Minor heart disease confused

[Benji62]

I've been diagnosed with minor heart disease, I've been given aspirin, statins and beta blockers also a spray for pain, my problem is I also have anxiety which causes chest pain which mimics heart attack how am I supposed to know which is which pain I'm getting all worked up about it and its making my anxiety worse, anyone in same position

[Prada47]

Hi Benji

Can't really answer your question, but when I had a heart Attack the pain was very severe, and I didn't mistake it for angina or anything else.

Regards

[Henry20]

Hi Benji

I wish I had an answer or advise that might help. However, your post echoes the way I feel sometimes. I had 2 stents fitted last summer and have tried to follow all advise given, yet I keep getting pains, irregularly, in chest and throat - not particularly severe. I've been checked over by GP who concluded that they are all manifestations of an on-going cold I seem to have. And yes, I realise I do get anxious now.

I hope that just knowing you aren't alone may help a little.

Good luck and keep posting

Henry

[dunestar]

Sorry Benji62 I don't have a direct answer to your question as I don't get chest pain. But I have been struggling with anxiety just recently. I do recognise what you're feeling about anxiety feeding back into your heart condition and vice versa. I'm trying to keep anxiety at bay or at least under control with breathing exercises and I've bought a couple of books on mindfulness. I think the psychological impact of having a heart condition is underestimated.

[Copsem]

Hang in there ! Firstly anything to do with the heart is not “minor “! The shock of diagnosis takes time to process so be kind to yourself and don’t think you should have the anxiety “sorted” quickly. It will take time and management and learning what your triggers are . I used to get anxious when I couldn’t sleep for worry but now I just go “ oh ok I am awake ... let’s read a book.... and not beat myself up . Hope this helps x

[Qualipop]

Anxiety is normal. There's no way to know except keep pestering your doctor. If the angina spray does't help then you know it's not that.

[Hidden]

Joking apart: - the advice is all good however everyone is different. Had you spoken with a 111 operator and given them the details you have laid out here, you would have been in hospital within the hour. If you do not feel confident or are concerned in any way RING 999 - you only get one go at this, and it's best to be 100% sure so if in doubt ring 999 no one will be angry and whatever happens they will get to the bottom of it.