Angina?

[Jimgemlill1]

On the evening of the 26th January I experienced a tight, perhaps sharp, pain in the middle of my chest. I became short of breath and started to feel dizzy and confused. It lasted for almost a minute.

Once the chest pain subsided, I started to feel an aching pain in my left arm pit, inner elbow and a numbness in my left thumb. Also, pins and needles in my left ear and jaw. The following day my left shoulder and neck ached along with continued ache in my left armpit, elbow and hand with minor twinges in my groin area.

After the initial episode, I rested for 30 minutes or so and then rang NHS direct on 111. They advised that I visit A and E to get checked. By the time I arrived at AandE I felt very tired, short of breath and also quite foggy. I had blood taken, an ecg and x-ray taken. The results showed I hadn't had a heard attack and that I had no blood clot etc. The doctor at AandE suggested I visit my GP for further investigation.

Yesterday, 28th January, I visited my GP. He took my blood pressure, had a listen to me breathe and sent me on my way assuring me that the episode is nothing to worry about "it will resolve itself"

However, I am worried. Should I have expected more investigation? Although one shouldn't Google symptoms, my symptoms cover many symptoms of angina. I have some family history of heart problems but not a huge amount. I'm in fair shape for 36 years of age. Diet isn't brilliant but not shocking. Don't drink or smoke.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I am a little concerned that I haven't had any answer, if it were to be assessed as a panic attack I'd feel better than "it will resolve itself."

James

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Jimgemlill1

Welcome to the forum.

The BHF has this information about angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

If you are still feeling anxious perhaps ring the BHF helpline and speak to one of the Cardiac nurses they are really knowledgeable.

0300 330 3322

I hope you feel more at ease soon

[4Stents4me]

Your ecg results would have shown if there was a problem with you heart function so I’m assuming there were no problems there. You need to see what the blood results show - look out for high cholesterol and triglycerides

[Wooodsie]

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with angina. I have had an exray and a scan same as you. I have also had an ultrasound. The ultrasound seems to be the telling test, from that they diagnosed that the artery leading to my left ventricle is blocked in 2 places. Still waiting to hear when an invasive angiogram will be done, they are so slow, I started this rollercoaster in September last year.

So, the only thing I can suggest is to ask your dr to send you for an ultrasound, if nothing else, tell him/her it will help with your anxiety.

Good luck

[Sunnie2day in reply to Wooodsie]

When you write 'ultrasound' do you mean 'echocardiogram'?

[MartinOG]

Had stable angina symptoms and was sent for an ECG which didn't indicate anything but the stress test i.e. on a treadmill for 9 mins indicated a problem on the left side of my heart so was sent for a discussion with a consultant and then on for an angiogram and stents.

I would call the BHF helpline but look for a second opinion, don't let it go.

[Jimgemlill1]

Cheers everyone.

I'm currently looking out for a shingles rash... I think my symptoms have gone on too long? I have the aches for about 3 days, wpuld they have subsided sooner?

[PhilGM]

I am much older than you but had similar recurring symptoms. Had numerous ECG’s stress echo tests, troponin bloods which were all negative. In the end it was suggested that I just got stressed causing the symptoms! Things got worse and I persisted, eventually had an angiogram which showed 3 badly blocked arteries, one of which could not even be bypassed, the other two too bad to be stented, Had bypass three years ago. Moral is if any reoccurrence don’t be fobbed off, that said you are very young to have a problem! Let us know how you get on!