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What Causes Frequent Spasms In The Chest Despite Taking Coumadin For Atrial Fibrillation?
Posted on
Sat, 7 Apr 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 7 Apr 2018
Answered on
Wed, 19 Jul 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : I noticed the chest spasms yesterday. I timed them today. They happen every 8-15 minutes on the upper right chest and last about 10-12 seconds, decreasing as the seconds go by. I have atrial fibrillation and am under controlled Coumadin. The INR levels have been normal for quite some time. Do I need to worry, or should I wait till Monday to talk my doctor?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would like to explain that such clinical symptomatology may occur due to several health issues including:
- musculoskeletal chest disorder (inflammation),
- esophageal spasm,
- shingles,
- cardiac ischemia,
- pulmonary micro-embolism with subsequent right ventricular infarction pressure overload and ischemia, etc.
Because your INR levels are within normal therapeutic ranges, you don't have to worry too much as far as your chest discomfort ("spasms") are self-limiting.
In order to properly judge on the exact etiological nature of your recent complaint, it is very important to have a comprehensive overview of its main characteristics (like triggering factors, e.g. chest spasms are exacerbated by physical exertion, having a meal, or are modulated by respiration, body posture, or digital compression over the affected area, etc.).
In addition, it is necessary to notice possible associated symptoms and signs (like shortness of breathing, low or high blood pressure values, nausea, vomiting, or local signs of inflammation [skin redness and swelling, etc.)
Do you have experienced previous health disorders like chronic pulmonary disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal issues (costochondritis, backbone degenerative disorders,) intercostal herpes, etc.?
And what about your atrial fibrillation history?
Do your doctros have elaborated a cause of atrial fibrillation (certain cardiomyopathy, thyroid dysfunction, suspicions of cardiac ischemia disorder, etc.)?
I would conclude that as far as your chest discomfort (spasms) are occurring in short periods of time (lasting withing seconds) and there is no deterioration trend (no increase in frequency or duration or severity) of pain discomfort you may just wait for the doctor appointment at the beginning of the week.
Otherwise, in case your clinical symptomatology appears to deteriorate, I would advise you to ask immediate medical assistance at the nearest ER service as your living area.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would like to explain that such clinical symptomatology may occur due to several health issues including:
- musculoskeletal chest disorder (inflammation),
- esophageal spasm,
- shingles,
- cardiac ischemia,
- pulmonary micro-embolism with subsequent right ventricular infarction pressure overload and ischemia, etc.
Because your INR levels are within normal therapeutic ranges, you don't have to worry too much as far as your chest discomfort ("spasms") are self-limiting.
In order to properly judge on the exact etiological nature of your recent complaint, it is very important to have a comprehensive overview of its main characteristics (like triggering factors, e.g. chest spasms are exacerbated by physical exertion, having a meal, or are modulated by respiration, body posture, or digital compression over the affected area, etc.).
In addition, it is necessary to notice possible associated symptoms and signs (like shortness of breathing, low or high blood pressure values, nausea, vomiting, or local signs of inflammation [skin redness and swelling, etc.)
Do you have experienced previous health disorders like chronic pulmonary disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal issues (costochondritis, backbone degenerative disorders,) intercostal herpes, etc.?
And what about your atrial fibrillation history?
Do your doctros have elaborated a cause of atrial fibrillation (certain cardiomyopathy, thyroid dysfunction, suspicions of cardiac ischemia disorder, etc.)?
I would conclude that as far as your chest discomfort (spasms) are occurring in short periods of time (lasting withing seconds) and there is no deterioration trend (no increase in frequency or duration or severity) of pain discomfort you may just wait for the doctor appointment at the beginning of the week.
Otherwise, in case your clinical symptomatology appears to deteriorate, I would advise you to ask immediate medical assistance at the nearest ER service as your living area.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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