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Original poster

Could this be a heart attack

34 replies

Floraliee · 03/05/2024 22:55

I was laid in bed and suddenly had a sharp, pain in left side of my chest. It’s still there now and hurts more if I move around or deep breath. It feels as though it’s into my arm and upper back. I’m alone with 4 year old and feel scared

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KikiShaLeeBopDeBopBop · 04/05/2024 21:12

KrisAkabusi · 04/05/2024 00:35

This isn't the first thread that I've seen like this - someone thinking they may be having a heart attack or stroke. and I despair. In what world is it better to get advice from social media instead of medical professionals? There's already been wrong advice on this thread. If in doubt phone 111 or an ambulance. But get off this thread. It won't help you and could cause harm.

I think people get scared. For all the people who go to a&e for a splinter, or call 999 to find out when the last bus is, there are so many more who just don't want to make a fuss.

MegsNaiceJam · 04/05/2024 00:39

Always call for advice, that is what 111 is there for.

it could be a number of things, gallstones included but you matter and are as equally important as everyone else so call and get checked.

KrisAkabusi · 04/05/2024 00:35

This isn't the first thread that I've seen like this - someone thinking they may be having a heart attack or stroke. and I despair. In what world is it better to get advice from social media instead of medical professionals? There's already been wrong advice on this thread. If in doubt phone 111 or an ambulance. But get off this thread. It won't help you and could cause harm.

Throckmorton · 04/05/2024 00:04

quietlifeneeded · 03/05/2024 22:59

If it's a heart attack I'm fairly sure (but I'm sure someone will come and bash me for it) you wouldn't be able to post on MN?

That is completely untrue.

Throckmorton · 04/05/2024 00:01

Call 111. Better safe than dead.

RickyGervaislovesdogs · 03/05/2024 23:59

TalkSetting · 03/05/2024 23:02

They are advised for their diagnosed specific known condition. You can’t give out second hand advice when you don’t know if it’s the same.

Show quote history

Well nobody can - it’s an internet forum not 999.

KikiShaLeeBopDeBopBop · 03/05/2024 23:22

Ever heard the saying "better late than sorry "?

Same principle apply here. It's also the same principle that means certain symptoms get you onto the 2 week cancer-check pathways.

Better to feel silly seeking medical help than it is to leave your 4yo without a mum

SuspectedInsomniac · 03/05/2024 23:10

Floraliee · 03/05/2024 23:03

I’ve been sat up for a few minutes now and the pain seems to have gone from my chest. I can’t seem to feel it when I do a deep breath in but my upper arm/back still hurts a bit. I’m still worried with how sudden it came on though, I’ve never felt that kind of feeling before

Your pain subsided quite quickly from when you posted op. Might be worth looking at Precordial Catch Syndrome too, it might put your mind at rest. Still worth getting checked out though.

SuspectedInsomniac · 03/05/2024 23:09

Precordial Catch Syndrome @Spinningroundahelix?

I get this too sometimes. So painful, but a really deep lungful or two makes it temporarily worse but for me then feels like it kind of 'pops' then it's gone. It's really difficult to make yourself take a deep breath of air when it makes the pain so much worse!

MyKidsAreTooNoisy · 03/05/2024 23:04

It’s extraordinarily unlikely to be a heart attack at your age and with your symptoms. Could be something else though. Just call 111

Original poster
Floraliee · 03/05/2024 23:03

I’ve been sat up for a few minutes now and the pain seems to have gone from my chest. I can’t seem to feel it when I do a deep breath in but my upper arm/back still hurts a bit. I’m still worried with how sudden it came on though, I’ve never felt that kind of feeling before

OP posts:
TalkSetting · 03/05/2024 23:03

@Floraliee there are other conditions that are equally as serious that come on as quickly as a heart attack, ignore the posters saying you are fine if you can post. You do not sound it. Seriously, phone for help, let the medical professionals decide and diagnose you. But it’s worthy of a call now. I promise it’s ok to phone them.

SuspectedInsomniac · 03/05/2024 23:03

It could be a muscle strain, trapped nerve, wind, reflux, anxiety...all can closely mimic a heart attack.

Get up, move around, stretch your back and arms thoroughly and have a drink. If it doesn't help, call 111.

Spinningroundahelix · 03/05/2024 23:02

Do ring 111. I sometimes get a very similar pain. After a fair amount of investigation mine is some sort of muscle cramp and it goes away if I can manage to get some deep lungfuls of air in even though it is such a sharp pain I don't want to move more than I have to. I can't see that some deep breaths could hurt while you are ringing up.

RaininSummer · 03/05/2024 23:02

Do call for advice. Also it is entirely possible to post on MN as well as go about your daily life for a while whilst experiencing a heart attack I think. My uncle didn't even know he had a heart attack.

TalkSetting · 03/05/2024 23:02

RickyGervaislovesdogs · 03/05/2024 22:59

Probably not, drink a glass of cold water, stay calm and ring 111.

A colleague suffers with heart issues and the consultant advised a glass of water.

They are advised for their diagnosed specific known condition. You can’t give out second hand advice when you don’t know if it’s the same.

RedHelenB · 03/05/2024 23:02

quietlifeneeded · 03/05/2024 22:59

If it's a heart attack I'm fairly sure (but I'm sure someone will come and bash me for it) you wouldn't be able to post on MN?

This.

TalkSetting · 03/05/2024 23:01

quietlifeneeded · 03/05/2024 22:59

If it's a heart attack I'm fairly sure (but I'm sure someone will come and bash me for it) you wouldn't be able to post on MN?

I will be the first to bash you. I’ve posted from HDU. People have conditions that start and worsen and aren’t incapacitated immediately. Even in severe pain at the beginning you can research/text/phone/post for help. There are many conditions that aren’t heart attacks that are still serious and need a medical professional to see and diagnose and rule out.

OutOfTheHouse · 03/05/2024 23:01

Call 111. Is there anyone else you can contact? 4 year olds father? A mum friend? Anyone, just in case.

Overthebow · 03/05/2024 22:59

Phone 999, no one can diagnose you on here

quietlifeneeded · 03/05/2024 22:59

If it's a heart attack I'm fairly sure (but I'm sure someone will come and bash me for it) you wouldn't be able to post on MN?

TalkSetting · 03/05/2024 22:59

Seriously, call now.

RickyGervaislovesdogs · 03/05/2024 22:59

Probably not, drink a glass of cold water, stay calm and ring 111.

A colleague suffers with heart issues and the consultant advised a glass of water.

TalkSetting · 03/05/2024 22:59

People can only diagnosed a pulled muscle when they’ve ruled out the other serious causes, that’s what medical staff are there for, you can’t diagnose yourself, they do and rule things in and out. You need seeing.

Original poster
Floraliee · 03/05/2024 22:59

The only family members I have around are away at the moment, really panicky

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