Why does my 68-year-old husband get tightness in his jaw?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am really worried about my husband; he is 68. He was diagnosed with AFib about a year ago, and his cardiologist has him on blood thinners. Lately, when he gets these episodes, he keeps saying he feels pressure in his chest, and it goes all the way up into his jaw, almost like the stories you hear about heart attacks.

His last echocardiogram report said his ejection fraction was 50 percent, which the doctor said was borderline.

Why does my 68-year-old husband get tightness up to his jaw during these AFib episodes?
Is that something that needs emergency attention, or is it part of the AFib?

Please help.

Thank you,

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read your query, and I am sorry for the discomfort.

Chest tightness that spreads to the jaw is not something to assume is just due to atrial fibrillation.

While AFib (atrial fibrillation) can cause chest discomfort because the heart is beating fast or irregular, pain or pressure going into the jaw can also be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart (angina or a heart attack).

His ejection fraction of 50% is only mildly reduced and doesn't by itself explain these symptoms.

Because he is 68 and has AFib, he should be evaluated urgently. Please seek medical care immediately if there are the following symptoms:

If the chest pressure is severe.
If severe chest pressure lasts more than a few minutes, occurs at rest, or is accompanied by shortness of breath.
Sweating.
Nausea.
Dizziness or fainting.

You should call emergency services immediately rather than waiting for it to pass.

I would strongly encourage you to consult a cardiologist at the earliest to get it evaluated.

Please try to follow up if you find this answer helpful.

And I hope you will feel better soon.

Thank you.