Heart Issues After Vaccination: A Patient's Journey

Questions after a hospital examination?

Hello Doctor: Two years ago, after receiving the vaccine, I started experiencing heart discomfort two weeks later (I was perfectly fine a week prior).
My heart rate often exceeds 200 beats per minute, and my blood pressure skyrockets to over 200 daily (previously, my blood pressure was at most 130, and my heart rate was at most 70).
I went to the emergency room where they performed an ECG, chest X-ray (which revealed slight heart enlargement), and blood tests.
I have seen doctors over a dozen times in a month, and I feel like I am driving them crazy.
I really want to understand why doctors seem frustrated with me when I am in so much pain.
My heart sounds have diminished; I used to feel my heartbeat, but now I can't detect any sound.
I can hear pericardial friction rub in the precordial area (it sounds like a tearing noise from the heart and is quite loud).
When I ask doctors to listen, they refuse, saying I am neurotic and have a mild fever (I have been running a low-grade fever all day), along with chest pain (so severe that I feel like I want to rip my heart out), shortness of breath, and rapid breathing (I struggle to walk due to breathlessness).
My heart rate hits 200, and my blood pressure is consistently over 200, with jugular vein distension (it feels like something is pulsating violently in my neck, as if it might explode).
I experience palpitations (constantly, making it impossible to sleep), fatigue, and I can't even get out of bed to eat (especially in the heat, I feel completely drained, and there have been several times I almost collapsed).
Each time, I rely on sheer willpower to see a doctor...
but the doctors seem indifferent and unwilling to help.
Are doctors just slacking off now? Are they only reviewing medical records without actually diagnosing? Previously, I was given sedatives without any consideration for my condition.
Can I request the hospital to dismiss these doctors (including those at Taoyuan General Hospital)? A doctor in Zhongli was very dismissive, asking what medication I wanted to prescribe, glaring at me as if I were wasting medical resources.
Do doctors only know how to prescribe sedatives? If that's the case, I could be a doctor too.
Is it true that medical schools accept students with zero scores? Or do they only review medical histories without making diagnoses? (Before I was vaccinated, a doctor prescribed me sedatives, and afterward, regardless of my condition, they only prescribed sedatives without asking about my issues.
It seems they rely solely on medical records to treat patients...
Is it not possible for someone who has taken sedatives to develop pericarditis? Clearly, my blood pressure has skyrocketed; how could I not be ill? Is the logic that someone who has taken sedatives cannot develop pericarditis sound? Did they get into medical school with zero scores?) I have visited Taoyuan General Hospital and Zhongli multiple times, and they have been unhelpful, especially that doctor in Zhongli who was visibly annoyed.
After taking antibiotics myself in June (I was able to take them due to a urinary tract infection), along with some NSAIDs for headaches, I felt a bit better, but I have suffered for two years...
I have been mistreated by doctors for two years...
Should I seek compensation? However, yesterday, I started experiencing symptoms again, and it seems like the heart friction sound has returned, and my heart feels weak again.
Does this mean I have not recovered?

QQ, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/18

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Based on your description, I cannot provide a diagnosis online.
I recommend going to a hospital for further examination.

Reply Date: 2023/11/18

More Info

It sounds like you have been through a very challenging and distressing journey regarding your heart health, especially following your vaccination. The symptoms you describe, including elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, are concerning and warrant thorough medical evaluation.
Firstly, it is important to understand that while vaccines can have side effects, serious complications related to the heart, such as myocarditis or pericarditis, are rare. However, they have been reported, particularly in younger individuals after mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations. Symptoms of these conditions can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and feelings of a racing heart. Given your symptoms, it is crucial to ensure that a healthcare provider evaluates you thoroughly to rule out these conditions.

From your description, it seems you have experienced a range of symptoms that could be indicative of several issues, including potential cardiac complications. The fact that you have had multiple visits to the emergency room and have undergone various tests, including EKGs and chest X-rays, suggests that your healthcare providers are aware of the seriousness of your symptoms. However, it is concerning that you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously.

The heart sounds you describe, such as the friction rub, could indicate pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). This condition can cause significant discomfort and may require anti-inflammatory medications or other treatments. Your mention of feeling a "tearing" sound could also be related to this condition.
It is also important to consider the psychological impact of chronic illness. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to a cycle of discomfort and distress. It is understandable to feel frustrated when you perceive that your healthcare providers are not addressing your concerns adequately. Communication is key in these situations. If you feel that your current doctors are not listening to you, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another cardiologist or a specialist in internal medicine who can take a fresh look at your case.

Regarding your question about compensation, if you believe that there has been negligence in your care, it may be worth discussing this with a legal professional who specializes in medical malpractice. They can provide guidance on whether there is a case to pursue based on your experiences and the care you received.

In summary, your symptoms are serious and deserve comprehensive evaluation and management. If you continue to experience these issues, I strongly encourage you to advocate for yourself by seeking further medical attention, possibly from a different provider who may be more receptive to your concerns. Your health and well-being are paramount, and you deserve to have your symptoms taken seriously and treated appropriately.

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