I'm having a heart attack - Including, things you don't believe in.

[small_world]

While it's not that bad, there is something going on.

What it feels like, well it's hard to describe. But basically, imagine water flowing down a drain. Then there's a bit of a block, or maybe there's some back pressure.
Anyway, the water bubbles or stutters a bit.

That's what my chest/heart feels like.

What the fuck is it?


It's been the last few nights, don't notice it so much through the day, but I'm sure it's still there.
Could it be palpitations? I don't believe in them, so I hope it's not....

Feel free to derail in to a - Things you don't believe in - threadBecause I don't believe in palpitations.
I also don't believe that wiping a magnetic key card on to a mobile phone will blank it.

[Small Man Big Horse]

Call the NHS Direct and ask them about it, I've found them to be friendly and helpful in the past, even when it's not been something serious. Then go to your Doctor tomorrow just to make sure. I won't take no for an answer on this front.

I've had the odd chest pain / odd sensation in the past but still live. But we're around the same age iirc, and that's when there's a higher chance of things going wrong even if you live in a healthy lifestyle. Ie, unlike me.

If it was a one off I'd suggest it could be panic attack related, I've only had one but thought I was having a heart attack at the time. But as you've had it for a few days it seems unlikely, though it's always a possibility it's related somehow.

I will be very annoyed if you die, btw. I've enjoyed your posts, and your sexy naked torso as well.

[Dusty Gozongas]

I don't believe in palpitations.

All the more likely it's the onset of heart trouble if you remove palpitations from the list then. Deffo see a doctor to be on the safe side. They'll likely send you straight to the hospital for an ECG. Been there, done that, in and out in 90 minutes as I recall.

[small_world]

Well this totally isn't the fun piss taking I was hoping for...

You all serious?
There's no pain.
It's just a 'sensation'.
Like, you know, if you try to breath when you really need to cough.
Feels like that, but in the heart.

[small_world]

By the way.
If I do die... Could someone take it upon themselves to clean up my posts. Take out anything I wouldn't want my parents or lovely girlfriend to see.
Thanks.

If I die, I'll let you know.

[Artemis]

I did a clinical trial a year or two ago that involved the use of a heart monitor. I had to wear it for 24 hours, which I understand is what a doctor/specialist would generally recommend if you were to go and see her/him. The result of the monitor was that I have a heart defect that means there is an occasional delay in the conduction of electricity between the top and bottom parts of my heart. The severity varies and the trial doctor gave me a report to give to my doctor.

I didn't give the report because I was worried it would interfere with my eligibility for other trials. I know this is stupid of me. I looked up the condition and found that at best - highly probable - it's nothing but an ongoing blip that just needs occasional monitoring. At worst, I'll need a pacemaker.

I intend on following this up when I have finished the two more trials I need to do to ensure I have the cash I need to do what I intend to.

[Lyndon]

That's weird Artemis, I am posting right now from a hospital on a medical trial where I have to wear a halter for 24 hours too. My heart is fine. If anything, it's too strong, my resting heart rate is often less than 40 so I have to deliberately raise it when they take vital signs because the cut-off for this trial was 45.

[alan nagsworth]

What the fuck man. You're not allowed to be ill. Only I'm allowed to have any ailments around here nowadays. Please die or get off the cross!

[El Unicornio, mang]

Do you drink caffeine? I got crazy palpitations anytime within the space of a week of consuming caffeine, which disappeared when I stopped. You can get yourself looked at for free though, I'd take advantage of that and put your mind at ease.

[Buelligan]

Yes, go to the doctor.  I had a colleague who had a similar experience, she went to her GP, had treatment and was absolutely fine.  But she did need treatment.  Always better safe than sorry as your mum might say.  Hope you're in the pink mighty soon. (cut down on the prossies if poss).

[BlodwynPig]

i had the same thing a while back Small_World, but didn't go to the doctor as I thought it was just magic bubbles. I died 3 weeks later, but at least I am still able to post here as a warning to you...

[doppelkorn]

I had something like that for a while (incorporating a massive one that hurt and I thought I was having a heart attack) and my GP told me to fuck off and man up, essentially. I was 23 at the time and living a pretty healthy lifestyle.

I put it down to stress in the end and also gave up caffeine. Now when it does come back, if ever, that's my physical clue that I'm getting stressed.

[Buelligan]

Yeah well, GPs aren't always right are they (still think you should go though S_W). 

My mum went (with her third bout of cancer which was eventually terminal) and was diagnosed as "depressed".  My brother went with MS and was diagnosed as "depressed".  I went with a stomach ulcer, repeatedly, over a period of two years, was diagnosed as "depressed", changed doctors, got a diagnosis and treatment and within three weeks was right as rain.

[CaledonianGonzo]

small_world - if I remember correctly you spend half the year on the Atkins diet, so at the very least you might want to get your heart and your cholesterol levels checked out.

[small_world]

Yeah, I had a cholesterol check not too long back, and all was fine.
The BHF had a huge thing last year, with studies and stuff, showing that dietary cholesterol wasn't linked to cholesterol levels. As cholesterol in something like eggs can't be absorbed/adapted.
Although I would like another look.

I don't drink coffee, or anything with caffeine.
I used to drink shit loads of diet cola. But since New Year, that's been massively cut down.

The last few weeks have been pretty stressful (not really in a bad way - just busy) with work. And I'm moving house soon, and ah, there's shit loads of big and little things. But yeah, if this could cause it, this is the only one I could really associate with.

The odd bit is. I don't feel any worse. like inside myself, it's just a weird feeling. Obviously it's worrying because of the area I'm feeling it, but I'd imagine (hope) it's just a weird muscle spaz.
Also, it only ever happens on a night time.
Again, it's really light, and a feeling, no pain.

[Cerys]

You can get yourself looked at for free though, I'd take advantage of that and put your mind at ease.

This.  Even if they laugh at you for being a hypochondriac, at least it's no worse than what we'd do if that turned out to be the case.

[Brunette Romana 2]

Hope you're off getting yourself looked at.

Last year, Mr BR2 had a bit of chest discomfort, not that bad, even managed to propose to me, before we headed off to get him checked out.

How we lolled when it turned out he'd had a massive heart attack, and had to have a open heart surgery to bypass multiple blockages....

So yeah, sure it's nothing that mental, but, my point is, it's always worth getting stuff like that checked out!

[small_world]

Well. Bit of an update. And thanks for all the advice - which I've ignored.
I haven't had any more of that sort of thing for the last 2 nights.
Again, it wasn't pain, more like butterflys (really little ones) around the left of my chest...
So I'm really putting it down to a muscle thing.

I didn't get to the docs, as the next appointment would have been April.
But if I get it again I will do.
I hadn't been to the gym for a week and a bit, so I'm thinking it may have just been that, and possibly a bit of stress, and de-hydration?
Anyway yeah... Not dead yet.

[Mr Eggs]

Well. Bit of an update. And thanks for all the advice - which I've ignored.
I haven't had any more of that sort of thing for the last 2 nights.
Again, it wasn't pain, more like butterflys (really little ones) around the left of my chest...
So I'm really putting it down to a muscle thing.

I didn't get to the docs, as the next appointment would have been April.
But if I get it again I will do.
I hadn't been to the gym for a week and a bit, so I'm thinking it may have just been that, and possibly a bit of stress, and de-hydration?
Anyway yeah... Not dead yet.

Have a wank:give the old ticker a proper workout. If you live,ace. If you die.......'Cause of death:Masturbation induced heart failure' is gonna give the coroner a right ol' chuckle.

[the midnight watch baboon]

I put on those monitors all day and hear many symptoms like yours described, an ecg is helpful in assimilating a plan of attack on your ailments, bug your GP enough and they will probably send you for a relief-inspiring 24hr ECG. Hopefully not find any evidence of fibrillation, bundle branch block at your age. If 24hr tape finds nowt and you're still worried maybe they will give you a cardiocall- a lil rhythm strip radio thing that you hold against your chest like a madman when you get symptoms on your day... Fluttering is sometimes how others describe ectopic/extra beats, which most folk have at some time.

[Too Many Cochranes]

What's the best way of getting on those medical trials? Is there a website with a decent reputation?

I may be out of a job towards the end of this year and it might be something to keep in mind.

[Zetetic]

What's the best way of getting on those medical trials?

What are your local universities?

[Too Many Cochranes]

What are your local universities?

The University of Discrete/Discreet and the University of I Don't Generally Like Oher Human Beings. UK Branch.