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When should I be worried about cardiac health? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 weeks ago by thespcicifcocean@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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For the past few days I've been having pain in my chest and neck. It feels tight and like a bunch of pressure on my chest. I was worried enough to go to the ER for it yesterday. My resting HR was 104 and blood pressure was 130/95 when i got into the hospital. It lowered while waiting for the doctor to see me. They did an ECG and a blood test.

Doc says my ECG looked normal, but they had to redo my blood test because my troponin levels were at "7". They said that I didn't have a heart attack, but when I'm researching troponin levels, anything above a 4 is indicative of damage to the heart.

I also told the doc that i have depression and anxiety. he chalked it up as anxiety attacks.

At this point, does it sound like I should go see a cardiologist?

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[–] southsamurai@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 weeks ago

Yeah, you definitely need to see a doctor.

I'm assuming the er doc was giving you the easier to understand numbers, but a "7" would still be a good bit higher than you'd expect to see in someone with no damage to the heart muscle unless there's something else weird going on.

Nobody online can tell you what's going on, obviously, but I would consider this an urgent matter. It isn't absolutely a heart issue, but none of the things that can cause elevated troponin are beneficial. With a normal EKG, you weren't having an immediate issue, but I would definitely be calling your GP now to get the ball rolling. Most of the things that would have your troponin levels to be at that range are very treatable, as in after treatment, the problem is resolved and only needs monitoring over time. The rest are still treatable, but may need more than monitoring.

So don't fuck around about it, but also don't panic.

With the ER doc not being overly concerned after two tests (which is the norm; changes in levels matter a good bit), it isn't something where you have to see your doctor now, as in go and camp out in the office until you're seen. But I would say to request the earliest possible appointment because they probably will refer you to a cardiologist, and the sooner you get the referral, the sooner you're seen by one.

Again, don't panic, your health isn't ideal, but since it's confirmed you didn't have a heart attack, chances are really good that with treatment and lifestyle changes, you're going to be fine long term.