Angina questions

In May I have an appointment at the chest pain clinic to determine whether I have angina or something like costachondritis. The GP thinks it's probably not angina, but says she cannot be sure and wants to send me there "because of your heart history and AF." About 30 minutes ago I went for a walk. As has been the case for the last few months, after about 200 metres, I got a cold sensation on the right side (usually it's the left), this then switched to the left. The whole area was tender to the touch. I've been given a spray which I was told would be "diagnostic". About 5 mins after taking the spray the symptom subsided a bit, but not completely. I wondered if anyone who suffers from angina has a view on what this might be. I've listed what I think the pros and the cons and uncertainties are below.

In favour of it being angina:

1. Comes on after about 200m of walking fairly consistently.

2. Its alleviated on stopping walking (it's not necessary to sit down however-standing suffices to alleviate it. It goes after a few minutes).

3. Seems to be a bit worse when it's cold.

4. My mother had it in her seventies (I'm guessing it can be hereditary).

Against it being angina:

1. I don't feel breathless or tired.

2. The pain doesn't feel like "classic" angina. Often it feels like a freezing sensation which morphs into a pain. Often it's sore when I press on the area.

3. The pain isn't obviously the result of exertion-200 metres of walking isn't much by way of exercise. Last year I walked for 1-2 hours without any problems.

Ambiguous:

1. It's not really clear if the spray works or not. If I stop walking, the pain goes after 5 mins anyway. And I have only taken the spray a few times.

2. The pain is usually and mostly on the left, but sometimes it starts on the right, then shifts. Sometimes it's on both sides.

3. I sometimes get a pain in the arm but it doesn't radiate (i.e. there's a pain in the chest or the arm, but not both.

Any opinions would be appreciated particularly from those who have the condition. Of course, I'm not asking anyone to make a diagnosis!

[mjames1]

You seem to have some characteristics of both angina and costachondritis, therefore the diagnostic trial of what sounds like nitroglycerin spray, which treats angina. There is nothing to say you can't have both. And beyond my pay grade to say if you have either, based on what you stated. Could be something else entirely. Let us know what the doctor says and if more tests are ordered.

Jim

[Hidden in reply to mjames1]

Thanks for your input.

[Maggimunro]

My OH has exactly your symptoms and has tentatively been diagnosed as having angina. He is waiting for a cardiac scan in May to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether or not he needs stents implanted to open up his blocked arteries. It seems to me that we are all wired slightly differently hence the range of symptoms we display.

[Ppiman]

The spray will be a nitrate of some kind that causes near instant relief. It's a shame it isn't proving to be more diagnostic for you.

The chest discomfort from AF and flutter can, to me, seem a bit "angina like" but I've been assured it isn't.

You're right to have it looked into.

Steve

[Auriculaire]

Do you ever get this at rest? Costo can cause pain when you are doing nothing. Or making certain movements but not necessarily exerting yourself ie reaching into the oven to get something out.

[Hidden in reply to Auriculaire]

Yes, sometimes at rest. And the severity varies quite a bit.