Chest spasms

[cmToddy]

Help again please. I have had PMR for over 2.5 years and was taking 4 mg Pred daily. I started with TMJ which was eased with Ibroprofen. A week later I had sore eyeballs and the headache was further up my head. I have all the symptoms of GCA so had my Temporal Artery Biopsy yesterday. All went well so just have to wait a week for results. My rheumatologist put me to 60 mg but after 4 dreadful weeks I asked if I could reduce to 50 mg which I what I am taking now. Since these big increases I have started getting chest pain that is also in my back. I have had about 5 bad spasms but in the middle of my chest and back. They are such a worry and last for about 15 mins. I had a heart bypass 12 years ago and as far as I know my heart is fine. I had the spasms this morning they have passed a bit now. Can anybody relate to this, is it usual? Thanks as always.

[Kendrew]

Hi cmToddy,

I obviously can't diagnose the cause of your symptoms but I can say that with a history of a previous heart health issue, your symptoms definitely need investigating......and asap. They may be connected to prednisolone but if they are, they still need addressing straight away. Any kind of chest pain or 'spasm' must never be ignored. You can't just assume everything is probably ok.

Others with more knowledge will probably be along soon to advise further.

[cmToddy in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you Kendrew the pain is going crazy at the moment.

[Kendrew in reply to cmToddy]

I think you need to either ring 999 or at the very least NHS 111 immediately and take some advice... just in case something is going on with your heart that needs addressing.

Snazzy has also raised another important consideration, that also may need addressing.

[123-go in reply to cmToddy]

I agree that you should take the advice already given and make a phone call now. Stress and worrying isn't helping and you need your symptoms investigated if only for reassurance.

[SnazzyD]

What are you taking to protect your stomach and oesophagus?

[cmToddy in reply to SnazzyD]

I am taking Lanzaprozole as have GERDS Snazzy

[SnazzyD in reply to cmToddy]

Might be it’s being overwhelmed by the increased dose in Pred and you’re getting oesophageal spasm. For me the effects of high doses were not controlled ‘Zoles’. However, is everyone else is saying, cardiac causes need to be ruled out and at the time of the attacks.

[cycli]

A few months ago I was suffering from a flare of my GCA and had bad chest pains starting in middle of back and working to front centre chest. Suspected heart and called 111. paramedics came and ferried me to hosp. gave me 1000mg paracetamol and in 30 mins. it helped reduce pain. Turned out to be a reflux of stomach/gut not heart condition. Upped lanzaprol and was clear of problem in a day or so. Agree with Kendrew that you need to get it checked asap. if only to confirm it isn't a heart problem.

[Nextoneplease]

100% agree with others cmToddy. Please get yourself checked out via 999 or at the very least 111. Let us know how you get on if you can . All the best to you xx

PS My daughter had an experience like cycli’s. It isn’t necessarily your heart but best to be sure x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

When it happened did you call 999 or whatever emergency services are where you live?

Any chest pain MUST be assumed to be cardiac in origin until proven otherwise. Don't waste your time waiting to ask the GP or even 111 - 999 straight away. IF it is cardiac then the paramedics have an ECG in their hands and have a better chance of getting evidence.

[SheffieldJane]

They sound like oesophageal spasms. Mine gave me pain in the centre of the chest, creeping around my jaw and back teeth, terrifying. My husband called an ambulance and after a range of cardiac tests ( all fine) I was released. I now find if I don’t panic and take small sips of cool water then liquid Gaviscon, they pass quickly. I believe they are caused by the corrosive nature of Prednisalone. I moved on to coated tablets and they all but disappeared. The unavailability of 1 mg coated Prednisalone has caused one or two more - proving my theory.It is key that your heart is checked. I bet my bottom dollar that they are oesophageal spasms though.