Unsure

[Jimmyspadge]

Hello, I am a 56 year old male.

I don’t know if I have a heart problem or something. I have noticed over the past couple of weeks that when I go out for a walk of around 2 miles that after about half a mile I feel a large amount of fatigue/weakness in my legs and somewhat in my arms and really struggle to continue as I feel exhausted. My pulse usually is quite faint all the time and my heartbeat is not fast during this time. Prior to this I was doing 2 miles without any issues. Also, sometimes when I lie down I feel a constant vibration in my left rib cage.

On another note I have held my breath for as long as I can and when I exhale my heartbeat is not fast as I would expect. Hopefully I can find some answers from some of you.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Nobody can rely diagnose via the Internet. It would be sensible to ring 111 and let them decide on what action to take. They may send paramedics to run an ECG and other tests.

[Jimmyspadge in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your reply.

[shaunyw]

I had the fatigue symptoms you describe about a week before my heart attack, though I cant say for sure that they are connected. You have nothing to lose at all from a quick 101 call. I wish I had, it might have diagnosed the forthcoming attack and made for a much quicker recovery..

[Jimmyspadge in reply to shaunyw]

Thanks for the info. I have had this vibrating feeling in the left rib cage for about two months. It’s very odd. The fatigue after walking a short distance does worry me and I feel awful for a few hours after. Not overweight neither

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

What did 111 say Jimmyspadge ?

[Jimmyspadge in reply to MichaelJH]

I haven’t rang them. I would feel embarrassed in the current circumstances even having read what you to go through in your initial reply

[cowparsley in reply to Jimmyspadge]

Ring them,that`s what they`re there for and the public have been urged not to neglect health issues unrelated to the virus.You really do need professional advice by the sound of your symptoms.

[Rainbow619]

I think you should ring 111 if your worried. That’s what they are there for. They do keep saying on the news that they are still

Open for things like that, but then it is scary if they tell you to go to hospital at the mo.

[Jimmyspadge in reply to Rainbow619]

It’s the thought of possibly being took to hospital which would not usually bother me but with my wife and four children at home, it bothers me for various reasons especially these current circumstances

[Jimmyspadge]

I really don’t know if it’s a problem with my heart. The big concern is the feelings/symptoms I get especially after walking a short distance and my heart rate is not at all fast. I worry about the ‘ unknown ‘ protocol in hospitals.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Jimmyspadge]

Protocols have been ever tightened over time. I had an outpatient appointment last Monday and have another next Friday. There is a totally separate entrance for suspected CovID patients. Lots of separation, PPE, cleaning,, etc. The waiting area only had a few well separated chairs to enforce physical distancing. My view is you are better to attend as walking wounded than unconcious on a stretcher. Make that call now!

[Speakeazi]

Hi Jimmyspadge

I was a little younger than you and female when I discovered I had some issue with my heart and circulation. Please don’t leave it there is lots that can be done if you do have a heart problem.

As regards bring cautious about calling 111 or having to go to hospital, the NHS is there for all patients. Michael JH gives great advice as usual.

The number of heart attacks and strokes attending A&E has gone down by 50% since lockdown. Only they haven’t. Patients are arriving at hospital very late in their illnesses sometimes with devastating results.

I know of a particular Junior Dr in A&E who says they have never been so quiet! Don’t wait for “something” to happen,your body is giving you clues and is speaking loud and clear to you- listen and act!!

[Jimmyspadge in reply to Speakeazi]

Thanks for the advice

[Qualipop]

This is exactly what he papers are full of right now and what hospitals are trying to make better. Lots of people are ignoring possible heart problems through fear of going to hospital. All hospitals have kept certain areas covid free as well as areas of A&E. Must admit I did the same a few nights ago when i had awful chest pain that I would normally have had checked out ( It was stomach) but you really MUST ring 111 if you think it's a heart problem. Which is worse, a tiny chance of getting covid or a heart attack?