Is it normal to have random 'zaps' of... - British Heart Fou...

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Is it normal to have random 'zaps' of pain here and there throughout each day with heart failure/after a heart attack?

theonethatgotaway1 profile image

Is this 'normal' to experience pains and aches in the heart area after a heart attack and with having heart failure?

The pains vary and are pretty much always random and not at exertion. Mostly are mild. Less than a stitch I'd say. Some are sharp, zap like, split second which catch me off guard. I'd have several each day. Maybe 1 ever couple hours.

Some are dull ache which maybe last a little longer. I also gey ectopics

Does anyone else experience this sort of thing? I don't think it's your usual angina as I can walk or do light exercise and don't really experience it then. I do have aniexity and understand this could be included but this happens when I am calm and resting. Just interested in your thoughts. Seeing the cardio is a while away and they haven't really looked into this other than telling me things look good atm.

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theonethatgotaway1
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8 Replies
Carriefarm profile image
Carriefarm

This could be coronary artery vasospasm, which happens at rest. Do you have a GTN spray? If the pain is relieved by this, it would suggest this is the case. Contact your GP and discuss being referred back to cardiologist if it continues. I hope you find some answers soon.

HeartyJames profile image
HeartyJames

I had exactly as you describe and they put me on ranolaxine and it helped and they upped my isosorbide mononitrate . Still get palpitations every day. Stopped a while after a pacemaker implant but now are back again. I had heart attack (2.5 years ago then failure), ischaemic cardiomyopathy with EF of 35% and still have a blocked artery . I have gtn spray but did not help with the spasms as they make you jump and dont feel them coming

With me it did turn into angina after a year or so. I no longer get zapping

Best wishes to you. You're probably turning into a super person with electric power

theonethatgotaway1 profile image
theonethatgotaway1 in reply toHeartyJames

Hopefully be able to shoot bolts of lightening soon!

Did you get these zaps quite often?

HeartyJames profile image
HeartyJames in reply totheonethatgotaway1

Most days

Avagra profile image
Avagra

I have exactly the same symptoms and had my HA and circumflex stent October’22.The dull ache lasts intermittently for 10-15 mins and can sometimes be accompanied by a short sharp twinge that startles me.GTN I haven’t tried especially with the twinges as they last for a split second only.I am without these symptoms when walking or standing and they only seem to happen when sitting.Ive been putting off phoning my surgery for doctors appointment but intend to do so when open.Will keep you in the loop and appreciate it for you to do same.Good luck

theonethatgotaway1 profile image
theonethatgotaway1 in reply toAvagra

Yes sounds very familiar. I did mention this to the cardiologist quite a few times but they seem happy with the way the heart is atm. 35% ef rate and little severe symptoms elsewhere. Just the pains, be it sharp, dull, zapping odd times....quite annoying and scary at times. The amount of times it's stopped me in my tracks and thinking oh no. Is this it. Need to ring 999. I know aniexity can cause something similar but I don't think it's that.

Avagra profile image
Avagra

👍 So long as not serious !

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike

as well as the possibility that your pains could be heart-related, they could be caused by a chest condition like pleuresy, or a musculoskeletal condition like costochondtritis - if this continues you should check in with a GP

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