heart spasms

[Echo24uk]

I know there are numerous posts on this and have read some from milk fairy and tos.

I’m just wondering if I describe my symptoms someone will be going through same

So basically three stents last year following walking in night with pain

Been ok for a few months however symptoms generally

Waking in night and then an extreme squeezing pain which is not central but left side under armpit level with nipple but feel deep.

Tend to last from 5-30 seconds followed by ache in left shoulder followed by stomach upset and feeling a bit rubbish

also often get random left shoulder / back pain over top into arm this is mostly at rest seated and can last a few minutes to coming and going for a few days.

Tend to feel pretty rubbish with these

I often wake in night with pins and needles also (not where being laid)

I am currently in hospital whilst on holiday following another angiogram which showed no changes to previous (2 lad stents and 1 cx) some disease in RCA and some narrowing near stents.

Battling for them to actually diagnose something

Anyone experience similar

[Desjakey]

Hey Echo,

Sorry you're going through this. It's like you are describing exactly the same issues I'm having. I am 5 weeks after 1 stent. I am going to the cardio nurse today to see what their chat is. I will let you know what they say. Let me know how you get on as well. Keep strong 💪🏻

[Tos92]

Sorry to hear you’re in hospital whilst on holiday.

Some of my symptoms are consistent with yours such as a deep, squeezing pain that can be felt in my armpit. I also have pain under my shoulder blades, and upper back. The pain also goes down my arms, and I experience it in my chest as well.

As you probably would have read from your search, I have vasospastic and microvascular angina.

Pain after a stent can be normal however, I notice that you mention it has been a year for yourself.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It is important to determine the cause of the pain you’re feeling. You mention that there is some narrowing near your stents. This is another possible factor for the pain you feel.

The gold standard test to diagnose vasospastic angina is a functional angiogram with acetylcholine. However, there would need to be good reason and evidence of the possibility of coronary artery spasms before being referred for a test like this, which may also involve you travelling for a diagnosis due to resources for this type of angiogram not being available widely in the U.K.

You might find it useful to speak to your cardiologist when you are back, explain the findings of your recent angiogram and take it from there as a possible factor for the pain you are feeling.

If you wish to discuss vasospastic angina with your cardiologist, there is some useful information on the links below which you could print out and show them.

inocainternational.com

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Though heart spasms or vasospastic angina is common in non-obstructed arteries, there are some patients who have blocked arteries and coronary spasms at the same time.

Try and keep a diary of your symptoms. Note how often you feel the pain, if there are triggers, and what you were doing at the time.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and a safe return.

All the best.

Tos

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

I have now lived with vasospastic angina for over 11 years

I had a functional angiogram with acetylcholine in 2014.

The issue we can face as patients is that many Cardiologists and other staff don't have alot of experience of caring for patients with vasospastic angina.

It is increasingly recognised that after stents are inserted that it can reveal microvascular dysfunction and coronary vasospasms can occur around the site of the stent or other areas of plaque.

This recently published paper by researchers and leading Cardiologists was co written with an expert patient by experience.

It has been uploaded by my Cardiologist into my careplan. Last time I was in hospital the medical and nursing staff were reading it and said that they found it very informative.

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10...

Another resource is this website created by four patients working with world expert Cardiologists.

internationalheartspasmsall...

I suggest you keep a log of your symptoms and ask your Cardiologist to consider whether microvascular dysfunction or coronary vasospasms are a possible cause of your symptoms.

[Echo24uk]

it would appear that I have inflammation of the gallbladder

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Ouch!I wish you a speedy recovery. Referred pain can cause confusion. The gall bladder in on the right side of your body yet you feel your symptoms on the left side.

Some people experience their heart attack pain on their right side 🤷‍♀️