Ongoing throat discomfort worse with exercise

[Billyjean123]

Hi everyone

I had CABG last July and one of my presenting symptoms was throat discomfort which became worse when I exercised. The problem which is really bugging me is that the discomfort is continuing. My GP put me on very strong antacids which didn’t help. I am probably in total denial but I wondered if there could be a different cause unrelated to my heart. My GP is now convinced it’s angina but I am not so sure. It is now occurring at rest. Has anyone else had similar symptoms?

Thanks

Liz

[Fortepiano]

My angina symptoms were similar before my stent - throat discomfort which got worse with exercise. I had very similar symptoms with pericarditis - you could ask your GP to check your inflammatory markers.

I assume your GP has referred you back to your cardiologist to check things out.

All the best

[Nathan53]

Hello Liz - I also regularly experience throat discomfort which seems to be worse during periods of rest and sometimes during the night. Throat discomfort and heartburn like symptoms were the main symptoms I had prior to a heart attack last April. During a recent review appointment a Cardio Registrar told me this could not be angina or Prinz metal as it would also happen on exercise which it doesn't. My thoughts now are that it could be a gastric issue, angina or variant angina such as Prinz metal angina. I am awaiting the result of another echo scan but think I will need to arrange a private consult after identifying a Cardiologist who has an interest in variant angina. I know I need to keep an open mind on this and not self diagnose but when you are clearly given incorrect info this is difficult. If I were you I think I would ask to see Cardiologist again to try and establish the source of your ongoing discomfort. Don't give up you have been through a lot with your CABG so pursue the cause.

[Billyjean123 in reply to Nathan53]

Thanks for your replies. I have seen the cardiothoracic surgeon after referring myself back in early December but still waiting for another CTAngiogram. I will continue to pursue the issue,thanks so much for your encouragement. Sometimes you feel that you are banging your head against a brick wall whilst your symptoms get worse. Also makes you feel somewhat paranoid.Really keen to get on with my life but this is holding me back.

Fingers crossed things will start to improve.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Billyjean123]

Hi Billyjean

You might find Jennifer Waller's story helpful.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Nathan53]

Hmmm......

The classic symptom of Vasospastic angina aka Coronary artery spasms/ Printzmetal/ variant angina is pain at rest typically between the hours of 12 midnight and 6am in the morning.

Bring woken in the night by chest pain is no fun !

The diagnostic test is an angiogram with acytelcholine which is only carried out in a few centres in the UK.

[Nathan53 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks again and for the 'bmj' article link. I usually have no discomfort on moderate gym exercise both strength and cardio even when I get my heart up to target zone of 110 and I am pleased about that and feel lucky. But there are times when I am relaxed and the feeling starts on lying down in bed sometimes accompanied by a few palpitations but they don't last for long and don't always occur. Because of a benign prostate enlargement I often awake to pee and after getting up immediately notice the discomfort. So I am unsure if it is the call to go to loo or the angina type pain that is waking me. My plan now is to keep a diary to have more precise evidence, get copies of my latest echo scan which I realise will probably not show much and look around for a private consult in the N East. I am prepared to travel but hope I can find someone in Newcastle-upon-Tyne area before looking further. Thanks

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Nathan53]

Perhaps consider going north to Glasgow?

There are unfortunately very few Cardiologists with any expertise in caring for patients with Microvascular and Vasospastic angina.

Good luck!

[Blue_Fisherman]

Does your GTN spray ease the symptoms?

[Kimkat]

When you say throat discomfort, what type of discomfort, pain, aching, pressure, soreness?

[Billyjean123]

I would probably describe it as an aching discomfort which can become very uncomfortable. Unfortunately the symptoms are becoming more frequent.

[onadiet]

I get tight throat esp. when laying down. I think some bp meds cause it. I am on Ibersartin. Also have Hernia and gerd. Drs just think it's anxiety all the time.

[Billyjean123 in reply to onadiet]

I think it's hard when condition's are pigeon holed if you know what I mean..mine unfortunately is definitely caused by exertion