Heart pain

[JuliaGemstar]

I have been diagnosed with heart failure but don't have a treatment plan and haven't had a proper conversation with a cardiologist about how to manage this.My problem over the past couple of days is that I have suffered from occasional sharp pains in my chest, lasting perhaps for a heartbeat, then it goes away. It's happened about 10 times now. Should I be worried?

[Tos92]

Hi JuliaGemstar,

I’m sorry you’ve not been able to speak to your cardiologist yet. Could you call your cardiology department on Tuesday (bank holiday tomorrow) or their secretary and ask if they could expedite your appointment with them as your symptoms are getting worse?

Meanwhile, if you continue to experience chest pain, please call 111 or 999 for further help and advice.

There are others on here with heart failure, so I hope they will share their experience with their symptoms with you too.

Take care.

Tos

[JuliaGemstar in reply to Tos92]

Thank you. That is a good idea. The cardiologist I was seeing is not there any more and my appointment with someone else is not until 25 June.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

You could also talk to the BHF Heart Helpline nurse

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[bluemoon572]

As a rule cardiac pains are never that shortlived. You may be dealing with an irritable superficial nerve in your rib cage. Nevertheless you must get into the cardiologist's office urgently if a diagnosis of congestive heart failure has been given you. The squeaky wheel gets the oil!

[Laworders]

has your doctor got note of your heart failure? if so they can start you on your treatment, I see my doc and my heart failure nurse regular and I am constantly getting me medication adjusted

[sandandkev]

If you've not seen a cardiologist who diagnosed you with heart failure?? I was in AF and got totally different diagnosis from cardiologist,and now on different medication,I also started to get an ache in my chest,so now have angina,I am on medication for that so can do normal things without any pain, I do know anxiety can make things 100% worse

[JuliaGemstar in reply to sandandkev]

I have seen a cardiologist but he is no longer at the hospital. My doctor received notes from him that variously said I had a heart tumor, which had disappeared by the time I had a cardiac MRI, A Fib, Bradycardia, and heart failure. I also have hypothyroidism. My GP has been unable to access latest notes despite an urgent letter as cardiologist has gone away. I don't want to go to A&E unless desperate as they do usual tests and send me home. Waste of their time and mine. My next cardio appt. Is 25 June. I din*t know what it is for as generic letter from a different doctor. Very confused. My GP has done full bloods and I have phone appt with him on 12 June to discuss. They mostly look OK to me except thyroid a bit low.

[Alicant]

I’ve not seen Cardilogist yet diagnosed January on waiting list???? I also have occasional discomforts in chest would be at A and E daily if responded..shambles as far as I’m concerned

[Deejay62]

Hi sorry to hear about your diagnosis. June isn’t too long for your appointment. Cardiologist come and go but there’s always a replacement so don’t worry about that.

You can be diagnosed with heart failure if your Ejection Fraction (EF) is under 50%. There are 4 stages, I believe. Mine went to 10% 5 years ago, it is now 23%. I was diagnosed 21 years ago with an EF of 43%. I also have many underlying heart conditions

Until you know you’re EF it’s not worth worrying, easier said, but if you’re really worried speak to the BHF nurse they can explain y, as someone has already said, also go on the BHF website for more information.

All the best.

[Avagra]

I have had sharp intermittent left chest twinges for quite a while and have had ecg’s echo, bloods,X-ray etc. A Gtn spray is no good as the twinges last for a split second and can make you jump a bit.I did have a HA and stent fitted in Oct’22 and apart from the chest twinges I’m fine. I’m awaiting a call from my cardiologist on Thursday so I’ll let you know more then .

[JuliaGemstar in reply to Avagra]

Thank you. Sounds very similar.

[Ironfloor173]

I was diagnosed with a silent HA over 2 years ago. Should have had a triple bypass last November but postponed due to an infection.

I have had medical issues since then so still not done.

I too get the odd chest pain but was told if it's just a few seconds it's nothing yo worry about. Of course it could be once you know you have a heart problem you think there is a problem every time you have a bit of chest pain, where previously you may not have given it a second thought.

Good luck.

[TheBesty]

I get left chest pains like a sudden muscle pull for a second or two then gone, its always on the left side. Ive got heart failure with ef 31% up from 13% in December. I started with what I thought was severe heartburn, then after hospital and meds I just get those twitches now and then... Specialist told me not to worry about it, so im used to them now. They do seem to be less frequent than they used to be, no idea why.