Mended Hearts Open Forum

Went to the ER last year with rather persistent bilaterial shoulder/jaw (sometimes upper arm) tightness when walking after eating a large meal.  It had been going on for about five years, seemed to be increasing with treadmilling.  Heart rate and BP were both up, but have had issues with tachycardia most of my life.  Was found to have a 75% LAD blockage that was corrected with angioplasty.  I have unfortunately continued on with the shoulder/jaw issues after the intervention, especially in the cold, high altitudes, exertion.  It seems like classic angina to me.  I'm on several medications for this, but none seem to alleviate it.  I've had problems with tachycardia, PVCs, etc., my entire life.  EKGs on the past admission also showed possible right bundle branch block and ST depression, considered not significant.  I'm wondering if these findings have anything to do with this, as I've had jaw pain on exertion since a child.  Current cardiologist wants to do another angiogram, etc., about this, but I'm reluctant.  Have tried increasing exercise, lower carbs (A1c a bit high), decreasing weight, etc., with little improvement.  Just wondering if any of you have any similar issues or can provide insight or treatment options.  Thanks.

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Linda Lother
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Quite frankly, Linda, your symptoms also sound like they could be symptoms of a heart attack. Did the ER check your blood enzymes to confirm one way or another whether you are having a heart attack? I would go back to the ER NOW, insist that they examine your blood and take an angiogram, as recommended by your cardiologist.

I speak from the perspective of a man who had a heart attack that didn't show up in an EKG but was diagnosed though blood enzymes, followed by emergency quintuple bypass surgery. This happened 7 1/2 years ago while I was a somewhat elderly 67 but still very athletic for my age and previously symptom free.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Ira

Linda,

A respected doctor told me one of the primary responsibilities is to educate the patient about their medical condition. You appear to be very knowledgeable about your condition and past treatments. I experience exercise induced A-fib, arrhythmia and seizures which are the result of two aortic aneurism surgeries and surgical heart valve.  You should consider a consult with the cardiology practice leader or a specialist in your medical condition.

Best of luck,

Vic 

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Victor Fabry, Founder
Healed Hearts of New Jersey
Short Hills, New Jersey
fvfabry@gmail.com
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