Should Chest Pains Be Expected After Angiograms

[Capta1nm]

My question relates to whether I should be concerned about very mild chest pains after having several angiograms with stents inserted. The pains are nothing like as extreme as when I had a heart attack (probably a 1 out of 10) but you just know they shouldn’t be there.

Following a bout which lasted about 3 days, I finally went to A&E. Given my history they kept me in for almost a week and scheduled another angiogram. This latest procedure showed no deterioration since my previous angiogram and I was eventually discharged the following day with an increased dose of one of medications which they said should help remove any angina pain.

Since being discharged I have still had similar pains (mainly when at rest) but cannot bring myself to make another visit to A&E as I feel I am just wasting their important time / resource.

So, when is a chest pain something I should be worried about or, given my previous heart attacks, is chest discomfort in the future to be expected and nothing to be concerned about.

I have not taken the GTN spray as quite honestly the discomfort is just too mild. However, at the same time you just know it shouldn’t be there!

For the record I have had 3 angiograms, the first 2 resulting in stents (03/18 & 05/19) being being inserted and the final one (10/19) turning out to be exploratory as a result of mild chest pains.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi. First off - never feel you’re wasting anyone’s time. If you feel you need to get attention then do! I know you know that - but what I’m about to say might persuade you not to go and I don’t want to do that! I had a heart attack 3 years ago and was admitted to hospital and had a subsequent angio and stent. I had a bit of discomfort immediately after the stent but that wore off after a while. I used my bruised arm as a proxy for what my heart must have looked like to put my mind at rest. Over the months following I had the odd tweak but nothing like a heart attack and they gradually wore off after a while. When is did get a twinge that lasted it was usually associated with exercise. I still get the odd sensation but now don’t worry about it. Is the sensation constant or just fleeting?

[Capta1nm in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Hi. If you can several hours of discomfort constant, then constant.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Capta1nm]

I haven’t had that experience. Mine is more the odd twinge (after the bruising feeling wore off). Sorry I can’t be of more help.

[shopman]

You are bound to get a little discomfort etc while the stents bed in but if what you are describing is angina type pain or worse then you still need to seek further help ASAP - if mild then your GP providing you get a quick appointment, a call to 111 or ring the BHF Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 open Mon-Fri to 5pm. If it gets any worse then treat as an emergency.