Chest Twinges - normal?

Hi. I'm new and I had my heart attack in early December. I'm still getting twinges in my chest which do go away with my GTN spray, but as I'm still getting my head around this whole life change, I don't trust my body and freak out a little every time it happens. Is this normal as my heart is recovering? I tend to be sitting down when it happens. Thanks, it's really helpful to talk to people who understand what I'm going through.

[pasigal]

I had random twinges in my chest for a long time, some of them I now believe were imaginary, if that makes any sense. For many months I had pain just below my right pectoral muscle that was driving me crazy. It may have been related to the CPR I received.

I had intense anxiety for at least 18 months that led to several A&E trips. My brain just refused to disconnect twinges with "I'm going to die RIGHT NOW," although talk therapy helped somewhat. So what you are going through is pretty normal, unfortunately.

[Hidden in reply to pasigal]

I think you have gone through far more than I have, I'm not surprised you had such a strong reaction. I get twinges over my heart sometimes and immediately fear it's going to happen again. I hopefully start we have soon and I have been referred for mental health assistance too, so I am being well looked after. It's just all new and scary.Thanks for your reply.

[Silvertail in reply to pasigal]

Imagination/worry can cause havoc with your body. When I was having a medical for my work, the doctor said he thought something was wrong and booked me for an ecg. Well, after that I felt dreadful, I could hardly walk up stairs, and would feel palpitations almost constantly. Then I had the ecg which was normal. Voila, felt better straight away! Since then I have had a several doctors querying if I had had rheumatic fever, but ecgs were normal. Looking back, I think I had microvascular dysfunction even then, however I don't think much was known about it in those days.

[LiamHam]

have you had any surgery? Stand or bypass ?

I had a HA in august last year and a stent fitted and I still get the odd twinge which I’ve put down to anxieties and meds. Don’t underestimate the metal part of this as it can’t take a while for you to come to terms with what happened.

You are doing all the right things by asking for help that’s the best thing you can do

Good luck

[Hidden in reply to LiamHam]

Hi. No surgery or stent. My angiogram said arteries were clear. Waiting for the results of an MRI.I think a good part of it is mental and coming to terms with what's happened. I thought I was doing the right things for my health and this happens! Thanks for your reply.

[Hrty]

I had mine late November and, like you, no surgery or stent. Quite a few new meds though. I've had chest discomfort on and off since then. Some of it no doubt down to awakened awareness to every twinge and some due to fear/anxiety. I've discussed it with rehab nurses and they have stressed that if I'm in any doubt I must go and be checked out. Better to be safe than sorry although long waits in A&E aren't fun.

The mental side of this takes some dealing with. I'm getting better but it takes time

Take care

[citygirl65]

Not had a heart attack but chest pains etc Nd I do have anxiety badly so know how you are on that level.

[Maidenhead1]

I had HA & 5 stents fitted 7 months ago, & still suffering tightness in chest, into throat, and back pain, never know the day.

Have been told stats are all OK, but decided to go the gastro route& had a endoscopy last week, all clear, so I reckon I have to put up with this, but wonder for how long!

So sounds like we’re all in the same boat here.

Hope you overcome this soon.

[Dadtoalad23]

I got diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in October and then with moderate coronary artery disease in December im 47. No stents 50-70% plaque in LAD. Sometimes I think I’d be fairing better with a stent put in. You know getting over it.

Now I feel like they’re waiting to see if I have a heart attack or develop symptoms in the mean time. And whilst I wait I have the joy of persistent AF constant irregular heart beats, on which I’m waiting for keyhole maze surgery.

I have no idea if any of my chest pains are AF or CAD or anxiety. Worse the anxiety and stress has made my AF worse which i in turn know os damaging my heart.

The mental aspect of all of this is very hard. And it’s also the bit we’re meant to be able to control. Still I intend to beat it somehow it’s can be done 🙏🏽