Tightness across the chest (NOT a 'hearty')

[PiersC]

Hi all, quick question, I have been trying to reduce, as you do - and one of the symptoms I seem to get is a tightness across the chest. A single point pain in the vicinity of the sternum. Could I ask, does anyone recognise this sort of thing? I am reasonably sure it is not a heart related thing, I have had that checked over the years and the old main bilge pump seems in good nick. I have the usual pain over the back of shoulders as a main feature of my PMR (it used to be the back of the thighs, but they seem to be ok at the moment). Anyway - thought I would ask!! Cheers - Piers

[Jontie]

I asked a similar question a few days ago. The replies I received might help you.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PiersC in reply to Jontie]

Jontie,

Thanks so much - what a great line of replies that have eased my mind - I was sure it was not the ticker - and knowing that is probably just another one of those fun PMR things actually eases the stress - which of course eases the whole PMR - - what a joy this illness is......

Cheers again - a good read (shame I missed it first time around!)

Piers

[markbenjamin57]

Hi Piers

I can relate, I've had something similar for several weeks - 'soreness' across upper ribs and sternum (rather than in shoulders). It co-incided with a bout of the Flu.

Reading Jontie's post and replies, it does sound like some inflammation in there, as PMRpro suggests. I guess the main thing is that it's not cardiac related

[PiersC in reply to markbenjamin57]

Thanks Mark, concur. I have not had the flu (but did have the flu jab - that could be a factor maybe?) Yes, happy it is not the pump unit - the way it comes and goes is odd but I am happy to have a better idea of what I think it may be. That seems to be the value of this site/forum - many like minded people with plenty of experience and deep seated knowledge - first hand experience being a real winner for me. Thanks goodness for the aunties and all the others - really helps.

Ta....

P

[markbenjamin57 in reply to PiersC]

No worry Piers

That said (and not to alarm you!), sorry this is a rather long story..

You've reminded me about a similar episode of all-over chest / rib pain about 15 years ago which my GP at the time dismissed as inconclusive. A week later, I had sudden, classic heart attack symptoms (very scary), was admitted to hospital as an emergency, and treated for such. After a week in Intensive Care with very worried doctors monitoring me, I was clinically assessed as having had 'heart attack (Myocardial Infarction), cause unknown', but past the critical stage - and sent home with various heart drugs stern warnings to give-up work and take life easy. What, ME, Action Man, no risk factors, at age 44?!

The plot thickens...

After a few months I was feeling pretty good and not experiencing any cardiac related symptoms (Angina, shortness of breath etc), although pretty shaken by the experience and very cautious. So, I eventually went privately for an Angiogram (camera inside the heart job - not done at the time of the MI) to see what was going on damage-wise in my heart. I just wanted to know if my heart was in fact damaged, to what extent, and face the future either way.

The Cardiologist did the examination and, to my astonishment, told me my ticker was (q.) 'pristine' - no damage, no disease. His conclusion? I had gone down with something called Viral Myocarditis - a nasty viral infection of the heart muscles and valves which often leaves permanent damage, or can be fatal - but had recovered fully. You occasionally hear about young, fit men, sports players etc, dropping dead suddenly for no obvious reason. Often, it's due to Myocarditis or some other 'hidden' (asymptomatic) heart disease, and only picked up in the autopsy....

Needless to say, I floated out of the cardiologist's suite and gradually got back to business as usual after 6 months of hell and massive uncertainty about the future. No heart drugs advised (not even the usual precautionary statins!), back to work, playing squash regularly etc. I was VERY fortunate and, as the cardio suggested, my previous fitness had probably aided my 100% recovery despite thorough investigations not having been done at the time of the MI, nor being given a proper diagnosis. Either that, or the Angels were smiling down on me...

So, Piers, that's my long story. But, as mentioned, not to alarm you, only to say 'If in Doubt, Check it Out'. I speak from experience of a near-miss with my mortality...

I agree with you about the Aunties and others here - a goldmine of advice and support - and not just with PMR / GCA. We're in very good and trusted company, even if us Lads are a bit outnumbered by the Girls!

MB

[PiersC in reply to markbenjamin57]

Thanks Mark, wow, what a situation to go through. I was simply going to live with this but on reflection might get a better check - no use falling off the perch at this point, too much fun to be had. Thanks again. P

[markbenjamin57 in reply to PiersC]

No worry Piers, not a bad idea to have regular check-ups as we get older, in any case?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PiersC]

The autoimmune part of PMR can also damage the electrical cells in the heart leading to arrythmias which can cause chest pain and may mimic angina. Always get this sort of things checked out! Although the average GP is a bit hopeless - if they can't hear anything wrong, it doesn't exist...

[jinasc]

Bowen Therapy:

bowentherapy.org.uk

Read Tom Bowen's story:

bowentrainingacademy.com/up...

PMRpro sent me to her therapist, out of wheelchair, no zimmer frame and a floding walking stick in bag, for when pavements are uneven.

Best money I ever spent.

White witch craft I call it, non-invasive and you only have to take off your shoes, coat and scarf..................it's them Cykotines......................(go find out)

[PiersC in reply to jinasc]

Thanks j, I will check that out. Since the onset of PMR I have been into meditation which i believe helps with pain management and also reduces stress (so all related). I will try another that value adds. ... cheers, P

[Marlenec]

Hi Piers

I had similar and saw GP, had ECG and diagnosed with Angina and need further test. I'm sure your doctor won't mind a visit to be on the safe side.

[PiersC in reply to Marlenec]

Yes, I think a check is wise, reduces the worry/stress factor. Cheers. P

[ayoung]

Exactly what I go through!

[PiersC in reply to ayoung]

We are not alone! !! Ta, P