Heart Attack/ Acid Reflux

I had exactly the same last week, and the pain continued for about 5 hours and nothing would shift it. It went right through to my back. I also had that sensation of a lump in my throat. I thought it was bad heartburn/acid indigestion. I know I have a mild hiatal hernia.

I couldn't get comfortable in bed whichever position I tried, and wasn't sure what to do as I have read about heart attack symptoms being different for women, as you have Thistle.

In the end I got up and consulted Dr Google online, and decided it was severe heartburn and eventually it eased and I managed to get off to sleep.

Probably worrying about it didn't help.

I think mine was caused by eating a bit too much cheese. Apparently high fat foods can cause it. I have avoided cheese since. I had indigestion for about 2 days afterwards.

Yes. I diagnosed acid reflux and just wanted a doctor to prescribe something for pain. I felt like I had a balloon inside my back and wanted someone to burp me! I went for a swift walk at 3am in the morning and vomited. Then I rang and despite my protest they sent an ambulance. A little gas n air later my reflux calmed and all was OK. I still get reflux but take Omaprosol (?) ASAP. I haven’t had an attack as bad as that since. It’s distressing isn’t it? ?

I couldn't/wouldn't take Omeprazole, mainly because I have other health problems that are contraindications, but also because it has a lot of side effects, and should really not be taken for more than 2-4 weeks.

My cousin was taking it for 3 years before she happened to see a locum doctor who was horrified and told her she had to wean herself off.

I have had that pain off and on for years. The first time I was driving along a country lane and was worried it could be heart related. I just pulled over and waited till the pain had gone.
My GP checked me and said my heart was ok.
Now I take Gaviscon if I feel it coming on.

Sparklefizz

I had exactly the same last week, and the pain continued for about 5 hours and nothing would shift it. It went right through to my back. I also had that sensation of a lump in my throat. I thought it was bad heartburn/acid indigestion. I know I have a mild hiatal hernia.

I couldn't get comfortable in bed whichever position I tried, and wasn't sure what to do as I have read about heart attack symptoms being different for women, as you have Thistle.

In the end I got up and consulted Dr Google online, and decided it was severe heartburn and eventually it eased and I managed to get off to sleep.

Probably worrying about it didn't help.

I think mine was caused by eating a bit too much cheese. Apparently high fat foods can cause it. I have avoided cheese since. I had indigestion for about 2 days afterwards.

I think you might like to consider taking medical advise.

Gall bladder behaves like that when it is being a nuisance. The first day of the first lockdown I experienced exactly the same pain, and after phoning 111 then told to dial 999 . They turned up and said I needed to attend A&E so off we went. It lasted about 5 hrs which is very typical of gall bladder and blood tests showed that indeed was what it was.

Thanks Whitewave.

I have suffered with this for the past 20 years. I have a mild hiatus hernia which diet & omeprazole keep under control. When I do occasionally suffer from this searing pain, I get relief by sipping a long glass of very cold water. It feels as if it relaxes the muscles around the pain in the neck, chest and back.

Marmight - interesting. Thank you.

Do not take any thing for granted.

In 2019 while quietly preparing lunch was suddenly gripped by chest pains. Sat down hoping it would go away - it didn't it got worse and sweat pouring out of my hair in an attempt to prevent myself passing out. Finally managed to ring GP who rang for an ambulance.

Dreadful incompetent paramedic turned up, who on being told I was already under cardiology department of local hospital, and drug therapy for heart-failure, proceeded to state I was having a panic attack and sweat pouring down my face tears from crying.

She did finally take me to major trauma hospital which diagnosed first episode of Atrial Fibrillation, when heart beat out of synchronisation, and kept in until heart rate back to normal (3 days). Told if it ever happened again must call an ambulance right away, as given my medical history likely to have a heart attack/stroke.

Once recovered I made a complaint about the paramed in the belief she was a danger to the life of patients. She went on long term sick as a result and before an investigation could take place. Hopefully never to return.

For years I thought I was suffering from heartburn, it was only when I was taken to A&E suffering from a drug allergy, blood tests showed there was something wrong with my heart. I ended up in the coronary care unit for four days.
Tests eventually showed I had micro vascular angina.
It mimicked the symptoms of heartburn. please don't take any chances.

Thistlelass- as you say heart problems can present in different ways in women.
With me, it was just a chest pain which happened when I was walking up a hill, managed to get home after a few stops. No stomach problems or shoulder pains etc.
I also have gastric problems.
If you can get your GP to do it, in these hard times, ask for tests for both types of problem.

Definitely sounds like acid reflux. Talk to your Dr. In the meantime you an buy over the counter Omezaprazole from Boots which will pretty rapidly address symptoms and damage from acid.

Three years ago, I had symptoms which seemed like heartburn for about two days. I also felt very short-tempered and as though I couldn't think straight.

On the third day, I was running for an appointment because I was a bit late. I became very breathless and had to sit down and felt like I was going to pass out. I rang 999 and am glad I did because I was having a heart attack.

Keep nagging until somebody listens to you and gives you tests.

I do wonder if I might have a hernia. If it was a heart attack, wouldn't the remedies like Gaviscon not work? I worry about the pain I get from reflux being heart related, but I'm active and often walk up steep and sustained hills where my heart rate picks up significantly without pain or problem. If it were my heart, wouldn't this be when I'd expect to notice problems? After a bad week I did go to the doctor who prescribed a PPI. That fixed it. I still worry a bit though.

Omezaprazole should only be taken for 2 weeks and should sort out in that time. It shouldn't be taken long term just if an attack starts

I take omeprazole every day, and I soon know about it if I don't.

I have a sliding hiatus hernia, which I can manage if I eat healthily (which I don't)

I've spent many a night rocking to and fro on the edge of the bed, cursing cheese, crisps, and all the rest of the nice food I've ingested.

First chance have had to get back here today! I had felt my stomach was 'off' due to anxiety and worry. This being case I consulted with a Nurse Practitioner in Friday. This led to Omeprazole being prescribed, but I am advised this is to be a long term measure. It seems if you stop/start the symptoms can be more intense. My main concern about the tablets would centre on osteoporosis as I already have osteopenia. The tablets were not picked up until today.
Well you all have interesting tales to tell. A friend advised tonight that hiatus hernia often occurs in people with ME but I know not if this is the case. Found out today - no I was reminded - that one of my sisters was admitted into hospital with same thing. Heart attack suspected. It just seems a huge coincidence to get such an attack so quickly after consulting re gastric issues. I am all right tonight but will follow up with GP practice and report back.

That's interesting Thistelass as I believe I have fibromyalgia to some degree, and have for years. My body does a lot of weird things.

i would get that checked out, may need endoscopy.
i knew someone who had similar symptoms and it was very serious.
any difficulty in swallowing, even of water or saliva; medical advice should be sought pronto.

I was first told that I had an ulcer.
My doc said that if omeprazole helped, that confirmed his diagnosis.

When he died and another doctor took over, he questioned it, and said that omeprazole will help with a whole range of problems (including cancer) and that the only sure way of knowing was to have an endoscopy.

So, yes, get things checked out.

Oh, that sounded bossy.
Only if you want to. sorry.

Yes see your GP and go from there. Do mention your sister’s suspected heart attack.