)
coq10 use for statin muscle pain
Experience when having a stent fitted 
Post Stent blockage ?
Stent 3 weeks since it has been done still pain in my chest
