Ache across chest: Hi everyone, this is... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

50,164 members31,662 posts

Ache across chest

achingarm profile image
11 Replies

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I had a cardiac stent done 4 weeks ago, I repeatedly return to A&E as I have pains across top of my chest and on the top part of my upper right arm. Bloods & ECG all checked and normal Tropinin 7, they say it's muscular skeletal! Is this possible I'm frightened about going out on my own.

Anyone else had these pains, never had them when I went into hospital?

Written by
achingarm profile image
achingarm
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
11 Replies
Hatchjd profile image
Hatchjd

I had 2 stents in July. Had a repeat cardiac stress test at 4 weeks out due to burning chest pain. It was negative, EKG normal. I had no chest pain prior to the stents!!

Now 6 months out and still get fleeting pains in my chest and arms and jaw almost daily but notice it more when at rest, no problems when active or exercising.

Are you scheduled for cardiac rehab? This helps a lot with regaining confidence getting back to normal activities. My class had a physical therapist and a cardiac nurse, both who were who were a great source of reassurance and information.

achingarm profile image
achingarm in reply to Hatchjd

Going to see cardiologist this week, mostly to ask about the pain. Really getting me down now. I’m also going to see a physio to see if they can do anything. I’ve not got an appointment yet to see cardiac nurse but will chase this next week. Really frightened to do much as the movement of the arms seems to make it worse e.g.dusting!!

KatyB07 profile image
KatyB07

I had small heart attack & stent fitted 4weeks ago. Had several different problems first my arm, then been back to A&E twice once with palpitations & chest pain & again with neck & collar bone/shoulder pain. Suffering now with aches/pains in back & shoulder blades. Know how you feel becoming paranoid about every twinge or pain, suffering anxiety, do not like being on my own, anxious about going out & struggle to go to sleep. Self referred to healthy minds who are ringing me on Monday. Going to change my GP as mine useless. Having heart monitor this month & my cardiac rehab starts Feb (did tell the cardiac nurse felt abandoned but they said ring anytime). But when I mention anything use your spray if it doesn’t go dial 999. Hoping things settle & improve soon as well as for you.

achingarm profile image
achingarm in reply to KatyB07

Hi I know how you’re feeling. Never had anything like this before. Yes seems to be the answer ‘use your spray’

Tonight I’ve sat down and now have a pain on lhs of my stomach, had this on & off. Oh my god what is this!! Also now have a pain in my calf on left leg. Woke up with this this morning but seemed to have disappeared, back again!!

I’m really hating all these pains, getting me down.

KatyB07 profile image
KatyB07 in reply to achingarm

Yes me too. Don’t like keep using the spray (3 times so far)or going to A&E. Going to keep a diary now what time I take my tablets what I eat & do & try & see if anything triggers them as not sure if it’s the medications or me. Had stomach problems & wind but drinking hot water or peppermint tea really helped. Every day is different & somtines unsure what best to do. Hope your pains ease soon.

achingarm profile image
achingarm in reply to KatyB07

I’ve started a diary with what I eat, and what my blood pressure is throughout the day. Meds I take within an hour of normal time. I only drink hot water 99% of the day, today I had a camomile tea but seemed fine with that. I also drink ginger tea. This stomach pain is right lhs of stomach near to hips. Strange thing. Yes everyday is different for me too, so annoying can’t really plan anything. I’ve had a paracetamol and now got wheat cushion over my chest to see if that helps. Just wish I knew what’s going on with my body. Look after yourself

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam in reply to achingarm

Have you changed any medication since your stent? I have had burning pains since starting on bp meds ramipril and amlodipine...nothing before and no stents. All blood tests are clear but having a ct angiogram in February.The cardiologist says it is musculoskeletal but I think it's one of the meds.I get pains in the chest, arm and abdomen but not nearly as frequently or intense as it was.In fact, barely there now but took time to get a cardiology appointment.

achingarm profile image
achingarm in reply to lettingoffsteam

Hi yes I was put on clopidogrel, Amlodipine and Isosorbide Mononitrate (ISMO). I’ve had to come off the ISMO & Amlodipine as my body could not take them. I’m due to see the cardiologist this week so I’ll wait to hear the options I will have. I had the pains you had, sure it was the Amlodipine. Wishing you good health for 2020 x

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam in reply to achingarm

That's really interesting achingarm.Thing is I was put on ramipril and amlodipine at the same time as my bp was really high when I was diagnosed so I've never been able to tell which one was the culprit.Doctors have tried to blame it on anxiety but I've always been on the anxious side but I've never had burning pain before.Anyway it has eased off a lot now and I'm finally under a cardiologist to get everything checked out.I hope all goes well and you get some answers plus some good health for 2020.Please keep me posted.😀

Kimberly07 profile image
Kimberly07

Hi achingarm, your early days yet I had 100 % blockage and had sent fitted. I was the same as you chest pain and my arm, kept thinking I was sure going to have another HA. I was scared to go out lost all confidence and at night as I live alone I was always on the phone to 111 they were always very helpful and got me through many a night. But I can honestly say after just over a yr now those fears have gone the pains have gone and I’m feeling really healthy at long last. It used to be on my mind day in day out but I don’t hardly think about it now It’s been a scary ride I was constantly thinking about it they have only just got my blood pressure under control. It’s taken all that time and many changes of medication till they got it right and for all those pains to go away. It does get better in time and I wish you well. X

achingarm profile image
achingarm in reply to Kimberly07

Thank you for your kind reassurance. Yes the pains across the chest has really concerned me. Everyone has told me it’s muscular skeletal, but until you feel them it’s so easy to say this. It is something that’s always on my mind too. Your reassurance has helped me tremendously, thank you. My blood pressure is under control thank fully. So pleased to know I have to be patient in my recovery. Thank you once again x

You may also like...

Lifelong chest aches & pains?

still get a considerable amount of chest discomfort. Aches, pains, numbness and tightness. Nothing...

Heart attack and aching chest

Had a heart attack in February this year and have had 2 stents. Is it normal that when I talk a lot...

Chest pain/aches

I experienced a very sharp stabbing pain in the left of my chest so I sat up in shock and it when...

Constant dull ache on left side of chest... will glycerin spray help?

post here. I had bypass surgery (x5) a few years back and have had regular pain in my chest since....

Aches in chest after heart attack

experiencing aches in my chest, not painful but wondering if this is normal? Haven't used my gn...