Heart Worry

[Mouse87]

I'm 31, overweight and unfit! God I sound delightful dont I? Haha.

I have a concern over my heart. For the last few weeks or so, I have been getting out of breath at little things and a couple of nights I was waking through the night breathing heavily.

Around 3 years ago I had an Echocardiogram and it was all clear, I have also had a number of ECGs over the years and all fine, aswell as a heart monitor for 7 days.

I get a pain in my left jaw and neck...I must point out that these are not new symptoms! At least 2 years these have been happening!

I also get a strange empty feeling in my chest.

I've convinced myself that these are heart attack warning signs.

I have an appt with my GP on Thursday but I cant stop the worrying!

[Chappychap]

You've done exactly the right thing seeking medical advice from your GP.

Good luck for Thursday!

[Mouse87 in reply to Chappychap]

I should add that I recently went away for 4 days and did 10+ miles of walking per day with no ill effects! Wouldn't something heart related have made itself known then?

[Nathan53 in reply to Mouse87]

It's a tricky one mouse but some of us were quite fit and just didn't make the connection that we were having problems which could indicate coronary heart disease. I swam 3 times a week wasn't overweight and led an active lifestyle but still went on to have a heart attack last April. I had also had a normal 24 HR ECG about 6 months prior. My symptoms in the weeks before attack were excessive tiredness ache in the jaw and heartburn like symptoms and shortness of breath at times. Now please don't go worrying to excess you are probably not like me but I do think you should list your symptoms and be direct with your GP in saying what you fear and what investigations you can have. Don't hesitate to go to A&E if you have any jaw pain / chest pain / feeling short of breath or start to feel clammy and sweaty. Good luck.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Nathan53]

Hi. One thing you asked about was why walking 10 miles was OK for you when you were away.

It’s possible you started walking slowly and didn’t rush at it. I have heart problems and have learned that I don’t rush up the first hill quickly. I take time on the flat to bring my heart rate up slowly, then tackle the hills when its speeded up. I can then do a decent pace, slope and length without angina symptoms (breathless, tight chest, nausea, left neck and shoulder pain).

Of course it’s possible you were just in a better frame of mind when you were away?

I hope you sort things out.

[MissisF]

Hi Mouse. Hope you’re feeling a bit better. It’s possible that it’s anxiety, but Dr will help you find out. I had some of theses feelings & a 24 hour monitor but nothing was found. If you feel concerned about your overall lifestyle ( which maybe in your subconscious) maybe now is the time to take action. Just a few small steps can help you feel in control about your weight and fitness . I’m sure you know this, but just a little bit more walking and a few healthier choices in a regular basis will help you feel more in control and less anxious. You don’t have to go for the full on mad diet and jogging to feel healthier. Small steps. Good Luck.

[Mouse87 in reply to MissisF]

I do suffer with anxiety so it could be. I woke up feeling okay this morning but now I just feel sick. Something tells me (and I'd love to convince myself) that this may actually be stomach related as I have been burping....a lot lately and I get burning pain/indigestion/acid reflux

[Nathan53 in reply to Mouse87]

I would say keep an open mind - your symptoms could well be anxiety / stomach related but as already said some of your symptoms is the jaw ache can be angina related. Are your symptoms relieved by taking an antacid? List your symptoms and when they occur for when you see your GP - maybe allow them time to come to an initial conclusion before mentioning your fear that it's heart related. Try and stay positive you started your initial post saying you were overweight and unfit - so what - you can do something about in time with small steps as Missing says - I get the feel you got great sense of humour and a good person so that counts for so much change the things you are not happy with gradually and with help if you need it.

[Mouse87 in reply to Nathan53]

Sometimes Antacids works, sometimes not. I used to be on Omeprazole which is much stronger than your standard Rennies!

I have a feeling the jaw pain is related to teeth clenching. I put my rational mind on last night and when my jaw was in certain positions...there was the pain! Obviously I move it so subconsciously I never really knew where it came from.

Like you say, I'll just go in and list my symptoms and see what the Dr says.