Open Question: Angina . . . Or Just Side-Effects Of Stress & Panic Attack?
Hi:
I’m a 41yr. old WM. I used to have panic attacks about 6-8 yrs. ago, but have had them under control for a while. I’m also overweight, but not obese, and I have smoked (off and on, but unfortunately, more on than off) for about 20 yrs. (I know, I know . . . it’s not good, so please . . . no lectures). I also have an ulnar nerve in my left elbow that, when it acts up, gives a mild tingling sensation in that arm. I’ve had borderline cholesterol for most of my adult life, but at my last checkup in March, my HDL & LDL were fine. And, also on the good side, I try to exercise at least 2 times a week, although for the last couple of months, it hasn’t happened as much as I would like. Also, there is no history of heart disease in my family, although there is some history of high cholesterol.
I’ve been very stressed out for a while now, and when my partner & I got in a huge fight 2 weekends ago, I felt like I was having either a panic attack or a heart attack. I went to the ER, where they did an EKG. All the ER doc said at the time is that my cholesterol was high, and I should see a cardiologist. As it was the middle of the night when I got home, I did not read the discharge papers from the ER. However, I read them yesterday, and I was shocked to read that, “your exam shows you have angina pectoris.” Needless to say, this has thrown me for a loop, and I’m thinking about words like “blockage” and “catheterization.” I already have an appt. scheduled with a cardiologist for this Thursday, and my stress has decreased somewhat since my ER visit.
So, with all of this background, I have a few questions:
- Isn’t 41 a little young for angina, even taking into account my less-than-perfect lifestyle?
- As many people experiencing panic attacks exhibit the same symptoms as a heart attack, could the angina diagnosis been actually just the effects from a panic attack?
- Also, it’s my understanding that an EKG is just the first test they give you, and it can often give false or incorrect readings?
I am really hoping that it’s just the stress and panic and not angina, and am hoping some of you experts can provide a little reassurance. Believe me, even if this is not angina, it has been a loud wake-up call that I’m not 29 any more, and I need to lose the weight (I’ve done it before) and stop smoking (have also quit before, but I’m really going to try this time). Am also going on vacation a week from this Sat., and I know that it’ll help reduce my stress.

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:23:25 GMT
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