Hello I’m new here,sitting in hospital waiting for an angiogram tomorrow and am nervous consultants sure I have hereditary unstable angina had symptoms of dull chest pain (thought it was indigestion) extremely exhausted and shortness of breath on exertion when climbing hills or lots of steps, I didn’t do anything for 9 months as blamed it on anxiety/stress due to house moves lots of problems with house & thought I’d be better when things calmed down, after various tests referred to hospital last Thursday (3days ago) for exercise stress test consultant decided to do a ecg first then told me it was abnormal and I was being admitted straight away and would be transferred to a heart unit at another hospital for angiogram tomorrow. Naturally I am very nervous, totally shocked I suppose I had my head in the sands just looking for advice and support.
Lynne
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Lynne1a
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Welcome, Lynne. It's always a huge shock to find out your heart is not working as well as it is supposed to. But it is such good news that the problem has been identified and that you are getting plenty of tests to ensure you get the best possible treatment. I have heart failure so can't offer any words of wisdom on angina specifically but I'm sure another forum member will be along to reassure you soon, I know there are quite a few around here who have had a similar diagnosis. Good luck with all the tests and keep us all posted with your progress.
BHF has a helpline (Mon-Fri) if you ever want to discuss your concerns with someone in the know. Number is 0300 330 3311 x
Hi Lynne, it is scary when you first have problems. I too had unstable angina, I did go to the hospital the first time had chestpains, because it soon went I was told to have some tests, my GP gave me a gtn spray, it took months before I had all the test and needed just 1 stent. I did start getting chest pain and breathless more often while waiting for the tests. I now take quite a lot of medication, it was amazing how soon after the stent I could walk without getting chest pains or getting out of breath. So hopefully you will soon now what treatment you need and will get well again.
Hi Lynne, it is good news you have been diagnosed. After your angiogram they can devise treatment going forwards. Make a list of questions you can think of as most of us forget to ask.
I was in your position just a month ago and although it is a shock to the system and you will be up and down for a while, just know you will get sorted very soon and then you can start to put all of this behind you and get better. The procedure was not bad, not painful and I had 4 stents fitted to two arteries. I think I was more relieved to have it done than anything.
I feel it's kinder to say to expect twinges and odd pains after stents if you do have them fitted but it's not like your typical angina you get now.
I understand your worries, I am only 42 and haven't a family history as such. They said my father doesn't count as he was 73 at diagnosis of his heart disease. No one else has had a heart attack in my family, only me but then again I was the only smoker in my family which says a lot!
Treatment is getting better for this and death rates from heart attacks have plummeted in recent years and it keeps improving. I would not deter from the seriousness of heart disease but its treatable in so many ways now. You are now on the radar so can get treated, some people never know they have a problem until it's too late.
Good luck for tomorrow, you will be fine, keep us posted on how it goes x
My story is very similar to yours I had three stents fitted by a very clever and professional team of people and can honestly say I feel better now three months later than I have for a long time, I'm now enjoying the cardiac rehab sessions and meeting people going through very similar things.
Your in the right place and will get sorted I'm sure.
I was exactly where you are a year ago July including all your symptoms. When I saw the cardiologist he skipped said skip the stress test and go straight to the angiogram due to a strong family history. Three months later I had the angiogram and was not allowed to leave the hospital for 7 days. One artery was 95% blocked and the risk of sending me home to wait months was too great. To say I was shock is an understatement.
I was transferred to another hospital on day 6 and had 3 stents put in on day 7. Staff were lovely - very supportive. Another overnight stay and I was on my way.
You'll get through this and get on with living again. Just give yourself time and do take up the offer of cardio rehab. It helps you trust your heart again.
Hello everyone, thank you all for your advice and bst wishes. I am home. HAd my angiogram and elected to trial a new procedure called ripcord, where they put a wire into the arteries and get an in-depth view of state of arteries, only thing is the process to do it is very painful I had 2 stents put into one artery only one artery narrowed, have to completely rest for a week then take it easy for a month I will be dong Cardio rehab. Please tell me are you eventually able to go to aerobic classes, long walks etc. How soon can I got for short walks thanks love Lynne xxx
Thanks for getting in touch. I am ok know,y limitations, did an hours walk yesterday and it proved too much and I was really tired. Just get tired early evening and keep waking up about 4am back at hospital on 8th for stress test and assessment then should get date to start cardio rehab which I amkeen to start. I will keep in touch. Love Lynne x
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