Lardoggy
10-04-2008, 09:16 PM
I've done a bunch of research and spent a lot of time reading this thread. I'm pretty sure that my questions won't be definitively answered here, but I need to get this off my chest (pun intended).
First of all, background info: 44 year old male, divorced, live alone, history of high BP (for which I generally take meds, Norvasc and Diovan), in decent health otherwise. 180 pounds, exercise regularly, don't smoke, social drinker, and no family history of heart disease (other than high BP).
About a week ago, I woke up with some chest discomfort, sort of like I had a big weight on my chest. Had trouble taking really deep breaths, no shortness of breath per se, just couldnt get a real satisfying deep breath. When I did try and take a deep breath, I would get a brief pain in my right shoulder. After about an hour of this, I decided that maybe I should go to the ER thinking maybe it was a heart attack. I got up to get dressed (felt a bit weak) to walk my dog briefly; and then started to feel a bit better. I layed down on my bed for about a half hour and felt much better. After another hour or so, I felt good enough to go to work which I did. during the day, the same feelings kind of came and went but not as severe as in the morning. By the time the next morning came around, I felt completely normal.
About three days later, I had similar discomfort albeit not as severe. Onset almost as soon as I started my morning cup of coffee. Mainly trouble taking a deep breath with associated shoulder pain accompanying each deep breath. Again, thought about going to the ER but the sensations subsided enough that I didn't. By evening time, I felt normal again. In both situations, I never felt any pain in my heart area, really only in my shoulder....definitely the discomfort of feeling like I had that weight on my chest though. And, both times, the really uncomfortable feelings lasted less than 2 hours
I did see my Dr two days later and told him of these two issues. He did an EKG and said it was normal but recommended that I see a cardiologist for a stress test. It had been about 3 weeks since I'd taken any BP meds because my prescription had run out and my Dr wanted to see me to renew (which is why I had the appointment anyway). The day of my visit, my BP was 155/90.
So, I know that some of these sensations are somewhat consistent with heart attach symptoms but is it likely I would feel so "normal" in such a shot period of time? I dont think I've ever had a panic or anxiety attack, I don't get indegestion, and in neither case did I feel any stress immediatley prior to onset of discomfort. Hopefully, the cardiologist will be able to set the record straight but it will be a few days before I get to see him. In the mean time, I'm wondering if its safe to excercise, I'm a bit more on edge about the possible onset of these feelings again, etc. How worried should I be at this point?
First of all, background info: 44 year old male, divorced, live alone, history of high BP (for which I generally take meds, Norvasc and Diovan), in decent health otherwise. 180 pounds, exercise regularly, don't smoke, social drinker, and no family history of heart disease (other than high BP).
About a week ago, I woke up with some chest discomfort, sort of like I had a big weight on my chest. Had trouble taking really deep breaths, no shortness of breath per se, just couldnt get a real satisfying deep breath. When I did try and take a deep breath, I would get a brief pain in my right shoulder. After about an hour of this, I decided that maybe I should go to the ER thinking maybe it was a heart attack. I got up to get dressed (felt a bit weak) to walk my dog briefly; and then started to feel a bit better. I layed down on my bed for about a half hour and felt much better. After another hour or so, I felt good enough to go to work which I did. during the day, the same feelings kind of came and went but not as severe as in the morning. By the time the next morning came around, I felt completely normal.
About three days later, I had similar discomfort albeit not as severe. Onset almost as soon as I started my morning cup of coffee. Mainly trouble taking a deep breath with associated shoulder pain accompanying each deep breath. Again, thought about going to the ER but the sensations subsided enough that I didn't. By evening time, I felt normal again. In both situations, I never felt any pain in my heart area, really only in my shoulder....definitely the discomfort of feeling like I had that weight on my chest though. And, both times, the really uncomfortable feelings lasted less than 2 hours
I did see my Dr two days later and told him of these two issues. He did an EKG and said it was normal but recommended that I see a cardiologist for a stress test. It had been about 3 weeks since I'd taken any BP meds because my prescription had run out and my Dr wanted to see me to renew (which is why I had the appointment anyway). The day of my visit, my BP was 155/90.
So, I know that some of these sensations are somewhat consistent with heart attach symptoms but is it likely I would feel so "normal" in such a shot period of time? I dont think I've ever had a panic or anxiety attack, I don't get indegestion, and in neither case did I feel any stress immediatley prior to onset of discomfort. Hopefully, the cardiologist will be able to set the record straight but it will be a few days before I get to see him. In the mean time, I'm wondering if its safe to excercise, I'm a bit more on edge about the possible onset of these feelings again, etc. How worried should I be at this point?
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Jon P70
10-05-2008, 11:17 AM
Hi There!
Well the Good news first off is the pain in the chest was not constant. You said it increased or changed with each breath. When its your heart you can't manipulate the pain, the pain is constant.
I would venture to say though that IF it is a panic attack/ anxiety the fact that you think it is your heart is a sign of stress or worry.
Either way, what ever it is, I think it sounds like your Dr is doing the right thing by having you checked out just in case.
Good luck.
Well the Good news first off is the pain in the chest was not constant. You said it increased or changed with each breath. When its your heart you can't manipulate the pain, the pain is constant.
I would venture to say though that IF it is a panic attack/ anxiety the fact that you think it is your heart is a sign of stress or worry.
Either way, what ever it is, I think it sounds like your Dr is doing the right thing by having you checked out just in case.
Good luck.
Lardoggy
10-05-2008, 02:58 PM
Thanks for the quick feedback. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed and report back after visiting the cardiologist.
Lardoggy
10-17-2008, 02:29 PM
Well, did my stress test a couple of days ago and I was told everything looks normal....would this then indicate that some kind of anxiety attack (never happened before) was the culprit for my two recent "episodes"?
For what its worth, before the stress test, I visited with a cardiologist for a consultation...my BP was really high at that time (170/120...he was pretty worried about it and gave me some clonidine (sp?) to get it back to a safer level. Got on some different meds (hadn't taken any for about a month due to a snafu with the mail order pharmacy) and its been back to around 140/80 the last couple of days.
For what its worth, before the stress test, I visited with a cardiologist for a consultation...my BP was really high at that time (170/120...he was pretty worried about it and gave me some clonidine (sp?) to get it back to a safer level. Got on some different meds (hadn't taken any for about a month due to a snafu with the mail order pharmacy) and its been back to around 140/80 the last couple of days.
Jon P70
10-18-2008, 11:23 PM
Well congrats on the stress test...kinda. Having had both CVD and axiety myself I have a lot I could share. BUT... maybe you'd want to start a post in the axiety forum? I can go on and on about axiety but I don't think I should do it in a thread on the heart forum.
Lardoggy
10-21-2008, 09:12 PM
Thanks Jon...didn't even know there was one! Heading over there now to get edjamicated!! Appreciate your help.