Slightly breathless and lightheaded

[LucyBoo21]

Hi

I had an an angioplasty with a stent inserted to my LAD artery on 26 October 21. I had only had 2 episodes of what my cardiologist now thinks was angina and I also had burning pain lower neck/upper chest when walking fast.

Since the angioplasty I find I'm more tired and find breathing harder when I've walked for a bit, a bit breathless. I also get a bit of like heartburn type pain lower neck - can be when walking or at rest, different to what I had before. I also get lightheaded a lot - when going upstairs, bending over and frequently in shops.

Is this normal? I feel like I've got worse than I was before the angioplasty.

I do have a review in a week so I will mention it but wanted some advice from here too.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Heather1957]

Have you been prescribed new medication?

Maybe a new blood thinner?

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Heather1957]

Sorry, I should have said!

I've been on Clopidogrel and aspirin since a week before the procedure and now also on atorvastatin.

[Heather1957 in reply to LucyBoo21]

I was on Clopidogrel for 4 years without a problem but after my last stents 6 weeks ago I was changed to Brilique (blood thinners) and aspirin ) My statin was doubled and a new one added. The Brilique has caused me dreadful breathlessness which my cardiac nurse has assured me should go but if not we'll look to changing it.

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Heather1957]

Sorry to hear that. The plan is to only be on Clopidogrel for 6 months but aspirin for life.

It's reassuring that these symptoms could just be medication related, I'm so anxious now of anything and if I getting worse.

[Heather1957 in reply to LucyBoo21]

I had a stroke (luckily fully recovered) after my first angiogram 4 years ago which is why they put me on Clopidogrel. I am a diabetic so have taken a cocktail of medication and until the new regime 6 weeks ago have never had any side effects so I can't really complain (too much) I hope you sort the problem out so you'll feel better.

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Heather1957]

Thank you. I hope you stay well too.

[Stentrunner]

I had pains like this too after stenting. I found that sharp, short-lived pains were stomach. Quite different from the dull insistent chest pains from angina. I also had upper chest pains, round my collarbone, for a little while after the procedure - maybe bruising? It went away quite quickly.

Even now, 18 months later, I get unexplained pains. I think they are stomach based, and they definitely come after eating rather than during exercise.

The whole experience has made me a bit neurotic about chest pains, but I use the dull/sharp and food/exercise pointers to keep me sane!

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Stentrunner]

I have gastro/bowel issues too and sometimes it's hard to know if its that or heart. I'm keeping track of my symptoms , I have a lovely GP so know he'll take me seriously.

[Clerkenweller]

Might be drug related. Keep a note of your symptoms to discuss with your GP. Also we all become hyper aware of our bodies after such an experience. It might be just normal aches an by pains that we all experience as we get older!

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Clerkenweller]

Thank you and you're right, I'm so anxious now about anything heart related.

[Cruise1]

I was prescribed Clopidogrel and aspirin after my stents as well as Lanzaprozale to prevent stomach problems.

[Song19]

I had two stents about 3/4 years ago after angina. It took a long time to get "back to normal", at the beginning it was very tiring. Did get on a 12 week cardio rehab course at the hospital then a cardio gym course. It really improved my activity ability but you have to really push to get on it! Not sure about your other symptoms, ask cardiologist.

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Song19]

Thank you, I will ask my cardiologist when I see him, I've read about those courses.The other week I walked into town, 10 mins or so and not quickly and my heart rate was 141. It is usually high but I do get some 70's readings too.

[WardijaWardija]

Hi Lucy.Are the symptoms you are now having, post-stent, basically the same, or very similar, as before the stent?

Only asking, as if so, the same thing happened to me and despite being told it was not physically possible, I persisted and I was later diagnosed by a cardiac MRI with another, but seperate heart condition. One that mimics the same set of symptoms.

Not saying that this is same for you, in any way, but just drawing your attention to an potential alternative issue.

Wishing you all the best 🙏 🙏

[LucyBoo21 in reply to WardijaWardija]

Gosh you poor thing, that is unlucky 😢No these symptoms are new. I was never lightheaded or breathless before. I wonder if medication related? I do rattle now with the amount I take! 🤣

I'm struggling to wear a face mask now as I can't breathe which isn't good as I've been wearing one constantly.

[WardijaWardija]

Well in a strange way, I'm glad to hear that because it seems to rule out my diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, HCM, which I wouldnt wish on anyone . . As you say, it may be down to medication related issues, most of us have to take such a vast amount, but hey, at least we are still here to tell the tale, some are not so fortunate.

Really hope that you can get this issue sorted, be calm, but persistent with whom ever you need to, until you feel satisfied that it's being properly addressed.

Take care

🙏🙏

[LucyBoo21]

Hi, I thought I'd update as I saw my cardiologist today.

He says all is ok, he thinks my symptoms of breathlessness, fast heart beat and lightheadedness is due to my ectopic beats and has put me on 1.25g bisoprolol.

I'm confused though as I've had ectopic beats for a few years and these symptoms only started after my angioplasty.

I walked to work yesterday - a 15 minute walk. I was carrying a heavyish bag and 10 minutes in my heart rate was 150. Coming home it was 139. I often get up to 120 just when sitting down but can also at times get 79. I'm struggling to wear a face mask of I've walked into town as I can't breathe properly.

What do you all think?