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Constant Chest heaviness/tightness

Posted by britelite @britelite, Aug 13 3:36pm

I am continuing to have constant chest heaviness/tightness like a band around my rib cage. Not debilitating but always present.
A little background - Feb. 2023 I had a mild case of Covid treated with Paxlovid. I developed a myriad of heart problems - complete heart block necessitating a pacemaker, atrial fib/flutter for which I’m taking Eliquis, intermittent congestive heart failure controlled by furosemide as needed and low sodium diet, a bout of pericardial effusion which was drained.
Along the way, my previously well-controlled asthma flared up and am being treated by a pulmonologist. Have tried a couple of maintenance inhalers, including Trelegy and am now on Breyna (Symbicort) which seems to be working well at keeping lungs clear. I have been using it for 2 weeks. However, the heaviness remains. When it gets too bad, I use Albuterol. My cardiologist says my heart is ok. Has anyone else been experiencing this long term? Does it eventually ease? Any thoughts and support appreciated.

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rave777 | @rave777 | Aug 15 5:14pm

Are you taking any beta blockers? If you're taking a non specific beta blocker like indever(Popular in the Indian Sub continent) that might be causing issues.
1)Non specific beta blockers usually block both the first and the second beta receptors. The blocking of the second one might be causing this issue.
2)What has your pulmonologist said to you? Do an USG, as it might be gas from the stomach that's causing such issues. It can also be muscle cramps.

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britelite | @britelite | Aug 15 10:55pm
In reply to @rave777 "Are you taking any beta blockers? If you're taking a non specific beta blocker like indever(Popular..." + (show)
@rave777

Are you taking any beta blockers? If you're taking a non specific beta blocker like indever(Popular in the Indian Sub continent) that might be causing issues.
1)Non specific beta blockers usually block both the first and the second beta receptors. The blocking of the second one might be causing this issue.
2)What has your pulmonologist said to you? Do an USG, as it might be gas from the stomach that's causing such issues. It can also be muscle cramps.

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Thanks for your input. I am not on any beta blockers. My pulmonologist is working to get the asthma under control. And in fact, as I’m adjusting to the Symbicort, the heaviness seems to be decreasing.

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