Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Chest Pain After Taking Imitrex For Migraine?
Question: My daughter age 50 just took imitrex for a migraine and developed pain in left chest, which then went down her arm, this lasted about 1/2/-3/4 hr. I was called at this point, checked bp, 100/80, p 88 , Pt states this bp is normal for her. She stated most of all the pain was gone, and she has a doctor's appointment next week. What do I do? XXXX
my email is YYYY@YYYY
This is follow up general information, She now states allpain is gone, and she is just resting.
my email is YYYY@YYYY
This is follow up general information, She now states allpain is gone, and she is just resting.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello Rena!
Welcome on HCM!
I passed carefully through your daughter's medical history and would like to explain that Imitrex among several adverse effects, has been shown to trigger some cardiac dangerous issues as well.
Imitrex has been associated with chest discomfort (pressure, tightness) in up to 5% of patients.
Also, it may lead to coronary artery vasospasm and myocardial infarction especially in patients wit known coronary artery risk factors.
It may rarely trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia).
Coming to this point, I would recommend you to ask medical assistance to the nearest ER service at your living area (because of the prolonged chest pain) for a careful physical examination and some medical tests:
- resting ECG,
- cardiac enzymes,
- cardiac ultrasound (if suspicions about cardiac ischemia are raises)
Also a screening for potential coronary risk factors is advisable (presence of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, heredity for CAD, etc.) and if any present, a cardiac stress test is recommended for revealing a hidden coronary artery disease.
In addition, if evidence of cardiac ischemia is revealed, then she needs to discuss with her attending doctor on the possibility of switching to a more safe anti migraine therapy.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello Rena!
Welcome on HCM!
I passed carefully through your daughter's medical history and would like to explain that Imitrex among several adverse effects, has been shown to trigger some cardiac dangerous issues as well.
Imitrex has been associated with chest discomfort (pressure, tightness) in up to 5% of patients.
Also, it may lead to coronary artery vasospasm and myocardial infarction especially in patients wit known coronary artery risk factors.
It may rarely trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia).
Coming to this point, I would recommend you to ask medical assistance to the nearest ER service at your living area (because of the prolonged chest pain) for a careful physical examination and some medical tests:
- resting ECG,
- cardiac enzymes,
- cardiac ultrasound (if suspicions about cardiac ischemia are raises)
Also a screening for potential coronary risk factors is advisable (presence of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, heredity for CAD, etc.) and if any present, a cardiac stress test is recommended for revealing a hidden coronary artery disease.
In addition, if evidence of cardiac ischemia is revealed, then she needs to discuss with her attending doctor on the possibility of switching to a more safe anti migraine therapy.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
