RA, Fibro and anything associated with muscular/skelatal diseases can cause pain and discomfort in the chest wall which we associate with what we know as heart problems. The pain and thumping of your heart, tightness of chest ect. are all symptomatic of our disease, but also are markers for anxiety attacks.
THe tingling feeling and irregular heartbeat and tightness in chest with pain are typical of anxiety attacks. ( Hyperbentilation, ect.)IT is sometimes extremely difficult to ascertain the difference between panic attack and heart probs due to the RA, and any circumstances you are experiencing.
WHen in doubt, key features of heart attack include, profuse sweating and the inability to breath.
BEcause RA, fibro adn anything muscular/skelatal do cause similar pains and heart palpatations which could signify problems associated with blood flow, as in blockage to the heart; a PCP and cardiologist should be notified to conduct further testing including a stress test for the heart.
I have to tell you, the staff at the ER went far and beyond what one would expect of healthcare providers. I am sincerely thankful to the Dr. and dtaff for their support, kindness and expertise.
IT made all the difference in the world for me.
Jode
keep in mind that women's heart attack symptoms are far different than men's, and in women only 39% of women experiencing a heart attack have profuse sweating.. That's less than half.. That particular dr could be sending away half the women with heart attacks.
there is a ton of info out there now about the difference in female heart issues vs male. I have a great book called Women are Not Small Men.. all about womens cardio health.
I agree Kathy and have researched woman's heart issues because of having costochronditis. It's RA inflammation of the rib cartledge and can be quite painful or just a dull ache. Like Jode, it's always better to err on the side of caution and go to the ER when you have chest pain. Even though I know that I have costo I'll always go to the ER with chest pain due to my age (62) and heart and pulmonary complications from RA. Jode, hope that you feel better after the medication increase. LindyThe other thing Jode, did they rule out a heart attack in you? Was theWhen i went to my allergist yesterday, he basicly told me the same and taught me some ways to breathe better.
I unfortunately build up with liquid in my lungs when i have attacks. He told me to contact my family doc for higher dose of paxil (im on the lowest).
It's tough, especially when you have an attack and can't find out a reason for it. RA can get you and you have to be careful and watch yourself carefully.
It's always best to be checked by doctors, even if you think it is from panic. Some panic attacks can land you in the ER, so getting them under control should be done immediately.
With my attacks, i get the inflammation of the lungs, hard asthma attacks, big heart palpitations (big thumps, irregular heart beat) and shoulder pain, gets very scarry.