Stroke or Heart Attack Symptoms?

[Sugie1938]

I have been having chest pain, a heaviness with shortness of breath for several months, with symptoms getting worse. I have dizzy spells, very often during the day, have some pain under the rib area, It seems worse with exertion. I have had a thallium stress test, that showed no blockage, but some irrigularities, don't know what yet, have appointment next week with a cardioligist. On a ER visit, had CT scan with dye, nothing found. I also had a bone scan as the chest area and ribs are sore to the touch. I have had a strange pain in my neck, jaw area for months, and seems to get worse when my chest hurts. My Primary doctor does not think any of this is heart or stroke related, however last week the cardioligist at the stress test, said they were. I am very discouraged and so tired of feeling like this all the time. I have no energy, and am unable to do many of the things I have always done. Any help would be so appreciated. Thanks.  

[TabbyWolfe]

Have you been tested for POTS disease? http://www.potsuk.org/gp_guide

[Sugie1938]

Hi Jerry, Thanks for your comments. I have had a echocardiogram, but I do not know iwhat the ejection fraction was, my doctor only says that it was normal or abnormal. I have always had somewhat low blood pressure, and do check it once in awhile, pulse seems ok also. I will research congestive heart problems here on this site to see the signs. I am not on any heart medications, my doctor had put me on Mobic and Flexeril at the same time, and after a couple months I actually started having sharp pains in my chest and left breast area. After reading the information from the pharmacy, I stopped them, and told my doctor. He told me to get off it at once, that it wasn't any good for me. I told him I had already done so. I did have the chest pain before that, but wasn't as bad as it became later, and wasn't the sharp kind,, not sure if that could cause it or not. I will be going to the cardiologist on Tuesday, and will follow up here after. Thanks again.  

[Jerry_NJ]

Just my guess, doesn't sound like a stroke to me.  

While the symptoms seem to be similar to many associated with a heart attack, you've been checked and I assume no signs were found, and the symptoms go on.

Have you had an echocardiogram to check such things as your ejection fraction (pump efficiency)?  Much of what you say sounds to me like congestive heart problems, I'll not call it failure as I think that means the heart has stopped...death.  

What is your blood pressure and heart rate?  All these things have been checked for sure by your doctor(s) and as you didn't mention them I must assume there are in acceptable ranges.  Still, very low BP and/or HR can cause dizziness and many other symptoms.

You also didn't say if you are on any heart medications, some of those can cause side effects such as some of your symptoms.