Just dont know what to do... - Heart Disorders Message Board

DarkChange · 05-20-2005, 04:23 AM

2 Days ago I had problems with my chest area, that burning sharp pain was there and I had it for the whole day...not only that but I've been having palpitations everynight and cant sleep from them cause they make my whole body move (or it seems like that to me sine it might be my eyes that are pulsating too) It went away the next day and I took just a 5 minute walk but then my heart started beating realy fast and I had extreme shortness of breath. It lasted for a long while can I can barely do any exercises now or walk, because If I do I feel like im going to pass out due to the heavy breathing and fast heart. Today I woke up with a migraine and some weird chest pains...I have that heavy feeling especialy if I sit up or walk, and I have this weird feeling of nausea but it feels like its coming from the heart area, I have a little shortness of breath. my mom wants to take me to the doctor but hes on vacation and I have to wait the whole weekend now with this so we can make an appointment with a cardiologist. What to do till then? I seriously dont want to wait for an emergency but no doctor works on weekends.

DarkChange · 05-20-2005, 04:36 AM

Also, can you guys give me some tips on getting a really good diagnosis by the cardiologist? since I heard that some heart problems are tough to diagnosie or the doctors ignore things (i've read somewhere that the doc could just guess some random things like its just depression or something) But I dont think depression causes shortness of breath and heavy heart beat when I walk.

Lenin · 05-20-2005, 06:33 AM

First your doctor will/should do an ECG (cardiogram.)
If he suspects any heart disease he might/should order a stress test...the best one is done with nuclear chemicals in your bloodstream and imaging pictures to show if your entire heart is getting the blood it needs.
Of course, he'll take your blood pressure.

He should really do ALL these three things before he starts gassing about "anxiety" and "depression." These are possibilities but they aren't immediately dangerous. If you;ve never exhibited any symptoms rrealted to anxiety or depression they aren't very likely either.

DarkChange · 05-20-2005, 07:07 AM

I do have anxiety and so on but now I dont even have it and im having these problems, I als have no idea why im so calm because usually when theres something really wrong with me it triggers anxiety attacks but now im completely relaxed eventhough Im having problems breathing and my heart is hurting...Ill ask the doc to do those things but will they even show things that happen only when you exercise? because I dont want him to miss anything.

Godiswithyou · 05-20-2005, 08:23 AM

Let me tell you..you can take all the stress tests and nuclear tests in the world..and that wont give you an accurate picture!! I have had every cardiad test available and they all came up perfect..until now..To make a xtra long story as short as possible..for 2-3 years I had started having pvcs and various pains. I had visited many emergency rooms and bothered my PCP often. I was given all the cardiac tests available other than a catheter. I was told that my heart was fine because I passed all the test and to stop worrying..it was all in my head. Last week I was admitted to a hospital for chest and arm pains and after a stress test that showed I had a heart of a 20 yr old. (ha!) and two days..they sent me home. The following tuesday I went to a cardiologist I had never seen before and was having the same pains..he would not let me leave the office. He called 911 and sent me to a different hospital and did a catheter on me that afternoon. I had a 90% blockage and had to put 3 stints in. That was 2 days ago. I am 39 years old..somewhat oveweight..and quit smoking more than a week ago. This whole thing has scared the bejeezus outta me. Now I am home and very much afraid of each pain that I get..such as jaw..back..arm..I dont know what to do. I had posted earlier on this site about "Could all those tests be wrong"? the answer...YES!!! The only foolproof test is a cardio cath..and then I still wonder..even when the stints are put in..what are my risks now? Next step...pyschiatrist? My biggest dissappointment..is how all the prior doctors made me feel it was in my head..but I knew...and thank God I persisted or I may not be writing this now. God Bless you.