Chest pain with rheumatoid arthritis

Posted by mnmimi @mnmimi, Oct 31, 2022

I am a 69 your old woman who has had rheumatoid arthritis for almost 40 years. I am on Celebrex, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate and my symptoms are well-controlled and I can be as physically active as I choose. About a year ago, I began having pressure, tightness, and pain in my chest that would wake me up in the middle of the night. Only at night. It would last for several hours. An EKG and chest X-ray were both normal. All of my labs are in the normal range for inflammation and all other medication-related possible side effects. My rheumatologist ordered a prescription antacid to address symptoms of GERD. That seemed to resolve the issue. And I was symptom-free for several months. Recently, the same thing has begun again. I am not high risk for heart issues with low cholesterol and low blood pressure, and no family history. During these episodes, my blood pressure and pulse are normal, I do not have any nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, or radiating pain.
Wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience, as I feel something very unusual must be occurring.

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yellowdoggirl | @yellowdoggirl | Oct 31, 2022

mnmimi,
I had similar symptoms - at rest only, pain in chest nothing to see on any test and I had many, many kinds of imaging, even a right and left heart catheterization and implanted loop recorder.
I am 69 years old, almost 70, have undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
Most recently my perceptive cardiologist said he suspects I have coronary
vasospasms ( like cramps in the arteries to the heart) which leave no trace, but cause pain and seem to be unpredictable to me.
Maybe it's that?
Best of luck to you!

adlttl123 | @adlttl123 | Nov 1, 2022

Ditto. In 2004 I started having symptoms of a heart attack for weeks and finally week to the hospital and they found a 99% blockage and put in a stent. Since then I have had the same symptoms and have had test after test and all are negative. It literally drives me nuts. I also have RA and wonder if it’s related. Just knowing would take away the stress.

larbar | @larbar | Nov 1, 2022

Had chest pain a number of years ago that was mis diagnosed, or rather undiagnosed after numerous tests. I was told then, that I was depressed and prescribed antidepressants. Terrible pain still persisted. Later I switched doctors ( for many reasons). On my first visit with a new doctor, I was diagnosed with costochondritis or Tietz syndrome. I had steroid injections in my sternum and ribs that eliminated my pain.