change in pain

[Worvera]

Hello everyone. I have microvascular angina for the last almost three years. I am accustomed to the pain and other symptoms but this afternoon I experienced something entirely different. I had a sudden and very deep pain (as if someone was pushing a blunt instrument into my chest). It was very painful and was at the upper left chest. It only lasted a couple of seconds but I felt the blood drain out of my face and my legs went to jelly for a few minutes. I had to lie down and then take to bed where I woke up two hours later. I feel quite vulnerable tonight. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

[devonian186]

Something happened. Whether it was just one of those things related to your condition, or something more serious, needs checking out with your GP or by ringing 111.

[Worvera in reply to devonian186]

Thank you. Yes I shall phone the doctor today. 🙏

[jerry12953]

Very occasionally I get something similar - my heart beats painfully for 1 - 2 seconds and I feel faint. Then it's fine again. It has happened twice in the last week but prior to that not for maybe a couple of years.

[Worvera in reply to jerry12953]

Thanks Jerry. That’s exactly my experience. This is the first time it’s happened and it was so scary 😟

[jerry12953 in reply to Worvera]

I don't know what to do about it. if it happens more frequently I'll have to see the medics about it. I'm already an angina sufferer - probably microvascular but it hasn't been confirmed 100%.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Worvera,

It's always unsettling when you have a different new experience of chest pain. It can be scary.

I have vasospastic angina rather than microvascular angina, however if anything changes in the pattern, frequency or severity of the chest pain I usually feel, I contact my Cardiologist.

For me it heralds my vasospastic angina becoming unstable.

As others have suggested you need to be reviewed by a doctor.

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you. 🙏 My GP says to rest (which I feel I have no option but to). If it happens again to call an ambulance. I am going to have a physical exam and bloods next week. I don’t have contact with my cardiologist since my diagnosis but maybe that needs to happen now. 🤷‍♀️

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

I suggest you keep a log of your symptoms. It may help to ask your GP to refer you to a Cardiologist who has some understanding of microvascular and vasospastic angina to review your medication.

More and more centres are beginning to carry out the appropriate tests to definitely diagnose microvascular and vasospastic angina. There is a growing awareness of microvascular and vasospastic angina amongst healthcare professionals.

I unfortunately don't respond well to my medication. I am very symptomatic so see my Cardiologist at least twice a year.

Good luck!

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes I’ve spoken to you before Milkfairy. I hope you get relief from this horrible illness. I had my scan at Glasgow Jubilee hospital and was involved in the research. I haven’t seen a cardiologist since. This symptom is completely new to me though so I’m hoping it’s not the condition progressing. I’m exhausted today so resting up. Take good care ❤️

[Proustreader]

Yes I havequite often had the same experience but I find if zI use my nitrate spray and then rest immobile on bed or couch I am OK after a while and like you I sometimesEs sleep for an hour or two.

Am used to thistle and not worried about it.

[pasigal]

Definitely get that checked out, even if you need to go to A&E. It could be minor, could be medicine-related, but I do know what worrying will only make it worse! Good luck!

[elliebath]

I had a similar pain , quite out of the blue, stabbing sharp, lasted 3-4 minutes max. Not usual for me as I rarely get angina pain, mostly just breathlessness on exertion. I've had Ct scans in the past and almost no sign of plaque (in one place only and less than 20% ) and no other heart issues. Like you, this sudden stabbing pain scared me though, so I called 999. After paramedic ECG it all looked fine, not a heart attack, but was referred to A&e for blood tests that can see more accurately. Outcome, nothing wrong with heart, sent home, been fine since. But was told always ring 999 if any unusual pain. So, that's what I'm advising you too.

[Worvera in reply to elliebath]

Thank you 🙏. I have spoken to my GP this morning and that’s exactly what he said to do if it happens again. I appreciate you taking the time to respond 🙏

[elliebath in reply to Worvera]

These things are always best checked out, even if sometimes (as in my case) they can give no answer to the cause.

[Worvera]

Hello everyone and thank you all for your responses. I have spoken to my doctor this morning and we have arranged an examination and blood check next week. He thinks it has been a new type of spasm which has been a localised one as opposed to the general spasms that I am accustomed to. He told me to phone an ambulance if it happens again and meanwhile just to rest. I so appreciate this space and the kindness and understanding it offers ❤️