Hi Everyone I'm new to the British Heart Foundation forum. I have a multitude of medical issues including PAF ,Gerd , Silent reflux and IBS. Recently the Gerd and IBS have flared up causing epigastric pain and heartburn. Had a CT Scan Thorax to pelvis (with contrast) which thankfully was all clear. Life continued as normal until a few week ago when the heartburn would not go away and I started to feel some arm pain. Thinking the worse took myself off to A&E. Normal checks showed no signs of a HA, bloods,ECG and x-ray were also clear. Discharged with a GTN spray and a possible diagnosis of Angina. Subsequently referred to the Rapid Cardiology Access Clinic for a Coronary Angiogram.
I guess it must be to check for any CAD.
Would be interested to hear of your experiences and any information regarding how long I can expect to wait for an appointment which will be the Sunderland Royal Cardiology Department.
Stay safe , Thank you
Written by
guitarman49
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I can see why you took yourself to A and E. with persistent heartburn and arm pain.....I’m assuming it was the left arm? It was v sensible to get checked for a Heart Attack.
Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic would suggest you’d be seen quickly. But times are v different aren't they?
Most people are reporting that Cardiac services are returning slowly, to normal, but with many more by-phone appointments.
Hi Kristin Thank you for your reply and words of support.
Yes it will be a waiting game given the resources available due to Covid 19. Hope it's soon rather than later.
The pain was/is mainly in the left arm and shoulder but the pain can still be there even without any chest pain or Reflux pain. Bit of a mystery. Tried the GTN spay but don't seem to make any difference. I am pretty sure there is a problem as I feel quite a 'wiped out' at times particularly after a 10 min walk . At least I have the spray in case.
I don't think it's my AF kicking in as my heart is in SR. Normally I have an AF event every couple of months but's it's been 6 months since the last one. Unusual.
Hopefully they will get to the bottom of the problem and my QOL improves.
Hiya and welcome to the forum. While you're waiting for your RCAC appointment you'll find a lot of support here - the waiting really is the hardest part even if after the appointments you're given unpleasant news - diagnosis means treatment, no more 'What's wrong with me?!'.
My wait for appointments (Rapid Access Chest Pain, then an echocardiogram, then finally an angiogram and right heart study) were three-five weeks between appointments including the initial RACP appointment. However, this was before the pandemic so your waits may be much longer despite the pandemic easing off now and most NHS trusts returning some 'normal' service.
Meanwhile, have you seen any of the BHF publications on your suspected conditions? I was suspected of having heart failure (wasn't, turned out to be my recurrent pericarditis being in an acute flare) and angina (it was - after investigations to just before the pandemic, an angiogram and right heart study disclosed 'angina with normal coronaries'. I will be investigated for microvascular angina once normal services are restored in my area). The BHF publications on heart failure and angina got me through the waiting times but what I found also quite helpful was reading and posting here on the forum.
Also helpful to many here on the forum is the BHF Heart Helpline - a telephone line to cardiac nurses who are available by telephone Monday through Friday 9am to 7pm, Bank Holidays and weekends 10am to 4pm on:
0300 330 3311
And here's a link to the BHF angina booklet - free to download and also available to order a free hard copy of:
Hi Sunnie2day Thank you for your welcome and information.
Yes it would be good to know 'What's wrong with me?!'. As you say it's coping with the wait.
I am pretty sure there is a problem as I feel quite 'wiped out' at times particularly after a brisk 10 min walk . At least I have the spray in case. The A&E Doctor did discuss with a Cardiologist before I was discharged and said possible angina and like you my gut feeling is CAD . We shall have to wait and see. Just need to stay away from Dr Google !
I don't think it's my AF kicking in as my heart is in SR. Normally I have an AF event every couple of months but's it's been 6 months since the last one. Unusual.
Hopefully you don't have to wait to long for your MVA investigation and all goes well.
Hi TRST Hope you are well and thank you for your reply.
PAF is Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. I am blessed with this since 2012 plus a 1st degree heart block.
Thanks for your input regarding reflux , You are right re chest pains The Gastro guy is 99% certain I do not have H Pylori and I have home tested twice this year , both negative. As mentioned I have IBS , the Gastro guys is saying that it is not unusual to have constant upper abdominal pain . I'm at the point of not eating so much to try and ease the pains. Guess I should make more use of the GTN Spray.
I just can not get my head around what is going on with me. I coped with the gastro side and was able to do most things then 4 weeks ago things changed .I hope in some ways the Angiogram can shed some light.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Total Coronary Occlusion
Post angiogram 
False Negative result of CT Angiogram
Angiogram
