Undiagnosed chest and head pain and hypertension.

[Melbyb76]

Hi

I’m new here and in need of some help. Sorry in advance for the long message too.

I have undiagnosed chest pain. It’s now at the point that I’m struggling to sleep at all. My blood pressure has also increased significantly in the last 6 weeks, and I have no idea why. I’ve also been experiencing a pulse like pain in the temporal aorta along my hairline. It is not a typical headache, my temples do feel like they’re in a vice (and this has not gone away in the last 2-3 weeks) but the blood vessel throbs with my pulse and causes very little pain.

In February I was seen by A&E. I thought I’d had a heart attack. What I’d experienced was a decompression on the left hand side of my chest. It was sitting on a balloon and it suddenly deflating. I was rushed to hospital and told it was possibly an arrhythmia caused by medication I’d just been put on (methylphenidate and Mirtazapine). I was told to come off medication until my heart had been checked by cardiology. Due to lockdown I’m still waiting for this to happen.

This week I’ve had paramedics out to me because of high blood pressure, throbbing head. My bp was 181/114. They did an ecg which came back borderline. My bp had come down to 162/104 by the time the paramedics got to me, and had gone down to 148/89 by the time they had left. The following day I had to call 111 for a similar incident and they advised me to go to A&E, who said my bp was variable but couldn’t find anything despite the pain I was in.

My concern is that cerebral brain haemorrhages run in my dads side of the family. My dad, his father and his sister all died the same way. My father had a significant increase in chest pain and blood pressure before the cerebral haemorrhage event which killed him. He was 56.

My Gp seems to think this is all in my head and that it’s down to depression/anxiety, despite also having kidney pain for the last year and them finding blood when they have tested my urine several times over the last 6 months. I also have swelling in both ankles continuously, and on my left leg the swelling continues up my thigh.

My GP now believes this is fibromyalgia, even though I haven’t been physically examined for fibromyalgia, and is prescribing nerve blocking medication as well as amitriptyline, and morphine.

I’m scared that taking these will mask whatever’s really going on and I’ll follow my fathers footsteps. I’m a single parent with very little family support, I need to be around for my kids.

Could this be a heart problem that hasn’t yet been picked up, or temporal arteritis? My Gp keeps telling me my bloods are fine - there’s nothing wrong!

I’d really appreciate any light you can shed on this.

Thanks.

[Celtic]

May I ask how old you are, Melbyb76 - temporal arteritis is quite rare in younger people? With your family history, if your GP won’t further investigate to reassure you on that front, if it were me I would be asking to see another GP in the practice.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic. I turned 44 this week. Unfortunately I have now spoken to every Gp at my practice and I’m getting the same response from all of them. I have a history of anxiety and depression and so they are convinced there is nothing wrong.

[Celtic in reply to Melbyb76]

And they may well be right that there is nothing wrong but they are general practitioners not specialists and could perhaps put some pressure on cardiology re your awaited appointment.

Meanwhile, as you’ve mentioned your history of anxiety, have you ever tried any form of relaxation? Anxiety in all its forms can have a devastating effect on us, both physically and mentally. Yoga, Tai Chi and Mindfulness are among many excellent forms of relaxation.. Perhaps there is a suitable class in your area?

Lots of good luck wishes for a good outcome.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic. I was doing yoga at home, until the chest pain kicked in so much that doing most of my normal activities became impossible to do. I’ve just gone for a 10 minute walk with my son, which I thought might help, but once again I had to stop because the chest pain worsened and the palpitations began.

[Celtic in reply to Melbyb76]

Gosh, if it were me experiencing that, I would be hot-footing it to A&E.

What is your breathing like - are you shallow breathing perhaps? Have you tried slow deep breathing when this happens? When I experienced some palpitation problems some years ago, especially during the night, I would take a big gulp of very cold water. Might sound strange but it worked. But I didn't have chest pain - that would have seen me seeking immediate help.

Do either go back to your GP, or to A&E or even call the paramedics if you are mid-chest pain and demand further investigation - it's your body and they are being paid to look after you. And if you can't see anyone else at the surgery, then at least ask for the Practice Manager.

Having said all this, please remember we are not medics on here - we cannot diagnose but only offer help from our own experience. Even then, we are all different and whatever symptoms one person might present with, that could be totally different for another.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic. I’m so sorry, I saw Kirsty’s answer before yours so I partly replied to this question there. I’ll reply here too, i’m finding it hard to navigate this site on my phone!

When I’m breathless my breathing is shallow, but I find it difficult to breathe more deeply due to the pain. The more deeply I breathe, the more pain I’m in.

I’ve just spoken to my pharmacist who believes my drs have got it wrong and that it’s not fibromyalgia- although he wouldn’t say what he thought it was, but seemed to ask pertinent questions and was surprised when I told him what my bp is that I’m not on meds for hypertension.

Last night I took just 1 aspirin tablet around 11.30 last night and most of my chest pain disappeared and I was able to get a full night’s sleep. I haven’t been able to sleep in over a week - max 2-4 hours a night.

I can’t aspirin every day because I have gout and asthma which would likely trigger flare ups and further problems with my kidneys. My point is that if it’s not a heart problem, why did only 1 aspirin alleviate most of the symptoms when ibuprofen and paracetamol have been doing nothing for me?

[Melbyb76]

Also, I should mention that the ecg performed by paramedics on Monday, states RSR(QR) in V1/V2 consistent with right ventricular conduction delay?

[KirstyDC300 in reply to Melbyb76]

How are you today? Could you describe your chest pain?

[KirstyDC300 in reply to KirstyDC300]

I agree with Celtic re going to A&E. Three times I was sent home with ‘could be a trapped nerve/indigestion/tight bra strap’. Turns out my artery was nearly completely blocked. I overheard the cardiologist say ‘they sent her home with a horrible ecg’. Why he could see that and the other doctors couldn’t I don’t know but I’m now encouraging everyone to be persistent!

[Celtic in reply to KirstyDC300]

A case of ‘Once bitten, twice shy’ Kirstie! Same here. I once had 3 different appointments over3 weeks with the same number of different GPs, presenting with agonising head pain, vomiting and a stone weight loss. (This followed a year when I had spent months in bed in agony under a useless rheumatologist). Got sent away from surgery on each occasion with anti-sickness pills, anti-allergy meds etc. A wonderful pharmacist hinted at a vascular condition so back to 4th GP with suggested diagnosis and came home with massive dose of steroids, having learned that I was at immediate risk of permanent and irrecoverable blindness. It just proves the need to be our own advocates. But thank Heavens for the good ones like your on-the-ball cardiologist and my wonderful pharmacist.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Celtic]

Celtic, that’s awful.Its brilliant that you ended up with a cardiologist who was on the ball!

I have been having problems with my vision. Because my bloods keep coming back ok they have told me it’s something I need to see my optician about. But it appears to be related to my symptoms.

In the last few weeks I’ve had blurry and almost double vision especially at night, but now during the day too. I’ve also had these troubling flashing lights that I can see from the corner of my left eye every so often.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Celtic]

Celtic, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but by any chance did the stone in weight loss follow on from a loss of appetite?

[Melbyb76 in reply to KirstyDC300]

Kirsty that’s awful. I’ve also been told it’s acid reflux/indigestion. Only problem is the medication they prescribed for that didn’t work and made me worse!

So glad they managed to find out what was wrong in time!

[Melbyb76 in reply to KirstyDC300]

Thanks Kirsty. My GP is so sure this is fibromyalgia and yesterday prescribed Amitriptyline which low and behold lists high blood pressure and chest pains as side effects. Last night my bp was 183/114. I don’t want it to get higher!

I went for a little walk with my son yesterday afternoon. Granted I haven’t been doing any exercise for the last 3 weeks because I have been feeling so poorly. However, before I got 5 mins into the walk I had to stop twice. I had palpitations, racing heart, sweating (although I was less bothered by this because it was extremely hot) and chest pains. I had to return home. I felt faint and dizzy. The pains continued until the evening.

I got home and called BHF and spoke to a nurse. She said that medical professionals are trained not to read the comments made by the ecg machine, and to make their own clinical judgement themselves, and that perhaps I should try the meds for fibro until I’m seen by cardiology.

Last night I was so scared I thought I’d take matters into my own hands. I’m not allowed to take aspirin because I have gout. I took just 1 tablet around 11.30 last night and most of my chest pain disappeared and I was able to get a full night’s sleep. I can’t do that every day because gout flare ups will trigger further problems with my kidneys.

My point is that if it’s not a heart problem, why did only 1 aspirin alleviate most of the symptoms when ibuprofen and paracetamol have been doing nothing for me? x

[KirstyDC300 in reply to Melbyb76]

If you have any symptoms today, please call 111 xx

[Melbyb76 in reply to KirstyDC300]

Thanks Kirsty, I will.

[isobelhannah18]

I agree about going to A. and E. Also perhaps another G.P. appointment but take someone trusted with you and get what you want to say clear in your mind. Don't be rude but stay firm about G.P. pushing for an early cardiology appointment. I had C.B.T. on the N.H.S. for anxiety after my H.A. attack. I self referred through Minds Matter so go online and see if you have something similar in your area. Good luck.

[Melbyb76 in reply to isobelhannah18]

Thanks Isobel. I’ll bear that in mind. Unfortunately right now my Gp is still only doing telephone consultations, making that difficult. If I’m still not getting anywhere next week I’ll try that if they’re open for face to face appointments again.

[DaveGL]

Hi, I cannot comment specifically on your condition, but I can make some general observations based on my own experience. GP’s are usually very caring and knowledgable people with very good intent. I think those of us with anxiety and depression have a problem when suffering other health conditions because the professionals, when they cannot easily or directly prove any other cause, tend to revert to the depression as a catch-all diagnosis. It is very annoying in the respect that you as an individual have to work harder to get treatment that helps you.

(I had an angiogram this week which did not show the traditional constriction so I think I’m classed as the ‘worried well’ and have been referred back to the GP and back into the slow and interminable system) - I still have chest pain symptoms which I am not imagining and I truly believe I am not ‘creating’ myself out of thin air and despite the depression which hits me every so often and makes me suicidal, in reality I don’t want to die just yet however it might relieve me of the inner demons!

You are dealing with the belief structures of very nice and well-meaning highly intelligent, well-trained and knowledgable people who will be doing their best for you, but who, sometimes, are not actually right. Depression and anxiety is not understood very well by the medical profession in my experience and the easy fall back position of ‘it’s the depression’ can be true, but also not true.

I suggest a patient return to the GP and continue seeking investigation. GP’s hate Google, but I suggest you have to help yourself in these situations and research possibilities. When you do so, be honest with yourself and be critical of your own arguments. Acknowledge that there can be some truth in your depression affecting you adversely and separate those aspects from the clearer symptoms you are experiencing. Acknowledge possibilities with the GP and present your more certain symptoms with evidence of your research.

Not sure if this is any help but hope so.

[Melbyb76 in reply to DaveGL]

Thanks Dave. That’s really reassuring. The truth is because I have suffered mental health problems in the past they are as you say reverting to it being that.

I had been maintaining a good diet, exercise at home and felt good for the first time since February. I seem to have been handling stresses in my stride and have not been taking things or myself too seriously.

So when the pains started and the palpitations I was flummoxed. I am not consciously thinking about stressful things when I experience pain or palpitations or racing heart or high bp. I have gone from doing lots of exercise at home (approx 30-40 mins 3-4 times a week) to not being able to do anything due to the intensity of the pain. The pain is such that even watching tv or making beans on toast has become difficult.

I have a history of depression and anxiety for more than 30 years. But I have never felt anything like this. Like you, I know this is not in my head.

[Qualipop in reply to Melbyb76]

AFraid I'm the same as you but I do have Fibro and other severe spinal problems. My GP kept saying my shortness of breath was muscular for about a year when I had a heart attack. I think he learned his lesson to NOT assume. Persist; go back and insist on investigations at least on your BP. Do not be fobbed off. There is no test for Fibromyalgia. IT's diagnosed, usually by a rheumatologist by ruling out other problems and by looking for he specific trigger points of pain and yes they always throw amitriptylene at you low dose for anxiety and nerve pain. It's useless for many, if you can even take it. It urns me into a zombie. The temple pain does sound rather like temporal arteritis but it shoudl be easy to see if he artery is raised and throbbing. It's not something they should be guessing at. Your BP has been high and could be anxiety but it needs checking. Can you take about 3 readings a day over a week and present the figures to the GP? By the way, GPs ARE doing ace to face appointments but only if they think they are essential. I had one two weeks ago. You reallyneed to push for one.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks for that Qualipop. I started a diary on Monday, they said to keep one for 2 weeks. I have only been taking it 2 times a day though. Morning and night, 12 hours apart and roughly the same time each day.

I know Temporal Arteritis is usually something diagnosed in older people, but I met a client before I stopped working who had been diagnosed with it at the age of 48. My dad also had headaches for years before he was taken from us with a cerebral haemorrhage. Besides having the listed symptoms, this is why I wondered if it could be this, but I appreciate I could easily be barking up the wrong tree.

Since taking the aspirin last night I have had occasional chest pains (more stabbing than continuous today), but nowhere as bad as yesterday and I’ve managed to not take any painkillers today. BP is also a bit better this evening at 150/101.

I’m keeping a diary of symptoms, and pain management in addition to the bp. I will continue to push though. Thank you for the encouragement!

[Qualipop in reply to Melbyb76]

I'd do BP 3 times and at random times so you are not always doing the same thing but sit and relax for 5 minutes before taking it

[Melbyb76 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks Qualipop

[Bichon76]

Hi

I don’t actually know but i don’t think those symptoms of fibromyalgia is right as I have it and that is not one of the symptoms I would say you are rightly feeling anxious but you are not imagining the pains. Please insist on being taken seriously. Sometimes doctors overlook things because symptoms don’t always fit a category. Again have experienced that too If not get a private consultation with someone once covid is over. In the mean time keep calling 999 until they take you seriously

Best if luck

[Melbyb76 in reply to Bichon76]

Thanks Bichon76. I’m guessing they came up with that diagnosis because my bloods have all come back “normal” and I’ve had undiagnosed kidney problems/symptoms (blood in urine/kidney pain) for almost a year too which started after taking prescribed medication (orlistat) which is now known to cause kidney problems. My GP however won’t acknowledge that this medication does cause kidney problems, although I’ve found several medical research papers that confirm this.

Between my symptoms of this, previous mental health diagnoses, IBS and other body pains I think they have assumed it is all connected. Which is fair enough. But for the last 2-3 weeks my symptoms have been purely about high blood pressure, headaches, pain in my arm, neck and jaw and chest pains predominantly on my left side of my chest. In February the hospital wrote to my GP suspecting an arrhythmia, after attending A&E.

What now seems evident to me is that this is heart and perhaps kidney related: movement makes me breathless, chest pains worsen with movement and my blood pressure - which was only slightly high until a few weeks ago, is now all over the place and regularly around the 170/105 mark. It was only a few days ago that I learnt how much kidney function effects blood pressure.

My symptoms have got much worse since I was told it may possibly be an arrhythmia by the hospital in February, however the GP’s in my practice have failed to take this potential arrhythmia, my high blood pressure and my swollen legs into consideration, instead preferring to cite my mental health as the common denominator.

Although I’m doing my best to stay calm, I’m frustrated. Just because it’s the lowest hanging fruit doesn’t mean it’s the ripest!

[Bichon76 in reply to Melbyb76]

Your absolutely right. I think there’s something serious going on there which is being overlooked Follow your instincts as not all results show everything For example I knew I had a clot in my leg and no doctor would confirm it this went on for nearly two years u diagnosed. I took aspirin on a daily basis to protect myself but once I stopped them I had multiple pulmonary embolisms I had a few apologies also I recently had heart surgery which some consultants were convinced I was ok but one in particular wouldn’t let me leave hospital as he didn’t feel comfortable with the other consultants decision. Turned out I needed triple bypass and valve replacement I couldn’t leave the hospital as I would have dropped down dead so don’t assume the doctors always no best. Follow your heart and instincts and insist this is to be taken seriously

All the best

[Melbyb76 in reply to Bichon76]

Thanks Bichon76. That’s truly awful. I feel like giving up and then remind myself that the only people that lose out of I do is me and my kids.

I spoke to another Gp at my practice today, one who hasn’t been there long and has previously been more open to listening. I got the opposite today, and she reiterated the same advice given by the other 2 Gps yesterday: I need to take medication and accept it’s fibromyalgia.

I will keep pushing, but sometimes it’s hard not to start believing their rhetoric and feel like I’m losing the plot!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Melbyb76]

Hi Melbyb76

I am sorry to read your story.

I have a under recognised, poorly understood and difficult to diagnose and treat type of angina.

My coronary arteries are clear however my blood vessels go into transient spasms causing chest pain.

It took a while for me to be diagnosed.

Ischaemia No obstructed coronary arteries ( INOCA) is a group of conditions one of which microvascular dysfunction can be associated with fibromyalgia, rheumatism and autoimmune disorders .

Have you asked anyone to consider this as a possible cause of your chest pain?

I don't live with fibromyalgia but I do have a vasomotion disorder causing angina, migraine and Raynauds Phenomenon.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy. I haven’t I’m afraid. It’s possible that it could be something like that. All but one of the GP’s in my practice think that this is fibromyalgia and are being really stubborn about this, so I don’t think I’m going to get anywhere by asking them this. The other GP felt that it was in my head, even though she was the GP that received my letter from the hospital querying arrhythmia and requesting referral to cardiology investigations. Their tone on the calls in this last week has been that of exasperation. They’re clearly very fed up with me!

I might wait until I have my cardiology appointment next week and ask then, but it would make sense that it could be something like you’re describing seeing as my blood tests keep coming back within normal range.

I was told by my Gp that I possibly have Raynaud’s, and I used to suffer from migraines a lot years ago. My only concern about a fibromyalgia diagnosis is that they’ll stop investigating as it’s a catch all for otherwise unexplained chronic body pain.

Given that this diagnosis was given without seeing or examining me, I think they could be very wrong.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Melbyb76]

Good to hear you have a Cardiology appointment.

I suggest you keep a diary of your symptoms and any particular triggers to show the Cardiologist.

I was made to feel my chest pain was all in my head too!

It feels like gas lighting

Your pain is real please don't let anybody say otherwise.

I had a very specialised angiogram to confirm my diagnosis. I felt validated.

Stick with it , you are worth it and you know your body best.

Good luck.

I hope you get the answers soon.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy.

[Bichon76 in reply to Melbyb76]

I don’t think it is fibromyalgia. I have that and the symptoms you describe are different. Please don’t give up if you know in your heart something isn’t right keep insisting on being seen

I hope you get some help soon

[Melbyb76 in reply to Bichon76]

Thanks Bichon76

[rankin1st]

Hiya I would write a complaint to practice manager and state what you would like eg a referal to cardiology or TIA clinic. If symptoms happen again just call 999 our paramedic said calling 111 in emergency just delays treatment. So sorry your experiencing such a lack of support. Have you considered pils or pals complaint to get them to resolve, or pohwer.net/ who can advocate for you. I am also challenging fibro, it's exhausting but keep going, and your the expert specialist patient the GP is just a general practitioner, meaning generally practicing and not expert. Try to Keep going and get an advocate to support you 😊

[Melbyb76 in reply to rankin1st]

Hi Rankin1st. Thanks you for this.

I hadn’t even thought of PALS or Pohwer, which is poor of me as I used to work for Pohwer! Perhaps I hadn’t thought of it because I’m the one who is usually supporting everyone else through work or otherwise!

I am happy to accept a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, but only on the basis that they’ve ruled out heart complaints and immune disorders first.

I will definitely use your advice and get someone to support me.

Thanks again.

[rankin1st in reply to Melbyb76]

Hi melbyb76 your welcome, really hope you get the right support.! Like you I am usually the advocate not so easy for yourself I am also struggling with similar issues, except seem to have supportive GP was seeking clarification also that cardiology not at back of it all, also got fibro that I don't believe it is, rather think its elhers danlos, like you lots of other stuff that points to MCAS, all the best, and trust your own judgement, your the expert on you, and you've been trained your whole life on your specific bits that make you, you - take care

[Smileyian]

hi Melbyb76, first of all there is absolutely nothing wrong with writing a long introduction as it gives a clear indication to us viewers what your potential diagnosis and or assumptive is. Your intro was about one third of my original one hahaha. You actually would be well advised (personal opinion) to follow up as soon as practical as your symptoms may be a little more concerning than your GP is suggesting. Your family history, especially your father may or may not be relevant but is a consideration that you obviously are worried about. Your fluctuating blood pressure values must also worry you. I am 76 and have endured a raft of issues for 40 years including Afib and now mild Angina but have learned not to take everything a GP says at face value - they do their best within the limits of their knowledge - it needs a good Cardiologist / EP to evaluate your symptoms and to intervene with the most appropriate medical and psychological advice to put your mind at rest. Otherwise you will continue to feel you have been let down and revert to calling the emergency services which I am sure you do not wish to do but feel it necessary. Of course I am not a doctor, but I would find it unlikely that your ailment is fibromyalgia. Believe me when I say there are people on here that have vast experience on a wide range of cardiac conditions and many with specialist knowledge beyond the usual general practitioners. Also nurses and other professionals that can assist you if you feel minded to ask.

I wish you all the very best as you are obviously very concerned and need your condition clarified soonest. Keep well. SmileyIan

[Melbyb76 in reply to Smileyian]

Thank you Smileyian. That’s so helpful.

At the time of calling paramedics or 111 I have honestly felt like I’m having a heart attack, the pains have been so severe. But yes, I obviously would prefer not to have to take drastic action like this.

I feel that there are easy things that could be checked for before opting for a fibromyalgia diagnosis. For eg I have not been checked for autoimmune disorders such as lupus or Hashimoto’s even though I have had symptoms consistent with autoimmune flare ups for years before the pains started.

Thanks again, I’ll keep pushing.

[Hidden]

Hi Melbyb, FWIW, I view my GP as a route to a referral these days (unless it’s minor / clear cut, eg ankle sprain). On occasion I’ve chosen to placate the GP’s, flatter them & generally do whatever I needed to get a referral to a specialist....! I find it helps avoid them getting defensive.

I’d agree keep trying for a cardio referral, but meanwhile, how about requesting referral to fibromyalgia specialist? They would at least be more experienced in that, able to tell if it is the likely cause, and also more experienced at balancing meds if needed.

Also, some of the symptoms you mention seem similar to those of pericarditis. This is inflammation &/or fluid in the pericardial sack around the heart. It sounds worse than it is, it isn’t usually too dangerous, but it does cause breathlessness, pain on breathing & pain in chest/neck, back or shoulders. It also made my heart rate unusually sensitive to exercise. It’s often mistaken for angina & is really painful, very few docs have experience of it.

I mention this because you also mention gout & auto-immune suspicions. Pericarditis can be triggered by a virus, when there’s an over reaction of the immune system, or by autoimmune conditions directly. And if you have gout, I’m guessing inflammation is involved. If you’ve not been able to see in person a sufficiently “curious” GP, maybe a paramedic could listen to your chest, pericarditis can cause a “rub” sound. But diagnosis is very unclear.

Finally, your BP is a real concern. Even 150/x sounds high, I think you said you’re in your 40’s. I’d be surprised if this didn’t warrant medication, whatever the cause. Anxiety does make anything about my heart worse, so I’m always open to it being a contributor, but it’s good to eliminate other things also.

Good luck

[melby76 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks TealGreen.

That’s a wonderful tip. I find my gp’s can be lovely at times, but very dismissive at others. I have been told by a GP that he didn’t know what to do with me! put his hands up in the air and said “what do you want me to do.” Another GP asked me what I thought my complaint was and when I said I didn’t know and that’s why I had come to see him, he asked whether I was sure I hadn’t checked google!

I had considered pericarditis. It’s a possibility. Someone else has also mentioned APS, also a possibility given that my GP records which I’ve managed to get a hold of state I have high cholesterol, but this was never mentioned and never explored for secondary causes as suggested by the Lab.

At the hospital last week my blood pressure was 165/105 but they dismissed this as white coat syndrome, even though I’d informed them that I’d been sent in by 111 after a reading at home of 183/111. I was sent home with no further action, and told they would get in touch if any abnormalities were found with my bloods.

Fingers crossed my optician can shed some light on the flashing lights and blurry vision, and that my cardiology appointment sheds further light on what is going on with my heart too.

I’ll keep you updated.

[Hidden]

An interesting post.

Similar to you, I seemed to start suffering chest wall pain out of nowhere, my blood pressure is high so on the pills now and I’ve had aching temples for a few weeks now, originally I had feelings in my head like there was a drip of water going across my scalp that has subsided but the ache although not much now is still there. I’ve had blood tests but all normal, but nothing from my doctor to take the temple issue forward with a scan etc

I was fairly useless at getting exercise pre and during the earlier part of lockdown but last month or so I’ve been so much better and was eating healthily anyway

So I’d be interested to follow your adventure to get to the bottom of it

[melby76 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks CaptInterceptor.

Your story is really interesting and sounding a lot similar to mine. I too have that pouring water sensation. Not all the time but it happened yesterday. I think I have had it 3 or 4 time’s since my early 20s. The first time I had it I was freaked out because of the family history. My fathers side of his family all died relatively young due to cerebral subarachnoid haemorrhages, so I have over the years been understandably concerned from time to time.

I’m also on the Thyroid UK forum, and have told my woes there too. Someone has hinted to the possibility that the chest pains is APS (Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome), given that it’s also linked to higher cholesterol levels and is affected by aspirin. Both of which appear to be relevant to my case. A lab comment on my Gp records going back to late December notes Hyperlipidaemia and the need to follow up secondary causes (such as hypothyroidism) but it wasn’t followed up. Tests were done months later but only because I fell ill again.

My temples still feel pressurised, and the right temporal scalp area still feels tender, although a little easier today. BP also nicely coming down since aspirin too. I’m pretty sure I was on my way to a heart attack due to the severity of the pain. I’m not completely better but feeling much better than I was.

I’ll keep you updated. If you follow me on here you’ll get to see my updates too. Wishing you luck too.

[Hidden in reply to melby76]

I know it might sound silly but have you ever had covid type symptoms in January or early February? I need the antibody test to check if I had it in first week of February but I’ve never had these symptoms prior to February but then again perhaps my sitting and getting little or no exercise was the main contributing factor

[melby76 in reply to Hidden]

Possibly. I felt the same. I did have symptoms yes. I too have not had an antibody test.

My son is a personal trainer and had been in contact with a client who shortly after contact was diagnosed with Covid and rushed into intensive care. He has now recovered, but I developed symptoms not long after this even though I’d been mostly shielding. I have questioned whether my chest pain is linked. But right now I just don’t know!

[Hidden in reply to melby76]

That’s the unknown but there is a growing body of evidence now of how COVID affects the body post virus not just in severe but mild and moderate cases too.

[melby76 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I agree.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Melbyg76

I noticed you mentioned

Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome (Hughes Syndrome)

I was tested for ths condition as it can cause microvascular angina.

There is a member of the forum who lives with APS and also has Microvascular angina

aps-support.org.uk/about-ap...