I had a stent fitted to my RCA for an 80% blockage found routinely from an ECG in March 2020 and whilst having angiogram they noted a degree of plaque in my left circumflex which is not my dominant artery (my RCA is the dominant one) of around 40-60% so they did a wire study FFR and it was deemed insignificant as the result was 0.93 which means that blood flow is not being impeded in anyway so they are treating that medically and lifestyle changes. All my other arteries LAD and Left Main are free from disease.
That’s that the background and this is my problem. Before I got diagnosed I used to get intermittent left arm pain that would last no more than 10-20 seconds... come on at any time either whilst resting or during exertion and I could have weeks if no pain then I would suddenly get one. I mentioned this to my cardiologist who didn’t seem to think it was heart related.
Anyway since having my stent fitted I’ve had left arm pain now and again... not exactly the same as before but yesterday whilst hoovering I suddenly got the arm pain exactly as before. It came on... reached its intensity after around five seconds (a burning cramp pain) then after another five seconds it was gone. I carried on hoovering and didn’t get anymore resurgence of pain and none since. So you’d think if it was heart related and happening because of lack of blood or oxygen to my heart that then it would if continued until I stopped doing the thing that was demanding more blood supply wouldn’t you? I just don’t understand what this arm pain could be though and can’t seem to shrug off that it’s heart related?
Does anyone else get these random left arm pains. What are your thoughts on this as the only symptom I had prior to stent apart from the one episode of right sided mild chest pain that lasted no more than ten minutes and led me to getting an ECG was that darn left arm pain?
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Buffy6956
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Hi Buffy, prior to my HA in Feb 20, (6 stents in 2 complete blockages to my LAD) I had chest discomfort, not what I would call pain, since my procedure I have come a long way, but still get a similar feeling when I lift anything heavy, probably shouldn't do it, but can't help myself, it's the way I am & generally feel good, I also have other weird feelings since my procedure, though they are slowly diminishing. I went to my GP after about 2 weeks, he was very reassuring & told me not to worry as I had been through a lot & should expect new feelings/sensations, that settled me down & I've been pretty much fine since.Hope this helps.
I also get same intermittent pain in my left arm, it extends to pins and needles too in the lower part of left hand. It only lasts for a few seconds and then disappears. In my case I have just learned to accept it as a consequence of my condition and how my body is reacting to procedures, I’ve had 8 stents in all 3 main arteries and more recently a quad bypass, and pain still comes and goes!
It used to be disconcerting at first but now I tend to not be too bothered by it. That said, I think every ‘body’ is different and react accordingly, so as a precaution you should have a chat with your GP/cardiologist to be on the safe side to make sure it is not an indicator of something more serious.
Hope that helps.
Any problems with your neck? This can cause pain in the arm.
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