For the last 5 years I have had episodes where I have thought I have had a cardiac issue and it turned out I had not. These usually come after an argument or stressful episode where I have several weeks of aches in chest area, heaviness on chest and higher than normal heart rate. Each time I have either gone to A and E, or seen a GP or seen a cardiologist privately. Two weeks ago after a stressful argument same thing has happened. I am age 50, diabetic type 1 with underactive thyroid and Multiple Sclerosis on perindopril and bisoprolol and I don’t want to go to A and E or GP to be told it’s anxiety. But how can a person determine whether something is anxiety or cardiac? I really don’t want to see a GP as I will probably get a phone call with a locus who will tell me to go to A and E. I am not looking for medical advice just general guidelines on anxiety really I guess.
Anxiety v cardiac issue? : For the last... - British Heart Fou...
Anxiety v cardiac issue?
As you have type 1 ( me too by the way) please ask to see a cardiologist, my cardiologist said people with diabetes present differently to other people and our pains and symptoms are different and can be unusual compared to others. they certainly were with me! I had an achy chest and aches in my back especially after stress and these became more often and then pretty much permanent. what I’m saying is, if you feel something is wrong then fight for yourself. Ask for a referral to chest pain clinic. Achy pain in the chest can be cardiac. It’s better to rule out cardiac causes before blaming anxiety. And with your risk factors (type1 being a big one) it’s worth being tested properly x
The last time GP referred me to rapid access, they said I should not have been referred. Not sure why. Thanks for the reply.
Did rapid access do any tests last time?
Yes echo and 24 hr ecg. That was February 2019. Ejection fraction was 55%. Im also on atorvastatin 40mg.
Do you feel any symptoms during physical activities?
If not, it is just anxiety.
The common triggers of angina are the cold, emotional and physical stress.
Those living with vasospastic angina often experience chest pain at night or at rest.
Thanks. That is helpful.
You'd be better off heeding Milkfairy's reply, actually. Nothing disrespectful to vinnixxx but Milkfairy's response is completely accurate - certain types of angina happen at rest and not on exertion and until a cardiologist rules out the angina types that do not occur only with exertion, you can't tell yourself it's 'just anxiety'.
Reading your post, I conclude (maybe quite wrongly) that it’s the stress of the arguments thats precipitating your episodes. Perhaps go and see a counsellor about either avoiding, or managing these arguments in a less stressful way.
Might be worth a try?
It would be interesting to know how you know it is not a cardiac issue and if it was excess adrenaline and hormones causing the pain and discomfort. I am curious what tests you had apart from an ECG.
Echo
Oh okay so no blockage noted - that's great. As Milkfairy often advises us, stress, anger, worry and sadness can also be a huge contributory factor in the many forms of angina discomfort and pain. I hope your diagnosis is something that can be addressed and managed. 😁
You have a lot on your plate especially the diabetes and MS. All chest pain must be taken seriously. I spent 2 years telling mt GP hwo breathless I was and how my chest ached and because I have bad spinal issues he insisted it was muscular- until I had a heart attack. I had a similar episode two days gao and rang the GP because I didn't want to waste the time of the ambulance staff. GP insisted, any chest pain- call an ambulance.
Hi. I can only let you know you’re not the only one. Even cardiologists can’t advise for sure. I had stress MRI due to funny feelings in chest that showed I had blockage only to be told 4 months later the arteries were fine following an invasive angiogram . The 4 months wait was sheer anxiety hell. Anxiety symptoms can almost exactly mimic heart problems and can even be linked. I would always advise speaking with your GP and asking for cardio testing to help ease your anxiety but remember it may be a long road.
Good luck. Try meditation apps like calm, headspace for anxiety. Also google breathing and muscle relaxing techniques for anxiety.
There is free meditation app too..
Insight Timer insighttimer.com/
I have been using insight timer for years. I love it.
Agree with breathing and I have been learning to breathe properly these last few weeks with great results for relaxation and lowering blood pressure. Check out interviews with James Nestor and Patrick McKeown on Youtube that will explain the science behind proper breathing and simple exercises to get you started. It is as simple as breathing in through your nose........
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