I’ve had chest pain on and off fro about the past year. I am female only 20years old no family history of heart disease apart from my uncle dying Suddenly with suspected heart attack. In January 2025 I was admitted to hospital because of high tropoin and discharged a week after with suspected myocarditis or pericarditis. All my tests like the echo and ct scan showed no signs of myocarditis or pericarditis so I was sent for an mri. Going to see the cardiologist in two days to see the results. I’ve been on bisoprolol and colchind since January. Since then I’ve been it emergency department 2 more times with severe chest pain. First time they just gave me painkillers and discharged me. This time my mum asked if it’s possible I had angina. But I’m not sure as obviously I am young and it says that angina is like attacks that last 15-20mins but I have constant chest pain it does get worst at night which I know is a type of angina, anyways even though the doctors didn’t think I have angina they gave me the spray to try. But I’m not sure if it safe to take since it’s not definite if I have angina. I took one spray a couple hours ago the chest pain wasn’t as bad at the time so it’s hard to tell if it did anything, but now my chest pain is WORST than ever and going up my neck and down my back. My mum keeps telling me to take another spray of the glyceryl trinitrste but I don’t know if it is safe to do so
heart problems at 20 : I’ve had chest... - British Heart Fou...
heart problems at 20
Hi Fghhhhggg, Sorry to hear that you have been struggling recently, Its always hard when you have all these symptoms and dont seem to be getting any answers, Have your issues got worse since your Uncle had his heart attack? Some of the symptoms you have mentioned can show themselves during increased levels of anxiety is this something that has been discussed with you? I know the British Heart Foundation have several nurses you can speak to this might be a good starting place ive copied the link below that will take you directly to the contact page they will be able to advise you on glyceryl trinitrste
Hi, very sorry to hear you're going through that at your age. My younger brother went through the same thing at your age, he got chest pain etc and at the end they said he has pericarditis. Again, no family history of things either, and he was very very fit and healthy. So you're definitely not alone in this.
Definitely ask your cardiologist to look into the reasons and causes. Take it easy, follow their guidelines and follow the medication plan.
If you have questions about anything or doubts, you can speak to the British heart Foundation Cardiac Nurses on the phone as someone else mentioned, if not, raise it with your GP/ cardiologist and don't be hesitant or think that you're asking too many questions. It's your health.
All the best.
You can have angina without blocked coronary arteries. The angina is caused by the blood vessels not working properly. Angina/ ischaemia non obstructive coronary arteries ANOCA/INOCA.
There are two types microvascular angina and vasospastic angina.
I live with vasospastic angina. My coronary arteries go into transient constrictions causing a lack of blood supply to my heart.
I experience most of my chest pain at rest especially during the night.
I had my first symptoms in my 20's however told my symptoms were a muscle strain. I was later diagnosed with vasospastic angina after a specialised angiogram.
I suggest you keep a log of your symptoms and ask your Cardiology team whether vasospastic angina is a possible cause of your symptoms.
If your chest pain is not relieved by GTN spray five minutes apart, then it's time to call 111 or 999 for further advice.
The BHF has this information about vasospastic angina.
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
This website is recommended as a resource in the BHF Understanding Angina booklet.
internationalheartspasmsall...
I’m so sorry you’re going through this — it sounds really scary and exhausting, especially when you’re so young and still waiting for clear answers.
Just wanted to say, from everything you’ve shared, it sounds like your doctors have done all the right checks and are being thorough. At your age, things like angina are very rare unless there are unusual conditions, and constant chest pain that gets worse at night doesn’t typically fit that pattern.
As for the spray, it’s best to follow the advice they’ve given you, but I know it’s easy to feel more anxious after taking it — anxiety and chest pain often fuel each other, which makes everything feel worse.
You’re doing the right thing by following up with your cardiologist. Hopefully, your MRI will give you the answers and reassurance you need.
You're very young and on meds, sorry? However the doctors are looking at you to see how things develop, I had to start using my GTN spray as it was the only thing that eased the pain, taking it daily when I got the pains. But eventually when I got to see my GP, I was wisked away to hospital for more tests etc.
You won't know until your try the spray, you won't know if it's a heart problem or not and give feed back to your GP, if it does makes a difference, you'll know it is the heart and more will be done by them.
Trust your cardiologist because they are very experienced in this field. Also do check out for stomach problems like ulcers, gastritis or Gerd as these can irritate the heart and cause chest pain symptoms.All will be well❤️❤️
Hi there iam really sorry to learn that you are having chest issues. I can relate to what you having been saying as this has been happening to me since March 2023...I have only just been given a GTN spray on February 8th 2025. The cardiology consultant doesn't know if I have angina or not or it's because I have an Aortic Root and ascending aneurysm. Like you said about at night time, it's alot worse especially when you are laying down in bed, This is my advice...continue to use your GTN spray when you need to because in most cases it does help...but after you take the second dose and it's not working.Ring 999 straight away, I didn't do this and had chest discomfort for 4 hours...Get back to your GP ASAP and tell them your concerns
hello , sorry to hear about heart condition at your age , You will get through this , yes you do think the worst , but stay calm , focus 🧘, most of all listen and get to know your body. The spray I use only when I need it , please do not read too much online as can make us paranoid. I’ve invested in aktila blood pressure wrist monitor, for my piece of mind . I switched off the BP so I don’t see it every time , so I don’t get paranoid. But it’s up to the person to decide, which way they what to go . Most of all stay calm ,focus and get to know your body, understanding which is angina bought on by different foods and drinks we all have as we are all different.
Regards Badger
Angina type pain, but told not heart related ?
Giving up work
Things might be looking up?
Help! 🥲
Possible pericarditis 
