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Are Diarrhea, Ringing In Ears And Chest Tightness Signs Of Heart Attack?

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Posted on Fri, 15 Apr 2016
Question: my dr just started me on metformin. I have had off and on loose bowel movements, some ringing in my ears at times, my chest was slightly tight for a few days and today I got a migraine headache whitch I haven't had in a few years. my dr is not in today. my sister has me scared that these r symptoms of a heart attack. I hope u can calm my fears here lol 500 mg metformin in morning and at night. thank you, XXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
metformin may cause diarrhea

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

metformin may cause diarrhea (common) and chest discomfort (rare). Headache is not an expected side effect. The same applies for ringing in the ears. The only symptom that raises suspicion for heart disease is chest tightness, which requires further investigation to exclude it.

I can't reassure you that your chest tightness has nothing to do with heart disease. I can reassure you that the loose bowel movements are probably due to metformin. That's why we usually start with a low dose (500mg once per day) and proceed to higher dosages - if necessary - gradually.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

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Are Diarrhea, Ringing In Ears And Chest Tightness Signs Of Heart Attack?

Brief Answer: metformin may cause diarrhea Detailed Answer: Hello, metformin may cause diarrhea (common) and chest discomfort (rare). Headache is not an expected side effect. The same applies for ringing in the ears. The only symptom that raises suspicion for heart disease is chest tightness, which requires further investigation to exclude it. I can't reassure you that your chest tightness has nothing to do with heart disease. I can reassure you that the loose bowel movements are probably due to metformin. That's why we usually start with a low dose (500mg once per day) and proceed to higher dosages - if necessary - gradually. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!