Uncomfortable dull pain….: I have heart... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,711 members34,242 posts

Uncomfortable dull pain….

Batty55 profile image
13 Replies

I have heart failure & it’s controlled by medication. Why does my heart ache? It’s really uncomfortable - like dull nagging toothache. It goes up to armpit. More noticeable when lying down. So nights are unpleasant. It’s not every night but more often than not. Was told nothing to worry about. Heart failure nurse aware. Needless to say sleep eludes me as I worry that it’s going to be an attack. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Written by
Batty55 profile image
Batty55
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies

Dear Batty55

If you told your heart nurse the same thing as you have just told us in your post, I am astounded that was her reaction on the phone.

At the very lest you should have a check over, does your GTN spray help? Even if it does I would personally contact your heart team again and get this looked at.

This feeling is not normal for you so you have to get answers to relieve your anxiety about it.

Please take care and keep us informed.

Batty55 profile image
Batty55 in reply to

Hi Blue1958, thank you for your reply. I asked for a spray - told I don’t need one. I am, however, going to talk to my HF nurse again today & try again. Lack of sleep doesn’t help with condition - totally fatigued. Hopefully that will eventually go. Is worrying though.

in reply toBatty55

Dear Batty55

You can just buy GTN spray over the counter at your chemist, but I would run that past your Nurse first.

The lack of sleep is a really bad thing as it messes up your total day doesn’t it.

I had a similar thing happen at the hight of my heart journey and went to my Drs who issued me with sleeping tablets for a few nights to get me back into the rhythm of sleep, it really worked for me.

I think that I needed to put my mind to sleep more than my body.

Take care you are in my thoughts.

Batty55 profile image
Batty55 in reply to

Hi Blue1958, I didn’t know that! I will ask the question. If it doesn’t work then more investigations need to be done. At the moment it’s the pain that keeps me awake - and of course worrying that it’s something more sinister. The fatigue I know is to be expected. Only had HA 3 months ago so maybe expecting too much. But yes a good nights sleep…..what’s that!

Crochetwoman profile image
Crochetwoman

Hi, I agree with Blue1958. Get on the phone again. “ like a dull nagging toothache” just sounds a bit wrong. You know your body best. Unfortunately Drs/ nurses aren’t going to phone you up and check how you’re feeling -but wouldn’t that be nice ? So stand up and shout.

Let us know how it goes.

Batty55 profile image
Batty55 in reply toCrochetwoman

Thank you Crochetwoman for your reply. I am talking to my HF nurse again today. Hopefully she will ‘relent’ and prescribe spray - if only to rule out its angina. My GP just doesn’t want to know & says call 999. The ambulance service have better things to do. But I would if it became more than ‘grumbling’. Have even thought about getting a smart watch that records Ecgs but suspect I would be checking it all the time. 🥴

in reply toBatty55

Betty that is what the ambulance service is for, use them for they are the experts at this sort of thing, never feel embarrassed or think that you are not worthy of their service, you are and they know that and are more than willing to help.

Batty55 profile image
Batty55 in reply to

Yes, I know - I owe them my life. But if GP etc don’t take it seriously….🥺

in reply toBatty55

Keep shouting and they will answer, {or get someone to shout for you} you totally have the right to be heard.

Batty55 profile image
Batty55 in reply to

I think I might just do that! 😁

Crochetwoman profile image
Crochetwoman in reply toBatty55

Hi, how did it go? When I had my sudden HA I hadn’t had previous angina but was prescribed gtn spray by the cardiologist along with all the other goodies. I’m surprised you didn’t. I never needed it for 3 years.

Whilst reducing my Bisoprolol I started having high heart rate & blood pressure and a constant( every 10 min) short squeeze of my heart. Even asleep. For a day and night. Eventually called GP and sent to have a wee spa day in cardiology. Unstable angina was mentioned. I’m now on Ivabradine instead of Bisoprolol and boy what a difference to my quality of active life.

I’m sorry your GP isn’t up to scratch. Why not try phoning 111 and let them decide?

Batty55 profile image
Batty55 in reply toCrochetwoman

Hi. I spoke to my lovely HF nurse who advised me that I am unable to have spray as problems with blood pressure at moment & I would be compromised. Why that couldn’t have been explained before I don’t know. However, it’s going to be investigated further. Ty for asking 😁

Batty55 profile image
Batty55

I appreciate what you are saying. However I had already been told was possibly angina. He also doesn’t want to know that I have an eating disorder - and told me to get talking therapy. I’ve changed GPs

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Losarten

After my annual review last week the nurse checking my blood pressure told me I shouldn't be on...
Love100cats profile image

Severe heart failure and chemo

Hi all, I’m going to follow this up with heart failure team on Monday but just in the interim I...
Unlucki profile image

Migraine aura without the pain

Years ago I occasionally had a migraine, mostly when I was a student, but recently I’ve had almost...

Heart failure - what's in a name? extract from an article.....

The legendary Nobel prize-winning pioneer cardiologist Dr. Bernard Lown has had a lot to say about...
Calliope153 profile image

Left arm pain, dull, aching, some dull/sharp central chest pain

Hello, Acutely aware of the stress that NHS is under at the mo and don't want to cause a fuss to...
JT5790 profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.