Indigestion or heart

[Mutley20]

Hi,

I have probable Vasospastic and microvascular angina. However, for the past week I have had what feels like really bad indigestion, nausea, stomach ache, tiredness and breathlessness. Is this just likely to be indigestion and nothing to be concerned about? Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.

With many thanks,

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I would not dare hazard a guess as there is a 50% chance I would be wrong. As it is now near lunch time on a Saturday go to the nearest A&E or Urgent Care Centre now! Let us know how you get on, thank you.

[Mutley20 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your prompt reply. I now have an appointment with cardiology on Monday and hopefully it is nothing to worry about.

With thanks again,

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Mutley20]

That's good news. However, if things change go to A&E!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Mutley20

I have a confirmed diagnosis of microvascular and vasospastic angina.

My Cardiologist always recommends that I to A&E if my chest pain increases in frequency and length or something feels different.

I agree with Michael go to A &E if your symptoms become worse or you get chest pain at rest.

[Mutley20 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi,

Thank you very much, I am frightened to go to A&E because when I have in the past I have always been dismissed. It has taken me two years to get the diagnosis that I have now received which is why I travel some distance to see the cardiologist who has latterly assisted me. When I look up the symptoms things like bending down seem to make it worse which seems to be indigestion. It is only the fact that it doesn't really go away and not specifically related to eating that concerns me.

With thanks for your response.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Mutley20]

Hi Mutley20

I am sorry that you have had a bad experience in A&E. Many of us with MVA or vasospastic angina have had the same experience.

Microvascular and vasospastic angina are not well recognised and that can lead to healthcare professionals dismissing your symptoms.

When you see your Cardiologist on Monday ask them to write a very clear letter with your diagnosis and suggested management that you can take with you when you go into A&E

I hope your appointment goes well but please do go into A&E if you feel unwell.

[Mutley20 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you very much for your advice. Appointment went well and all much better. I hope you have a happy Christmas.

[goldie22]

I have had a triple bypass 4 years ago all my heart attacks were trapped wind really bad. I had the same event this week for 3 days felt awful went to a and e to be sure thank goodness it wasnt a heart attack but it's worth checking I would definitely go x

[Mutley20 in reply to goldie22]

Thank you very much for your advice.

[Carokai]

I have a similar diagnosis and sometimes have attacks where I can’t determine whether It is gastric or heart (I have had three HA’s).

When it occurs I take Gaviscon. If the pain doesn’t resolve with Gaviscon, I go to A&E.

[Mutley20 in reply to Carokai]

Thank you very much for your advice.

[Palpman]

Pain in breast bone moving to the back and then all over the chest before it moves and stays in the upper abdomen. Sweating and nausea with bad palps as well.

Turns out to be gallstones. Needed morphine for the pain that lasted 4 hours until the stones passed.

[Prada47]

Hi Mutley

Only help I can offer is that there is a Stronger Gaviscon that if it is indigestion it will shift it.

I can only add I know when I had a Heart Attack it wasn't indigestion it was almost unbearable pain. I do read about people having silent heart attacks, but most people I have spoken with knew it was something serious when it was happening. Hope that helps a little.

[Mutley20 in reply to Prada47]

Thank you very much for your advice.