Worried about my hubby aged 61

[Montmax1]

My husband had triple bypass in 2004 and has been on lots of meds ever since, he has recently started to have pain whilst at rest, he has had an angioplasty and consultants were unable to stent he has diagnosed severe coronary artery disease, still waiting for the results of echo, his heart rate is going up to 180 bmp, I am getting worried and can't get an appointment to see for 3 weeks

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Can you please provide a context to your reply?

Do you have a lived experience of heart surgery or heart disease?

[Nettekin]

Do you have any experience of heart events or unstable angina? Your so called advice is completely irrelevant.

[Lezzers]

Sorry to hear bout your husband, I don't really have any answers but are his medical team aware of his HR is going 180? Is it frequent & sustained at 180? Does his gtn spray ease the pain?

[Montmax1 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks for the advice, once he sits down his heart rate goes down, I have phoned the consultants secretary but still waiting for a reply I left a message on the answer machine I'm more worried because I lost my son at Christmas to hf he had been in hospital for 3 weeks didn't treat him for hf but covid although he had numerous negative tests. If his heart rate keeps going up I'm going to ring 999.

[Lezzers in reply to Montmax1]

I am so sorry to hear about your son, I'm absolutely heartbroken for you.

I think, if it was me, I'd throw caution to the wind & ring 999, I'm sure most people would do that. If there's any possibility your husband has unstable angina then that is an emergency situation anyway. My husband used to have unstable angina & his GP always said he had he had to phone 999, he got a good telling off for not doing so.

I hope your husband is feeling better soon, please let us know how he gets on X

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Montmax1,

I am sorry you are in this situation. The worry of the wait to see a doctor and the uncertainty of what next?

Perhaps contact the Consultants secretary and ask for a cancellation appointment if one comes up.

In the meantime if you are worried about your husband's symptoms in particular ongoing chest pain at rest call 111.

Don't be shy about calling for an ambulance if your husband continues with chest pain at rest or his high heart rate makes him feel unwell.

[Montmax1 in reply to Milkfairy]

His heart rate comes down once he is seated ,he has been given more meds to stop the pain which it has done, it's taken the pain away completely I just worry about the heart rate, when he was getting the pain he knew when to stop and rest.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Montmax1]

I am so sorry about the recent loss of your son.

I agree with Lezzers do not hesitate to call 111 or 999 if you are worried

Not everyone gets chest pain with angina.

I hope your husband's problems receive the attention he needs soon.

[Nettekin]

Hi montmax1. I'm sorry to hear of your husband's on going problems. If he is having chest pains at rest this would suggest unstable angina, coupled with his heart rate he needs at the very least to be seen by his GP. Do not accept a 3 week appointment, make sure the receptionist understands the severity of the problem. Failing that you could try 111 or even 999 if he is very poorly. You might like to ring the BHF nurses for some reassurance and practical advice, our members find them very helpful. Best wishes to you both x

[Lezzers]

Why would sleeping slightly inclined help with pain? Hospital beds are usually inclined during the day to help you sit up comfortably but not during the night when sleeping, unless you're retaining fluid!

[Hidden]

I think if my heart rate went up to that level, and with his medical history, I would probably be taking a more direct route to get seen. Nobody is going to criticise ringing 999 in such cases.

[Montmax1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I will do if I can't get hold of the consultants today.

[richard_jw]

It must be very worrying. Why not phone the cardiologists secretary and explain your concerns. You should be able to get a call from the cardiologist. He might have access to the report if it's done. He can also see the images taken when the echo was done. Good luck

[BobbyB1962]

I agree with others suggesting a more direct approach. A 3 week wait is not acceptable. At the very least I'd be calling 111. All the very best.