Don't ignore chest discomfort/pressure

[Sam Laughery]

On Monday I was playing golf with some friends and began having a strange feeling in my chest.  No pain just a feeling of pressure.  I assumed it was indigestion since I had just had a greazy cheeseburger in the clubhouse before going out.  I finished the round and went home to my lazy boy.  About 7 in the evening this feeling was still there even though I was laying in my Lazy Boy watching TV.  I called a neighbor who had been on the rescue squad for many years.  He said in all his years on the squad the biggest problem he saw with people having potential heart problems was denial.  He convinced me to call 911.  Long story short I had an artery that was 95% blocked.  The doctor put in two stints to open it and I feel great.  The doctor said it was a major heart attack just waiting to happen.  Again, I had no pain of any kind just a feeling of pressure and discomfort.  So if you get that feeling, don't be macho, go and get it checked out.  Can't hurt.  I know if it hadn't been for my neighbor I wouldn't have gone.  I hope that helps someone down the road just as my neighbor helped me.

Sam

Sam

[Terry Bolin]

Wow, that was close, good thing you called and ask questions!
Glad you good now! Rest up so you can be ready to Fly!
Take care! Terry

[Paul Taylor]

Whew Close call.
Glad you got that fixed before Brodaks.

Rest up.

Paul

[Bill Little]

Sam,

I am happy to hear that they caught it in time!

[Mike Spiess]

A Friend of mine was having problems with a lost of energy and went to the doc with much arguing with his wife. While they had him on a stress test on a treadmill they grabbed him off threw him on a rolling bed rushed him to a OR and rotorrootered his arteries out. Guess he was just about th have a massive heart attack. It's a funnier story when he tells it.

[Leo Mehl]

On Monday I was playing golf with some friends and began having a strange feeling in my chest.  No pain just a feeling of pressure.  I assumed it was indigestion since I had just had a greazy cheeseburger in the clubhouse before going out.  I finished the round and went home to my lazy boy.  About 7 in the evening this feeling was still there even though I was laying in my Lazy Boy watching TV.  I called a neighbor who had been on the rescue squad for many years.  He said in all his years on the squad the biggest problem he saw with people having potential heart problems was denial.  He convinced me to call 911.  Long story short I had an artery that was 95% blocked.  The doctor put in two stints to open it and I feel great.  The doctor said it was a major heart attack just waiting to happen.  Again, I had no pain of any kind just a feeling of pressure and discomfort.  So if you get that feeling, don't be macho, go and get it checked out.  Can't hurt.  I know if it hadn't been for my neighbor I wouldn't have gone.  I hope that helps someone down the road just as my neighbor helped me.

Sam

Sam

Same thing happened to me. I always rode my bicycle to work and I would get halfway to work and I would get a heavy feeling in my chest and then it would go away. Then I started to get short of breath so went to the docter and he gave me a stress test on tread mill. he then sent me to a specialist and they did a angiagram on me and my arteries were blocked as bad as yours. The Heart seargon was there and said he had opening next week for surgery so made out a will and went in next week for triple bypass. I was one lucky dude but the operation was on same weekend as the Nortwest Regionals so missed it. I agree. Don't wait for any reason. Get that checkup. Same with any kind of numbness in your arms or legs for that could be a light stroke. Been there too.

[John Miller]

Having recently gone through a similar happening, I heart-ily endorse the sentiments expressed on this thread.

Glad to hear that all was caught before it became extremely serious.

[Neville Legg]

And give up on the Greasy Cheeseburgers?
Glad you are all well.

Cheers   Neville

[Bootlegger]

    Please do what the Dr say's... I had 5 bypasses in July of '93 and the Dr said that any heart attack would have been fatal. All of them were 90-65% blocked...Sure do thank the Lord for this...

[Willis Swindell]

Sam
I know the feeling Same thing happened to me. Felt bad went to the Dr. Surgery the next morning. that was in 1989. I have flown and built a lot of planes sense then. I don’t worry about winning anymore just happy to be there and having fun. Plus two more Grand kids.
Willis

[Bill Mohrbacher]

What a co-inky dinky!  Last Friday AM I joined the heart club.  Here's what happened to me:

I’m Home!  I got out of the hospital last night (Saturday). I am OK; I just have to take a handful of pills now like most everyone else my age.  The attached picture shows before (top) and after shots of my heart; the 2 stents (Cordis Cypher) Dr. Marroquin inserted, and some balloon work on a smaller artery.  Sorry PE (Tim), but it looks like I’ll miss Tulsa again.  The rest of this is just boring stuff about how I ended up in the hospital.

Most of you know that I have never been really sick or been hospitalized.  Starting around last Monday, I noticed about 10-15 minutes after I was out of bed I would get a little aching in the upper left part of my chest.  It would go away in 2-3 minutes and usually didn’t return.  I would have it the next morning though.  This wasn’t a pain, just an ache.  No tingles, no sweats, no nausea, no shortness of breath, no real weakness, just that I wanted to sit for a moment.  Naturally, I made excuses to myself and let it go until Friday morning.  Friday, I had the little ache, but it lasted maybe a minute longer.  I helped Cheryl take a clothes basket out to her car and went back into the house.  I got the ache again, but it lasted for maybe 5 or 6 minutes.

 I realized then it wasn’t going to go away and had to be my heart.  Cheryl came back home and we went up to UPMC Passavant.  I got to the emergency room at 10:30, by 1:30 the stents were in place and by 2:30 I was in a bed in the Cardiac ward.

All the Drs and nurses told me I was very wise to come in when I did.  I had a mild heart attack and if I had delay longer, I surely would have had a bigger one.  So don’t wait for left arm to go numb or something!  Go in while there is time!

I might have been the most remarkable un-remarkable patient the staff had seen.  Usually the medical folk refer to “remarkable” things as catastrophes or bad events, basket cases, and the like.  They would ask me about what medicines I was on (Centrum Silver and an occasional aspirin), previous hospital visits (none), previous heart problems (none), heart disease in the family (none).  Then they would say, “Geez, you don’t have a medical history; that’s remarkable!”

[George]

Mine didn't show the standard symptoms either. Thought I was getting a bad chest cold...took a heavy dose of aspirin. 

I was out of town at the time. When I returned home the next day, called the doc and was in the hospital within a couple of hours. Tests showed that I had experienced a heart attack.

Have now been taking meds for heart, BP, and diabetes for about 10 years.

As the title says, don't ignore it.

[Steve Helmick]

I believe I'll be going to my Dr.'s office tomorrow, instead of work. I went to the gym yesterday, did my usual stuff, but didn't feel too good, my pulse rate went too high, and a sort of indigestion feeling in the throat/chest. This AM, my pulse still seemed kinda erratic. Started feeling better around noon, after a nap during lunch break.

Well, hey, I didn't really want to go to work anyway! If I check out ok, I'll go to Gator's for a Heffeweisen and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. If not, I'll check back later, when & if I can.  Steve

[Leo Mehl]

I believe I'll be going to my Dr.'s office tomorrow, instead of work. I went to the gym yesterday, did my usual stuff, but didn't feel too good, my pulse rate went too high, and a sort of indigestion feeling in the throat/chest. This AM, my pulse still seemed kinda erratic. Started feeling better around noon, after a nap during lunch break.

Well, hey, I didn't really want to go to work anyway! If I check out ok, I'll go to Gator's for a Heffeweisen and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. If not, I'll check back later, when & if I can.  Steve

This sounds like a case of somethin that should be an excuse to take a day off and go visit your frendly neiborhood doctor. In otherwords Get you A-- to the doctor! Also take more naps and less workouts. Let's face it your not as young as you used to be!

[wmiii]

 About 10 years ago, I left work to go to my doctors office, my ears were ringing (loud). They took my BP, looked at me strangely and ask if I wanted to lay down? The nurse called my doctor in, she took my BP, asked if I felt okay, and didn't I want to lay down? Turns out I set a record that day 195over125, I should have died. I was FAT, lazy etc. I did what I was told, lost 125lbs, my BP last month was 105over65. I was/am extremely lucky!!

 Walter 

[Sam Laughery]

Thanks for all the replies.  Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the right thing to do.  Don't put off getting any symptoms checked out.  I feel as good as I have for a long time.

Sam

[rustler]

Good grief!!  Everybody's at it!! 

[Garf]

I'm on my 3rd pacemaker. I still need to lose some weight.

[wmiii]

 I have a neighbor, not a bad guy, but STUPID!!!! He had a quadruple bypass 7 yrs ago, did all the right things, lost weight, quit smoking etc, till last year, why you say, he says the operation
is quick, easy, simple, no problem. I am an ex surgical nurse, my wife has been a director of surgery for over 30 yrs, we both think he is , you get the the train of thought.

 Walter 

[Steve Helmick]

One thing about heart bypasses...they normally use leg veins to replace heart arteries. They're not made the same, and won't last but 10 years under the pulsation stresses (that veins are not normally subject to). So, after 10 years, you need another bypass, but maybe you'll be too old and they won't want to do the operation?

It is also possible to use the (pardon the expression) breast arteries, which not all cardiac surgeons use. Yes, guys have breast arteries.  I don't know why they're not used more in bypasses, but you might want to ask, if you have the chance. It seems like a good idea to me. They're already into your chest, so why should they cut into your legs for something that's substandard anyway?  Steve

[Steve Helmick]

Well, well. I finally went to the Dr.'s office, and got an EKG result that was "weird". So, they gave me a med that reduces adrenaline output and taken off the workouts. The next morning, I got an Echocardiogram, which didn't show anything.  This next Monday, I get a "Stress Test"...I guess that's an EKG while on a treadmill. The next morning, I get to take a "resting study", which sounds like something I'm more qualified for. If you know more about either test, please let me know.    Steve

[Leo Mehl]

Well, well. I finally went to the Dr.'s office, and got an EKG result that was "weird". So, they gave me a med that reduces adrenaline output and taken off the workouts. The next morning, I got an Echocardiogram, which didn't show anything.  This next Monday, I get a "Stress Test"...I guess that's an EKG while on a treadmill. The next morning, I get to take a "resting study", which sounds like something I'm more qualified for. If you know more about either test, please let me know.    Steve

The rest Study sounds like something you could do on the treadmill.

[dennis lipsett]

The rest Study sounds like something you could do on the treadmill.

I think that I had that test. It is an instrument that you wear for about a day including you nights sleep. I exhibited all the symptoms of a heart attack but didn't have one but my blood pressure was 195 over 100 and my tryclycerides were at about 1100. But I aced all the tests and I take meds for the blood pressure and the tryc and seem to be holding my own. Just turned 63 afew days ago, just a kid.
Dennis

[Steve Helmick]

I got through the "Stress Test" ok...made it to 9 minutes on the treadmill, clippin' along pretty much at max walk. They said my EKG looked a lot better when I was exercising than when I wasn't. I don't know what that means, but it sounds like I'll have to get a couple of new girlfriends.     The "Rest Test" comes Wednesday. It sounds dangerous, after the above comments from the Drs.    Steve

[Scott Reynolds]

In 2002 I went to my doctors. I thought that I had acid reflux. He did E.K.G and sent me to the hospital.The next day I had quadruple bypass surgery.At that time I was 42 years old.So the younger guys should get check too.18 months later I went to the hospital and one of the bypasses has collapsed so the doc. put a stent in.All is good for right now. In dec. my wife had a triple bypass and she is doing OK.two pees in the pod.

[Steve Helmick]

Well. I got through the "Resting Study", tho I was told to go eat and drink (anything), after being told NOT to eat or drink caffine 4 hrs. prior to the test, just the night before. Bad information; somebody gonna get a slap on the wrist. Anyway, the test was easy as sleeping on a log, which was essentially what I did, while the radar oven whirred and cruised back and forth.

I got to watch a bit of the resulting movie, which was a bit of a surprise. Ain't technology wunnerful?
The (dynamite) chick running the test didn't see any problem with the resulting movie, but I'll wait for news from the PhD's that make the big bux. I'll be bummed if they don't see a problem, 'cause it doesn't feel that good. Doesn't feel horrible, but not good. Oh, well.

Afterwards, I went to work and only got totally PO'd once. I need a vacation. Maybe I shoulda gone to VSC, afterall.    Steve

[Keith Spriggs]

I always wish that I could add something interesting to the topics. This is one time that I am glad that I don't have anything to add. I am very fortunate. 70 years old, never been in a hospital,see Dr about every year to get BP medicine renewed.

[Chris Edinger]

Well Dang... I just took my stress test yesterday... did the up hill climb and the two scans ,,, before and after the
treadmill... but nothing was said about a resting test... I'm upset... I need a day off so I can go rest..dont know the results of mine yet..maybe next week...

[john e. holliday]

I hate doctors.  So far they have not told me anything I didn't know already.  I've had a heart murmer since childhood.  I know when I get tired to sit and rest for a bit.  Yes I know I am over weight and have been doing every thing to keep all the other stuff under control.  I have a knee that takes awhile to get going after sitting for awhile.  Totalled out a tow truck with a motorcycle years ago and the doc said it would probably lock up on me.  The ankle has a little bit.  So i try not to worry about it too much, as I have told people,  some people worry them selves to death.  Well back to peeling dead skin after too much Arizona sun.  DOC Holliday

[Steve Helmick]

Uh, well, I heard from my Dr. by phone, tonight. Good news, no blockages, no leaky valves, no holes, nothing appears to be inoperative. Possible "ischemia" (try Dictionary.com). He says to stay on the "Beta Blocker" (anti-adrenaline drug), and start back into the gym, but ramp up gradually. I like working out. It feels extra good when I stop, but otherwise feels great.

Personally, I think it's stress. Staying away from engineers 8 hrs. a day would do wonders for me, at least professionally. They's ok on the flying field, ya know....   Steve     

[Chris Edinger]

Steve... Good news is always great to hear...now....at least you know..

Doc... Your just to danged ornery to be bothered with all that stuff... I hear ya on the cycle crash.. my knee is the same.. from the same thing.. its all because we are gettin younger by the day....

Chris

[Marvin Denny]

 Sam and others here DO give some good advice!!!    Last Wednesday, I got up in the morning---  felt light headed--  A little dizzy--  Thought it was because I got up too quickly.   Went to the bathroom-- got up and again felt woozy and light headed  I had to hold on to the sink to keep from falling. Went back and sat on the edge of the bed for a while and again felt pretty good.  got up to go to the kitchen to eat and again felt light headed.  Took my blood sugar--- ok--- took my blood pressure  VERY LOW  pulse  VERY HIGH!!  Ate breakfast and went out and picked up the paper--  felt woozy and light headed--- Took BP again  SAME THING---  Called my family DR--- HE SAID   DO YOU WANT ME TO CALL AN AMBULANCE, OR CAN YOU GET TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW!!!  I went immediately (wife Driving like a maniac) and it was a good thing.  One chamber of my heart had quit pumping in the regular beat and was "Fluttering" and was cutting the amount of blood flow from the heart by about 1/3rd. 
  I had no pain, pressure, nausia or numbness.   They got the pulse normalized quickly and there was no damage to the heart.  They said that if I hadn't gotten to the hospital as quickly as I did,  there would have been SERIOUS  problems such as clotting and then stroke or heart attack. 
  I sure am glad my DR recognized the symptoms.

  Bigiron

[Will Hinton]

Steve,(and others)
I've recently been through all the symptoms listed and have some very interesting twists to all of them.  I had atrial fibrillation and flutter, had the necessary ablation procedure to care for it after 6 months of fighting it other ways, then a few weeks later had chest pressure/discomfort again.  Drat!  Now what?
My family doc had a spell of wisdom and had me checked for a hiatal hernia, the results were positive.  I have a small one, and the symptoms for the hernia are the SAME AS HEART problems!  That stinks.  Now I gotta not only behave myself but can never be sure just what blasted malady is buggin' me.  well, I know God still loves me, the wife does too, and airp[lanes are still FUN, so I'm gonna keep on just like before except with the walking pharmacy in my pocket and giving Him the glory!
Blessings,
Will
P.S. Growing old is NOT for the faint of heart. (68 this month and also never in the hospital before.)