Visited GP on Wednesday last week with a pain in chest...BP slightly raised to 136/90 she sent me to hospital for ECG. Had 3 over course of two days all ok. Xray ok. Ultra sound waiting for results and need an MRI. Trop levels were only 42 but as anything over the threshold is considered high they frightened me by saying could be a warning sign of a HA. I mean I've been living life on egg shells frightened to do anything. I feel a little more relaxed reading your stories and hope that the MRI doesn't show anything horrendous or at least something that can be dealt with. Life definitely throws some curveballs.
If anyone wants to send some positive vibes I'll be happy to accept.
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Emmaisaworrier
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Reading your post I thought I wished sometimes they would think before they make a comment as they did to you and word it differently
The fact is I am not a Doctor but I think maybe saying we will have to get this under control or if we don't in the future you could have a heart attack would be a lot better than leaving us feeling it could happen any minute which I am sure if they thought that they would have not let you come home and wait for a scan
It is so easy for others to say do not worry as we have all been in similar positions in some kind of way and for a lot of us we do worry but we have to try and reverse these fears and see it as a positive that they have caught you and picked up that some tests are elevated so now once the scan is done they can decide what to do to make sure you don't have a heart attack which makes us the lucky ones really as some do not get picked up there is something wrong
Have they started you on any medications ?
Try to get on with things as before imagine if you had not gone to the Doctors you would have been just doing your usual , look at your diet and if changes need making make them and the heart likes exercise even though maybe not running a marathon till you have had your scan
Yes totally...he told me anyone with elevated troponin levels don't have a healthy heart. I've never read so much about this protein over the last few days I'm exhausted by it.
I've been under extreme stress over the last year so one wonders. However just trying to remain positive.
I said to my partner had I not gone to the GP I'd be none the wiser but I guess something worse might have happened later down the line.
It's all very scary as it's the heart, you only get one that doesn't regenerate. But hopeful that the MRI is clear. The one thing he did say that was slightly positive was that I dont fit the typical trend for a HA but then added on the bit about it being a warning sign.
And chase up the scan if you do not hear something and let them know that is if you can you can do short notice if anyone cancels their appointment
You will be fine and get through this and maybe they will start you on meds at some time if they think you need some but for now that is another positive they have not put you on any as yet
Hi , definitely be positive and I agree that you have been lucky to have been checked out early. I was only 52 when I had an MI ,I had no obvious markers ,I didn't smoke, drink alcohol and exercised and ate a gluten free diet which restricted a lot of foods. Mine was due to my 'genetics' , a time bomb waiting to happen due to stress. So it annoys me that you were told that you aren't the obvious type as nobody is. I was told once when I was having tests done at the hospital due to feeling unwell that my Troponin levels were high and that is because I have had another heart attack. I was devastated and stressed to the extreme until the consultant came and explained that the intern was incorrect and that I will always have Troponin in my blood due to my previous MI.
It's easy to say try not to worry, but life is what we are dealt with and you will cope with whatever course of action is required, but certainly sounds like medication and lowered stress related issues will help. I now work for the same team but have a less stressful role and only work 3 days a week. Life is too short and precious ❤️
I'm not sure I agree with your consultant.... I have had three HAs.... and 5 angiograms... have four stents across two pipes. I've also had several false alarms, and as per normal ED procedure my TNIs are taken..... last two times this has happened they've been well under normal thresholds - i.e single digits... 5/6 etc.... on the highly sensitive tests....
Thank you so much for this. I guess the MRI will show a lot as the xray I had showed nothing abnormal. There isn't really any history of heart issues in our family...high BP perhaps. 3 of my uncles had heart attacks in their 50s but their lifestyles were so different to mine heavy drinkers and smokers...of which I do neither. I guess its just thr way it is. My mum went misdiagnosed with cancer and died within a year when they found it my fear of hospitals in this time has increased significantly. Its just a worry now. X
I am sorry you have had a worrying experience. In 2012 I was admitted to hospital with a suspected heart and later diagnosed with vasospastic angina.
Troponin is a protein released into the blood stream when the heart has been damaged in someway.
This can be due to a lack of blood supply to the heart, inflammation, infection, heart function issues or kidney problems.
I suggest you give the BHF helpline a call and speak to one of the cardiac nurses to explain to you the significance of your raised troponin blood levels.
Vasospastic angina is caused by my coronary arteries going into transient constrictions causing a lack of blood supply to my heart.
I don't always have ECG changes but do have slightly raised troponin blood levels when I have a severe episode of coronary vasospasms. I am usually admitted to hospital for treatment to stop my coronary vasospasms.
Microvascular angina is another type of angina that typically effects women around the time of the menopause.
Both microvascular and vasospastic angina are often overlooked and under recognised. They require special tests to diagnose.
I suggest you ask your Cardiology team if they have considered whether microvascular or vasospastic angina are a possible cause of your symptoms.
The BHF website has this information about microvascular and vasospastic angina.
Thanks Milkfairy I will chat to the team when I go for my MRI ... and thank you for all the information I will definitely have a read of the links you sent and speaking to the BHF might help me xx
I was sent to hospital in November with same thing as you . Ecg s ok but trip 44 , was told they thought I’d had HA , then after repeat test they said I hadn’t ? Diagnosed angina which got progressively worse, diagnostic angiogram in Jan showed virtually blocked artery , so stent put in . I’m really not sure I have a lot of faith in the trop test and ecg test to be fair . Glad you’re ok and you get answers . You find the right thing going to gp though , chest and arm pain should never be ignored
I think the ECG and TNI tests showed exactly that you hadn't had a heart attack. A diagnostic angiogram showing a virtually blocked artery is NOT a HA, but showed you had angina. ECG tests show abnormal/normal electrical current through the heart, and the various waves are shown on a graph. Higher TNI than normal doesn't necessarily mean a HA.... until it is absolutely high.... I have had TNI levels at >60 but <100 and not had a HA.... Myocarditis (infection/inflammation) will show above normal TNI results and so will excessive (as in ultra-distance) exercise, and other possible non HA causes.... Milkfairy has provided the links. What ED doctors look for is a trend in rising TNI levels over the first 4-8 hours. You are right not to ignore chest/arm/stomach pain. High sensitive TNI tests are pretty robust these days.
Looked at your bio and note you try to live healthily. Does that include your diet or are you snacking, buying ready meals, perhaps put on a bit of weight the exercise doesn't remove?
Not helped by your stress. Do you do anything for that like yoga-or have quality time for yourself- as that may be at the root of your problems.
My life is hectic I've been crippled with anxiety and stress rhe last few years since my mum died and my eldest has anxiety and depression and doesn't leave the house...thinking about it makes me anxious. I've recently gone through menopause amd work 2 jobs. I try and keep healthy, I do snack and I put on weight during menopause that I can't shift. I was going to join a ballet dance class but haven't quite made it yet. I never seem to have time. I do need to make time. 😩 never envisaged my life would turn out quite like it has xx
Hi Emma, so sorry that you are going through this. I have been in a constant battle with anxiety for most of my life. My symptoms were similar to those that you have described. I have had two episodes of Takotsubo (broken heart syndrome) caused by anxiety and stress. I am now 78 (79 later this year and proud that I will be 80 next year). What I am trying to say is that there is light at the end of the tunnel, My trop levels were over 1,000 and I still made it home from the hospital. Sending hugs to you. Marianne. x
That's amazing...thank you Marianne so pleased you are doing well xx I guess I just need to know the answers and whatever meds I need to sort me out. It's the waiting. X
I had an ultrasound on the Friday which they said couldn't see anything...when they told me to come for an MRI they said that they don't expect my arteries to be blocked but need to check eveything...my cholesterol, blood clot bloods were both fine...I don't know. I'll speak to my gp re the angiogram...thank you x
Found to have elevated hs troponin T after a C**** infection 18 months ago. Diagnosed as due to myocarditis.Rested for around 9 months during which the troponin level fluctuated but always above normal (<14) and below 35. Started exercising again 9 months ago - stationary cycling and and maintaining a heart rate of between 125 and 135 for 30 minutes (I am 74 so this is over 90% of max for my age)and some weight lifting-without a problem . Repeat troponins stayed elevated. Cardiac MRI shows possible localised scar from the myocarditis but it has not affected my ability to exercise. My understanding is that an elevated troponin is common as part of wear and tear on the heart.
Ah Emma, I'm sorry you're going through this. For what it's worth (and you'll probably know this) stress is one of the risk factors for heart disease. Please try to contain your worry as much as you can - designate a 'worry hour' where you read up or go on forums or write down all the 'what ifs' and then try to do something that isn't stressful - read a book, watch something you love, spend time with loved ones. Your brain and your heart both need that kindness. And think about how you reduce stress longer term as part of your lifestyle. Since my heart event last year, I have cut stress out almost entirely and am a great deal happier.
Sending all of the good vibes and hoping there are absolutely no causes for concern for you xx
Welcome Emma and positive vibes to you. I don’t know much about heart attacks etc but I hope your MRI comes back clear. All the best and keep us posted on the outcome.
I’m sorry to hear about your recent hospitalisation and the worry you are feeling with the raised troponin levels.
I had a MINOCA (myocardial infarction in non-obstructed arteries) in 2022. I was 29 years old at the time. The angiogram showed no blockages however, it did show a spasm in one of my arteries, namely my myocardial bridge. In the absence of blocked arteries, and nothing else significant found, I was diagnosed with coronary artery spasms which is what had triggered my MINOCA as the spasm lasted long enough to cause a moderate rise in my Troponin.
Stress was thought to be a major contributor to my MINOCA at the time therefore, it is really important to manage stress. I practice breathing exercises, go on long walks, and meditate to help as I have always had very poor stress management. I would suggest finding ways which help you to stay calm and relaxed for a couple of hours during the day or at the end of your day in order to combat the worrying or anxiety you feel at the moment which is totally understandable.
Your upcoming tests should be able to give you more information about your heart health. Coronary artery spasms or Vasospastic angina should be considered if your tests all come back within the normal range. An angiogram might also be appropriate alongside your tests however, these are things which you can discuss with your cardiologist.
Thanks so much Tos92. They don't tell you much and just leave you wondering until what seems the main event the MRI. I just feel like walking on egg shells if I do anything strenuous will start something...my stress levels are definitely not being managed at this time :/ do you remember your Troponin levels?
I need to take a step back and re evaluate my life. I really don't want to die
My Troponin levels were near the 100’s. I sustained a small area of reversible heart muscle damage which has now been resolved (I think).
Were you symptomatic prior to the rise in Troponin, or was it a sudden event?
I find that some things make my chest pain/angina worse such as the cold weather, stress which is emotional, physical and mental, and sometimes exertion. Perhaps keep a diary of the things which make your chest pain worse if you are still symptomatic? This will be a good insight for your cardiologist too.
You might want to consider therapy at some point as well to help support you in managing your stress and also to help you come to terms with your recent cardiac event if this is what it is. I would suggest that up until the MRI, you try and find ways to keep calm and relaxed. Do you have family and friends for support at this time? X
Thanks Tos92. I had a pain in my central ribcage that was in pain terms a 5/6 it didn't get worse or better with anything and it was during this time my troponin was elevated but not having base line to gauge I couldn't say if it was like that due to the pain or had been like that for a while. I just spoke to my gp who wasn't very helpful and he said the ultrasound sounded like an angiogram as was checking the heart etc. I dunno. Just so up in the air. I'm not doing much atm feel like my life is somewhat on hold. X
Just pace yourself with your activities at the moment. You don’t need to put your life on hold but just be mindful that you have been unwell so stay somewhat cautious with the activities that you choose to participate in and that you are making time to rest in-between until you get your results. Hopefully the results come back positive x
I’ve gone private a few times. I would recommend it if you did not want to wait for your MRI. When I’ve had tests done privately, I’ve had results back within a week or so. When having tests done on the NHS, I’ve had results back within a 6 month timeframe x
l’m sorry that you’re having such a worrying time. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, an angiogram is a completely different and more invasive test that involves a camera guided into heart arteries via an artery in the arm or groin. An echocardiogram can visualise heart chambers; valves and the pumping action of the heart. It can also help visualise any damage to heart muscle. Blockages in arteries can only be assessed using an angiogram, cardiac MRI or CT angiogram. I’ve had quite a few of these tests (more than once…) over the last few years since my heart attack. If it helps at all, my Troponin score at that time was 2000+.
A and E Doctors seem to have a nasty habit of putting the fear of of god up you. I was shunted to Hospital with suspected MI in September and even though all tests were normal my Trop levels hit 100.Yup, you've had a Heart Attack and we're keeping you in.
1 week later had Angio that didn't
show a blockage so no stent required.
Fast forward a month and back to A n E with awful chest pain.
Diagnosed with Pericarditis.
I've still got that but it ebbs and flows.
It's quite concerning at times as it mimics a full blown HA.
Fast forward 3 months and after much nagging got to see the head honcho of York and Scarborough Cardiology.
What he told me left me completely stunned.
He actually suggested, in his opinion, that I probably never had a HA in the first place and was probably Pericarditis all along.
Pointing out that Marathon runners and Gymnasts can easily have Traponin at 100 and he didn't believe my levels were HA related
So I'm now leftgto my own devices with constant chest pain and Recurrent stabbing pain upper left.
To say I've lost faith in the NHS is an understatement
Oh dear that doesn't sound good at all .. did they do 2 troponins 3 hours apart initially this is usually indicative of a HA as the levels will spike within the 3 hours if HA present...mine stayed the same elevated but stable. I do a lot of running and exercise but now I'm left thinking my running days are over...
Sorry you had a bad experience and nothing for the pain etc. That's not good at all. Perhaps a GP might be a bit more supportive in managing your pain/symptoms?
I guess take the good there was no HA and that your trop levels are because you are so fit...but need to get that pain management under control.
I am definitely a worrier too! I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, so I can understand how you feel very scared and like you are tip-toeing on eggshells.
I don’t know if this will help, but I see positives in what you said. First, you stated that you saw your doctor last Wednesday. That is an important first step. You are getting things checked out!
Your blood pressure was honestly not too bad. You said that it was 136/90. Doctors usually suggest that BP be around 120/80, so your elevated numbers might be partly due to “white coat syndrome”. Many people do get nervous when they visit a doctor or hospital. You have been worried about your heart, so all of that might have acted together to raise your BP. Your doctor may have suggested that you buy a BP cuff so that you can take and keep track of your BP daily. That is not a bad idea!
I don’t know how everyone experiences a HA, and we are all different, but when I had my HA two years ago, my heart rate was very high—kept climbing—and remained high—until the doctors could get it stabilized after several hours. Plus, my BP numbers were very scary!
As you mentioned, any increase in Troponin levels is usually a sign of some type of damage to the heart. While I was in the hospital that night and the following day, the doctor took a series of blood draws for testing. While I was having the HA, the Troponin levels continued to rise over time. I don’t recall my final numbers, but I think that it was around 95–110. I definitely had had a HA, but the doctor assured me that some people have much higher Troponin levels (not that that information really helps). Your level of 42, may indicate that you did have some event that resulted in some slight damage to your heart. You might want to speak with your doctor about what this level means for you.
You also stated that you had ECGs and an X-ray, and that these tests all appeared to be okay 👍. That sounds positive to me! I also had an X-ray and CT chest scan on the night that I had my HA.
You are scheduled for additional testing, which is a good thing! Try not to worry about it ahead of time ( much easier said than done, I know). It is not a difficult test, nor a painful test—but it may be helpful in letting you know more about how you are doing. That is a positive thing!
While you are waiting for the additional testing, you might think about questions that you might want to ask your doctor and write those in a notebook. I always forget something that I wanted to ask about unless I have it written down. You might also want to think about some lifestyle changes that you might want to make. For example, you might want to add more fresh fruits and veggies in your diet.
Above all, try to relax and not worry too much. I do know how difficult that can be, but your heart and overall health will “thank you” for less worry. I still work on this factor daily, but my doctor told me about two weeks ago that she has seen improvement in my anxiety levels over this last year, so there is hope for us worriers! ❤️
Thank you Smitty1956. I hope that you are ok ? It was a very scary experience and still is...I just want the MRI...yesterday I called cardiology and a letter hadn't even been sent.
My troponin levels stayed stable at mid 40s over 12 hours...
I do get very stressed and worried all the time and this is adding to it no end.
Thanks for your advice...I do generally eat a healthy diet. I guess I just need answers.
Hi Emma, I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through all this and the worry & anxiety it is causing. Your trop levels seem pretty low for an event but you are being checked out and that’s the best thing. I had an Nstemi heart attack last July , I felt really strange after a yoga class . When we left the class o says to my wife that I felt weird , really funny , couldn’t quite describe it. We put it down to not eating prior to the challenging class. I drove us home and had some brunch and still felt funny. I sat down and then started to get an acute pain in the middle of my chest. It was like trapped wind and I thought I needed to burp 🤦🏼. The pain became so intense that I started to push the table away and that worried my wife . It was like I was being stabbed in the middle of my chest. My wife wanted to call an ambulance, I said it was trapped wind and not to worry , she called 111 for advice. They talked asked me loads of questions about the pain. I kept telling them that it was stabbing in my middle chest , no arm, jaw, back pain. No elephant sitting on my chest. They sent an ambulance crew. They checked me on ECG and said everything was fine there , whatever had Ja had passed. However they insisted that I should go to hospital with them to have cyber trop test as that would define if I had a cardiac event. They reiterated that they couldn’t make me go, it was my choice . It seemed bloody sensible to me 🤣. I was still in my yoga vest , shorts and sliders . Was taken to hospital , put in emergency ward , tested blood , chest xrayed, put on a drip then booted into the corridor where we waited all day 🤦🏼 with the rest of the A&E . Arrived at 13:00 and by 18:00 I was getting hangry! My wife got some sandwiches from a Tesco nearby and they were the best thing I’d eaten 🤣.. I was still hooked up to the drip so couldn’t go far. Then had another blood test about 8pm. I threatened to go home but my wife kept telling me to stay . A nurse says that if I go home I would have to start over again if I had another bout of pain. At 11pm a doctor found us , he said “look at you ! You’re so fit and strong. Your first blood test came in at 74 , not much of a concern . I was going to send you home . I thought I’d do a second test , I’m sorry it’s taken so long. I really thought I was sending you home , you’ve been here all day , you look fit and well but the second test came back at 402! You’ve had a heart attack , I can’t believe it and I’m sure it’s a shock to you and your wife” 😱😱😱. We were stunned. I felt absolutely fine.
They kept me in , angiogram next day showed blocked arteries not suitable for stents , another shock when I was told I’d need triple bypass open heart surgery .. ended up quadruple bypass. Making a very good recovery 8 months on. Back running 5k , riding motorbike after 3 months , physical work round our farm.
I asked what would’ve happened if I hadn’t gone on for the blood test. The surge said the outcome could’ve have been pretty final. I may have had another worse heart attack in one of my fields and not made it back. Thank the Lord my wife called 111 , the medics were dispatched and I went for the trop count !
Wozers that's a lot for you to take on board there and then, so thankful for your wife..wise woman. So pleased to hear that you are back to running and being sporty that's amazing
Sometimes it really helps to get it all out but I'm so pleased you are doing well
I'm just playing the waiting game and for me that's the hardest thing right now but hopefully they'll get me in soon but the type of person I am I'm sure I'll ne in a&e again soon if only because Of my anxiety.
👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻 Little changes make so much more of a difference, to outlook, recovery, perceptions … change a couple of letters for instance in your username and it’d be Emma is a warrior! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻❤️❤️❤️ Keep on keeping on💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Update... I had an Echocardiogram on Wednesday and the sonographer told me that nothing untoward was showing up. I've literally lived for 5 weeks as if I'm going to have a heartattack...she seemed pleased, my partner said I should be pleased. But I'm not. I'm waiting for a CT scan not heard yet been 5 weeks. I need answers. Why was my troponin elevated if not due to an issue, although something might shoe up on CT. I've since developed a dull ache I'm my left arm pit not all the time just when doing certain things which is freaking me out. Do I go back to A&E does this sound cardiac to anyone? Am I just so paranoid I'm freaking out over everything!
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