Change of voice

[RTCLP1]

Following my heart attack 3 weeks' ago, I've noticed that my voice has changed. It's become softer and I feel like it doesn't has any power to it. Anyone else noticed anything similar?

[Headache1001]

hi! Yes, same thing with me. My voice has no power, is quieter (I’ve been told people are struggling to hear me) so I feel like I’m having to shout to ‘talk normally’ which takes a lot of effort. Also my voice suddenly just goes to a whisper, like when you have a sore throat - but I haven’t. I’m sure it is linked to my heart attack as happened at the same time. A week before my heart attack I had a lot of jaw pain (which I am still getting) and my voice went completely for 15 mins. I could not get any sounds out all all which was also odd. I also often feel pressure in my throat like someone is pressing on the left side of my throat. Other odd thing is my left ear keeps feeling blocked after an episode of chest pain. Unsure if this is linked. My HA was in November (no known cause. Awaiting MRI - angiogram, ecg’s, echocardiogram normal. Troponin in 700’s).

Have you spoken to anyone medical about it? I can’t get a GP appointment until mid Feb but will be discussing with them then. Hoping other people in the community reply with some answers to your question. I think my voice has got a bit stronger over the last few weeks. Sorry I can’t help more.

[RTCLP1 in reply to Headache1001]

Hi, yes, I feel mine goes to a whisper, too. I've contacted my GP surgery this morning so I can ask them about it. I also see the cardiac nurses on 8th Jan, which is when the cardiac rehab should begin. That's terrible that you can't see anyone until Feb. Our surgery isn't as good as it used to be but I can normally get an opportunity to talk to someone, albeit it's a nurse or a paramedic! I'll let you know what they say.

[DaphnesMum in reply to RTCLP1]

If you had any sedation or assistance tube put into your throat it could be simple abrasion…also if you have been breathless for a long time and now your heart is recovering there will be more oxygen over your voice box which can change to tone of your voice. unless you have other symptoms like retaining fluid and breathlessness , but check with your GP too

[RTCLP1 in reply to Headache1001]

My surgery's Advanced Nurse hasn't heard of it so she's asking the cardiology team to call me - probably next week. I've also spoken with the cardiac nurse on the phone and she's not heard of it either but didn't think it was anything to be concerned about. There is someone on here who had something similar 9 months ago so I messaged them and they said they'd mentioned it to 3 cardiologists and no one had an answer. I'll let you know if/when I hear anymore.

[RTCLP1 in reply to Headache1001]

Hi, just had a call back, Cardiology say it's nothing to worry about re: heart. They're suggesting an ENT, just for a check over. Hope that helps.

[Headache1001 in reply to RTCLP1]

Thanks for the update. I’m still feeling like it’s an undocumented connection to having a heart attack as the timing just seems to fit but looks like we may never know! Hopefully we will get back to normal eventually! All the best!

[RTCLP1 in reply to Headache1001]

Just to let you know that the Cardiac Rehab Nurse and someone who spent years as a Cardiac Specialist Nurse both agree that it's likely to be a side effect of medication. The Specialist Nurse said there's no scientific evidence but from the Nursing Teams experience, they see it a lot due to meds, possibly ramipril or anything that ends with 'pril'. Hope that's of use.

[Headache1001 in reply to RTCLP1]

That’s very interesting. Thank you for letting me know.

[Sanmo]

Yes for several months after my CA I lost any meaningful power in my voice, I had a big booming Brian Blessed voice, but it returned in time. I'm not sure whether it's physical or psychological, possibly a mixture of both.

[RTCLP1 in reply to Sanmo]

Thanks, that's reassuring. It's been quite isolating in these first 3 weeks since my HA and your mind can go in to overdrive when you're left with your own thoughts.

[Slekid71 in reply to RTCLP1]

Totally agree I'm glad I came across this forum so much better than Dr. GOOGLE 🫨I had HA 3weeks ago and have the voice problem very annoying but could be a lot worse..

HAPPY NEW YEAR

[BC4ever]

Yes. Mine goes quieter/softer since my STEMI in May '24. It comes and goes.

[pete109]

Mine changes with blood pressure, as my BP gets higher so does my voice, could be something to do with the shape of the throat changing as the blood vessels contract or dilate.