Post HA/stenting cardio drug toleration & acid reflux issues.

[FilbertFox]

Hi, I am in my 4th week post HA/stenting and am still trying to come to terms with the whole episode having never smoked or having any heavily raised cholesterol levels in all of my 51yrs. Have had a couple of minor setbacks since the attack that had me double checked in hospital but all was ok to this point. The big problem I’m currently trying to deal with is one of having a highly sensitive stomach lining that is struggling to tolerate the new onslaught of drugs that need to be consumed and in turn is giving me returning problems with acid reflux that is painful to my gullet lining. I had previously suffered intermittently with these symptoms for over 20yrs yrs (proven as reflux via clinical testing) and have always controlled with acid inhibitor meds but since having the HA am now obviously in that anxious, uncertain frame of mind as to wether they really are the familiar reflux symptoms or possibly cardiac related. It began about 3 weeks after HA/stenting and was not linked in with any physical over exertion or stress issues so am convincing myself it’s acid reflux pain as my cardio checks have all been fine since my HA but don’t want to be fooled into missing any possible tell tale cardiac related signs so was wondering if anyone else on here has suffered with a similar scenario and if so how have you coped/dealt with it and what advice if any were you given? Any replies would be gratefully received. It’s certainly an issue I could well do without at this point.

Many Thanks

[Andie1975]

Please research a whole food plant based diet. You need to get your total cholesterol below 1.5. Heart disease/heart attacks are virtually non existent at this level. Look up Dr Esselstyn. I've followed his recommendations since my heart attack and my figures have dropped dramatically. I do think insulin resistance is definately a factor however, once your endothelial cells heal from discontinuing meat, animal produce and oil, insulin resistance will improve and reverse as the body is nourished with the right nutrition. Our body makes all the fat it needs, you don't need to eat any other than naturally occurs in unprocessed foods. I must add I am not a doctor but know more about nutrition than my own GP.

[Zena166]

Hi. Yes it’s difficult to distinguish between the two. It’s early days for you so everything is still settling and a bit scary. I presume you’re taking gastric medication omeperazole/lansoprazole/ranitidine? I’ve had hideous reactions to a number of my medication so I cannot take any gastric medication so suffer a lot and have to rely on gaviscon and eating smaller more frequently spaced meals. Sometimes I sleep propped up on pillows (or not sleep!). I think sometimes it’s easier to recognise gastric however I am of the opinion if you’re concerned then you should seek help. As you get used to your body’s response you will be able to tell the difference. I have had several visits to A&E and docs that have been false alarms. However each time I was told they were happy to see me with chest pain. Not sure if this has helped but hope it settles for you. Best wishes. Zena

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I was prescribed Omeperazole a couple of years ago as BP and cholesterol medication (values fine but precautionary as diabetic) were causing reflux. Works for me.

[controlcause]

Yes i faced this problem and got it examined twice for troponin.After stopping aspirin it was good.Now thinking to stop plavix also.Shall take up with cardiologist

[Maidenhead1]

I am also looking for answers. H/A& 4 stents 7 weeks ago& for the past 4 weeks have experienced heaviness in my chest& pain in back. I ended back in A&E & had another angiogram, as cardiologist thought one of the stents was small, but no all ok, so still know further on. This comes on with little exertion& eases when I lie down. I too have suffered with acid reflux for years, take 40 gm Emomeprozole. Have apt this week with cardiac nurse, for rehab, so thinking now maybe an endoscopy would be a good idea. I’m just so nervous with the chest tightness after the H/A.