For a week I have been having bouts of rapid pulse, high blood pressure, and a sensation in my chest and throat that is not painful but a tightening. I have had a dull headache, and I very seldom have headaches. I take two prescriptions for high blood pressure and one for cholesterol. I have not experienced this before. I had a recent x-ray after a vasculitis diagnosis, and although my lungs were clear, the report stated I have Atherosclerosis of the Aorta. I just noticed that but haven t gotten an appointment with my doctor yet to see if this is related. Can you advise?