Post heart attack

[Bird62]

Hello again, I posted on here a few months back regarding my husbands palpitations. Things have moved on a bit since then , he has been having random chest pain and saw the doctor, he reassured him that the pain was most likely muscle strain … not sure about that . He had recent blood tests as he is on 85mg statins , so he has annual checks but results came back with kidney disease, very concerning although GP has said that on a scale of 1 - 10 his kidneys were working at 7 which isn’t concerning, again we’re not sure . Still getting random sharp pains , rang the surgery today, had his BP checked 3 times , it was 170/ 80 … so now they’ve given him a monitor to check twice a day , morning and night for 5 days… apart from feeling tired he says he feels ok but I’m really worried, where is all this leading too , does anyone have any advice please , also hubby asked if he needed another angiogram but GP said no because of the risks … I don’t understand but what I do understand is if he has any more chest pain I’m ringing for help ,is kidney disease related to heart issues, he has 3 stents after heart attack 10 years ago . Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I know these medications we take can affect our kidneys why we have the blood tests done and I think the Atrosvasin is one of these meds that can

My Doctor has said before to me when blood tests have come back they are still in the limit but when they are saying it is 7 and can between 7 to 10 you do think well it is getting near 10 only 3 to go

What I was wondering is what his cholesterol was like when he had his results if they were good then it could be a question to ask could he go on a lower dose or even change to another tablet in case it is affecting his kidneys and even if they say he will be fine you could still reply but we would like to try and see if it makes a difference

His blood pressure is a bit high but by taking his readings over a week if they stop that high they should either look at his meds or you could ask if they would consider a referral

I bought a basic BP machine Omicron and take my BP regular this might be something worth investing in as the whole family can also use it so when they take the machine back from you then you will have your own

Angiograms do come with risks which can be quite high and unless needed are best to not have and a Consultant would only send a patient for one if they felt one was needed so at this moment that sounds true your Doctor saying that about that query

You can ask for a second opinion and you can ask your Doctor if they would refer him as you are concerned

Also are you on System on line that that you sign up for with your surgery you can see all your notes that they have wrote as well as test results to

It might ne handy if you are to take a look what his past Kidney results have been and depending question how they have come to now been a 7

If you are not on the system then you an ask for a copy of his previous blood tests results

You are right though if he does get any more chest pains get him down to A&E but I hope it does not come to that but better to be safe if you feel at any stage it is needed

Let us know how you get on x

[Bird62 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you for your reply , not sure what his cholesterol level was on the blood results, probably ok as it wasn’t mentioned, but you’re right about asking to see the results. On a previous appointment his GP was talking about taking him off the statins and maintaining things by changing his diet , hubby refused as hospital said he needs to stay on this high dose for life along with aspirin, he has always had a good diet with no meat , minimal dairy, mainly fruit , veg and fish … doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke . Previously did smoke but gave up immediately after heart attack 10 years ago, this was the cause of the blocked arteries in the first place . Since then he cycles 20 miles a day and has led a healthy lifestyle. It’s frightening when things suddenly change but hopefully with close monitoring of BP and calling for help if chest pains continue things will be ok . Although I do think a referral is a good idea as I think he needs to be checked out further … one artery was 50% blocked which they left to be controlled with statins and aspirin, he’s worried that this is more blocked up causing the pain , the others were 60%, 90% and 70% if i remember rightly, he was lucky if lucky is the right word as his heart actually stopped while he had the angiogram in the first place . It’s all really scary , despite reassurance the situation is frightening from the trauma of it all . Thank you for the advice, hoping for the best x

[BeKind28- in reply to Bird62]

Hello

I understand your worry but keep pushing see if you can get hold of his previous blood test results and push for a referral even if the Doctor says he does not need one then I would say can I see you put on the records we asked for a referral because we were concerned but you have stated he does not need one and make them show you if you do not have access to the Doctors online system they have written that as sometimes when you say that they change their minds and do a referral

The other option but not everyone is in a position to be able to do it is going private

Let us know how you get on x

[Bird62 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you again and yes I’ll get that done , a referral is the way to go with this . Going private could be an option, around 6 months ago our daughter took him to A&E late on night with chest pain , he had more blood tests , chest x ray , monitor etc … the doctor said then that she would make a referral for him with cardiology and to expect a letter , it never happened… I rang the hospital about this , they obviously had it on record that he had attended but no referral had been made ! she never bothered or got sidetracked and forgot, not really good enough is it , this is how people slip through the net . Will keep you updated and once again many thanks for your help x

[BeKind28- in reply to Bird62]

Hello

I agree it is not good enough she never did the referral and people do slip through the net and that is why we have to keep pushing if we feel something is not right

Look forward to hearing how you get on x

[Bird62 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you yes , will let you know in due course how things go . Thank you again for all your kind words and welcome advice . Do take care of yourself aswell . Life is precious, take care x

[LSCE]

Hello, kidney function can declined with age. But meds can also effect function as can an elevated blood pressure. Hence why the doctor is getting you to check the BP at home.

[Bird62 in reply to LSCE]

Thank you for replying, best wishes to you .

[Hidden]

Hello, With regards to Kidney function I would suggest speaking with your GP again and asking for clarification. Yes, there is a link between heart issues and kidneys, some meds can affect the kidneys and drive them harder, others provide benefits. I don't have a problem with high Cholestorol, but am on Atorvastatin to slow down the deterioration in my kidneys, but, that may not be a suitable option for others.

For your GP to indicate your husbands kidneys are working at a 7 out of 10, is probably good, hence there being no concerns. As an example, I have Stage 3b Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and could easily be referred as a 3 or 4 out of 10 at best. The kidney funcion is measured as eGFR, and its quite plausible that the GP has tried not to tie you in knots with a figure that won't mean much to you, but, maybe should have been clearer in what they meant.

Best wishes

[Bird62 in reply to Hidden]

Hello , thank you for replying. Sorry to hear of your troubles, I think this is a lot of the problem when things arnt explained properly, the doctors know but we don’t , the anxiety of it all can be overwhelming. We’ll follow through with everything, and next time he goes when he takes the monitor back we can ask more questions. It’s comforting to have so much support here from more knowledgeable souls experiencing issues themselves so thank you and all best wishes.

[Qualipop]

His medication can affect the kidneys. He should perhaps ask to change his statin to one that has less effect on them. However two years ago whilst checking my blood test results online I suddenly noticed that it said Stage something kidney disease. I can't remember which stage but it was the lowest and first stage. In a panic I rang the doctors because nothing at all had been said to me. It turned out that the NHS had suddenly changed the level at which any reduction of kidney function was reported. SO test results that would have previously been ignored as minor changes were now automatically reported. I was assured that it was absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Our kidney function naturally reduces as we age and it was no more than that. I remembered that I'd been called back for a repeat blood test which had been fine. I'd probably drunk more before the test.

[theonethatgotaway1]

Are these random sharp pains new or have been going on since his HA?

I have had tons since my HA. Almost daily sharp pains which vary from being sharp stabbing, awful powerful electric Zaps that shoot across chest and then there's dull aches and pains.

I've told them time and time again about these and all tests seem to come back stable. I'm not sure if it's just because the NHS is overrun that us 'stable' patients are put at the bottom of the list.

I was told if the pains spread and other symptoms arise with them, then obviously call 999.

As for where is this heading? Well im told you can either sit around and wait for the inevitable. Or get moving and at least try to get the heart muscle working again. It's REAL tough though. I am lost off with it all also and get very little help from the 5 minute annual cardiologist meeting with his senior nurse. Seen the cardiologist 1 time since this happened in 2019.

All the best for you and your husband ❤️

[Bird62 in reply to theonethatgotaway1]

Hello and thank you for your reply . How you’ve described your pain I’d say is almost the same as hubbys , although he doesn’t get them every day , however enough to be alarming. Sharp shooting pains across the chest , into his back sometimes and also central pain , he describes as a quick sharp stab … it’s very frightening for you and for anyone going through this , even though reassurance is given is this how it’s going to be , just waiting for the next one . He is active , cycles regularly and has a good diet there’s not a lot else health wise he can do really. He’s had these pains more recently and also seems a lot more tired but that could be natural as we get older , he’s 60 . We’ll see how things go , continue with BP monitoring and hope all works out . Best wishes and thank you .