I have had 2 heart attacks this year-one if June and one in July. I am 59 years young but have a family history of heart problems. My dad had 6 before he passed. I am not ready for 4 more of these fun events. I have a stent in fact 2 of them and up until recently felt great and moved on with life. Now over the last week I am having high blood pressure issues, a tightness in my chest but nothing like the original attacks, and I have not taken any nitro for these pains. They are nothing and I mean nothing like the first ones. Some days it just feels like indigestion and it goes away. I can't tell the difference. Original symptons were what I thought was sinus headache and indigestion. Of course I was wrong and I let it go for 3 days before seeking help. I take Plavix and other meds but is this normal? Would like info from others who have had this problem.
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post heart attack
- By scottish
- Posted November 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm · 7 replies
- In Advice for other women with heart disease
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- By scottish
- Posted November 5, 2009 at 10:46 pm
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How do you know when to take nitro pills? What does it feel like afterwards and should you go to the hospital after taking it?
- By martzj
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 9:59 am
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When chest pains streak and tightness won't let up so I can breath more normally, I take a sublingual nitro.
To avoid or greatly lessen 'nitro headache burn' try taking Tylenol 15-20 minutes before the nitro dose. Only take nitro when you have a place to sit comfortably or lie down until the initial dizzing waves pass.....another 15-30 minutes.
Best of luck to you. Getting used to new cardiac meds is rarely a breeze...but they save lives.
J
- By Yatchzee
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 10:22 am
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I was told to place one tablet under my tongue and if no relief, to use another one every 5 minutes, up to 3. If no relief, then call 911.
Joyce
- By primetimelady
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 12:59 pm
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In respect to your pain and blood pressure it needs to be discussed with your physician. You may just need your meds tweaked.
This is just my thoughts...
I had two heart attacks in May plus one stent (at age 53 years young). I have found that I am much more aware of my heart now and for the first few months I was extremely apprehensive. I continue to have that awareness and in the back of my mind there is that lingering fear of re-occurrence. However, I haven't had that feeling that made me go to the hospital back in May. It wasn't pain that drove me to the emergency room it was that "gut" feeling or that "little voice" in my head. Medical professionals tend to refer to it as that "impending feeling of doom." I've only needed to use my nitro once since I was discharged but at the time there was no doubt in my mind that I needed it.
- By Kennarina
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 11:13 am
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Hi Scottish,
I too would be concerned about your "blood pressure issues". What is your doc recommending for that? Super important to get that under control.
I too was gobsmacked by the amount of chest 'pain' (more like the tightness you describe, armpit to armpit) after my heart attack. I learned (from this wonderful site!) that many many women experience the same chest symptoms afterwards.
Your nitro is there to be used. Don't be a hero - that's why you have it, for when you have symptoms. Try out your nitro (according to Jaynie's wise steps) and see what happens. But in the meantime, your doc needs to know about this past week's issues.
I'm concerned whenever women who have already chalked up their heart attack symptoms to indigestion continue to do so after the fact! Which is what women tend to do - minimize our symptoms and just 'put up with' them, which can be a dangerous habit for heart patients to develop!
Don't ignore any symptoms that cause you any concern. Better to be safe than sorry.
XOXOXO
http://www.myheartsisters.org
- By GraceAnnStewart
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 11:48 am
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I would definitely go in to be checked. I'd call your cardiologist and tell them what you are feeling. You could be having little heart attacks and not even know it.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
GraceAnn
- By Asurvivor
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 2:45 pm
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I use the nitro spray occasionally now, but in the beginning I had no nitro at all. The doc said to use it three times, 5 minutes apart. If no relief, go to the ER by ambulance!
With me, it feels like the top of my head is coming off, that my BP has reached the sky. The EMT's told me when I had my only heart attack - that's good because then you know the nitro is working. It opens up all the blood vessels and causes a blasting headache. It only lasts for a short while. I never get dizzy. I can take nitro while shopping in a store, walking around. It relieves the headache somewhat also if I move around like that. If I lie down, the headache is worse.
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