Angina?

[schweir]

Hi

I am 20 and have the following symptoms, which began in August 2017 and developed until September 2017:

- Very mild chest discomfort when exercising

- Head pressure when exercising (occasionally at rest)

- Legs feel weaker than usual when walking / running (intermittently)

- Right upper arm feels tight when walking (intermittently)

- Slightly more difficult to breathe (i.e 10%) - this is permanent - at rest and when exercising

- Tight neck (intermittent at rest and exercising)

- Hands will randomly go hot and cold (even when inside)

Over the last couple of weeks I have developed lightheadedness when walking and my face has also become "stiff" and feels sightly numb - this is concerning me greatly. This is almost prohibiting me from running.

I have had the following tests, each of which has come back normal:

- Electrocardiogram

- Exercise Electrocardiogram

- Echocardiogram

- 24hr Blood Pressure Monitor

The cardiology department have said conclusively that there is nothing wrong with my heart, but I still strongly suspect there is, is there a possibility this could be Angina or heart related? What should my next steps be? I have had a reasonable amount of junk food over the years, but I run frequently (50km+ per week) and am a healthy weight. Sorry for the long post, this condition is getting frustruating as it is starting to impact my university work.

Thanks in advance.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Sorry you say you are 22 but a year ago you said you were 19!

You could ask for a 7 day monitor but I wonder if they would find anything.

Are you warming up and cooling down when running?

[schweir in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for the response. Yes I am warming up etc... properly; most of these symptoms occur while walking too. Ah I am 20! I just mistyped!

[jimmyq]

Wow! Do you have any follow-up actions scheduled?

[schweir in reply to jimmyq]

Thanks for the response. No not at the moment, I went to the doctors on Friday due to the lightheadedness and explained the rest of the symptoms and tests I have done, and he basically fobbed me off saying that my symptoms do not concern him and I should try Yoga. I am just really unsure what to do now.

[pinnelli]

Sorry to hear that, but it looks like a comprehensive set of tests, other than an actual angiogram. As the other response do you have a follow up?

[schweir in reply to pinnelli]

Thanks for the response. No not at the moment, I went to the doctors on Friday due to the lightheadedness and explained the rest of the symptoms and tests I have done, and he basically fobbed me off saying that my symptoms do not concern him and I should try Yoga. I am just really unsure what to do now.

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi schweir,

I'm sorry you've been experiencing these symptoms, but am relieved that the doctors have ruled out cardiac causes. As a mum of a ( very nearly) 19 year old as well as having been a cardiac nurse for many years,you mentioning the symptoms which are impacting on your uni work rings a few bells with me!

If they coincided with perhaps leaving home,starting uni etc,anxiety can manifest itself in many mysterious ways, so don't be worried about seeing if there is any kind of counselling/support available at the campus- it's exactly why they're there, and you certainly won't be the first or last person to seek it.

It is so important that you keep yourself fit and healthy from that side of things too, so it is good that your diet isn't so junk filled now, especially as sugar rushes and carb fixes do nothing for digestion or overall health! Yoga helps you focus on your breathing as well as working wonders for flexibility,so it might be worth giving it a go! Also try some relaxation exercises- there is so much around,and it's so important while you are having to study so hard!

I hope I've helped.

Take Care,

Philippa