Feeling Lost

[Stucoo]

Hi,

Over the past few years I have suffered from periods of time where I have had chest pains that have resulted in trips to A&E, where I have had ECGs, blood tests and chest X-Rays. They implied it was stress/anxiety. I have also seen my GP many times and had 2 echo cardio grams and last year I had cardiac MRI. I was diagnosed with persistent AF in 2016 and had an ablation in 2017. I also have some thickening of the heart wall. I have had a 24 hour tape that identified ectopic beats that I get runs of. The doctor wasn’t concerned by this.

What concerns me is that I still get intermittent chest pains/ discomfort (shooting, pinching or a dull ache) that I also feel in my back at times, with the last GP I saw saying he thought it was gastric in nature. The ache can move around at times as we’ll , comes and goes and can be worse after alcohol but not always. I can’t find find pattern. As I have a MRI would this have found any issues with arteries? The letter I saw from the consultant said it discounted ischaemia. I have just turned 50, BMI 27 ( over weight) but do lots of walking with my dog. I’m concerned that there is something wrong that has not been picked up.

I was A&E again a few weeks ago and it was an awful experience and I can’t keep going back there with each event.

I only drink decaf coffee or tea, no coke and in general only drink some wine at the weekend. I am not currently on any heart medication.

Any thoughts

Thanks

Stuart

[Hidden]

Stuart,

Was hoping that someone with knowledge/experience of AF and ectopic heart beats would have responded . It must be their night off 😉.

Does the ache/pains come on when resting or when you are active. It may be an idea to keep a food and activity log, also recording when you get the symptoms too. This may then show a pattern and help you and the GP to better diagnose what is the going on.

Hope you get answers soon.

[Stucoo in reply to Hidden]

Hi, the ache/pains can come on at anytime (sitting in a chair at work) or walking. Not always though. That's why I struggle to find a pattern to it. The doctor has put me on a PPI has he thinks its gastric.

[StevenMo]

Hi Stuart, You just described my own life for the last year. I had HA last May and since then have the same issues that you do. Last trip to A&E was four weeks ago but nothing found (have had stress test, x-rays, ECG's, blood, ect). Got sent away last time with stomach tablets. I started keeping a diary to log it all. I now start to think my issue is work stress related but not sure. Hope you get to the bottom of it

[Stucoo in reply to StevenMo]

Hi Steven, I 've come to conclusion that stress certainly does pay a part in it. Hope you get the bottom of your issue as well

[Nicky3]

Hi Stuart,

It might not be what you have but look up Coronary Artery Spasms and Microvascular Angina. It's a difficult one to diagnose as comes and goes and unless seen on an ECG just at that moment doesn't show. You can have normal coronary arteries etc.

I am short on time but thought I would do a quick post good luck.

Nicky

[MissP77]

I get these too.... no pattern..... GP and cardiologist not concerned and neither think it’s heart related ( even though it started when I was diagnosed with MVR).

I’m looking into silent reflux at the mo. Will let you know if I find anything.

[Stucoo in reply to MissP77]

Thanks. I've never heard of silent reflux

[MissP77 in reply to Stucoo]

It was actually a post on here that alerted me to it!

[mistymolly]

Keep going back and bring someone with you. You know your own body. I eventually got diagnosed with a myocardial bridge which is a nightmare. Best of luck. Your condition is giving you anxiety, because you feel unwell which is only natural. Anyone feeling constantly unwell with no answers would have anxiety. Stay strong

[MissP77]

I was put on medication when I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Regurgitation so I no longer suffer with palpations, ectopic heart beats or heart flutter.

To be honest, I’m not sure if I’m more tired now than before the diagnosis.

When I mentioned patten, there is nothing I have noticed that triggers the pains. I do not get them at a regular time.

[MissP77]

Gosh, I don’t I’m afraid. It someone else may. Good luck

[unluckyto]

Well sorta same now my ejection fraction 4% lol so chase them as they won’t chase you mate

[Nicky3]

Hi Quazim,

Sorry I have been very away and busy, I don't know how to help you really. It's not easy to get a diagnosis here in the UK if it is not straight forward. Treatment is medication plus what might work for me might not help you. I have had a heart attack from spasms of the arteries but also have MVD. Not everyone has both and I have a Myocardial Bridge too. I would push to try to get more tests but to to hospital when you are at your worst as it may show ischaemia on the ecg.

There are alot of posts on here under Coronary Artery Spasm, Microvascular Angina, Prinzmetal and Cardiac Syndrome X. These posts may give you more information that you are looking for. There are countries such as Japan I think that seem to publish more and it is more prevalent.

Good luck

Nicky