Angina

[ColleenStephens69]

Hi am 48 and have being diagnosed with Angina for two years. I am really struggling at the moment wondered if anyone else thought they it under control and it has flared up again.

[BobMBB]

Hello Colleen, I have suffered from Angina for many years and have learned that it is very unpredictable. Some days I feel that I can climb mountains, others I can barely manage the stairs. I listen to what my body is telling me and take advantage of the good days and rest on the bad. A sudden and consistent change may be worthy of investigation. Do you use GTN spray to help with your symptoms? Hope things improve for you.

[ColleenStephens69 in reply to BobMBB]

Thanks Bob yes I do use GTN, but have felt very well for ages. I do Park Run normally and now feel like walking is an effort.

[BobMBB in reply to ColleenStephens69]

Maybe things have changed Colleen, do you have regular checks by your GP/Cardiologist? I have found that regular exercise can act as an early warning of deterioration.

[ColleenStephens69 in reply to BobMBB]

I will go to GP on Monday thanks for the advice

[Hidden]

Hi Colleen, I like many other on this site have suffered with both stable and unstable angina for many years and like you I am having a bad time at the moment. Going solely on my own experience the best advice I can offer is stick with it avoid the cold as this can put an immense strain on the heart, listen to your body if it needs to rest then do so, don`t try and fight it you will only loose in the long term (personal experience resulted in a second heart attack) there will eventually be some good days.

On a lighter note unlike Bob`s reply I can`t remember the last time I climbed any stairs fortunately we live in a bungalow.

Stay warm and well.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I am 50mg SR isorbide mononitrate daily. This generally prevents angina and is an alternative to using a GTN spray when an attack occurs. Talk to your GP about it (there are other SR anti-anginaal drugs), AND also about your changing symptoms - it might be time for an angiogram.

[ColleenStephens69 in reply to MichaelJH]

I recently changed to Amiodipine from Adalat by the cardiologist. Hopefully it will improve things.

[IanGordon]

Hi Colleen. I've lived with stable Angina for a number of years which is increasing in frequency. Amlodipine was prescribed to alleviate the symptoms without any perceptible change. I avoid eating before any activity - at least three hours before is my experience and cold air makes things worse,as stated previously. Do you know what's causing the Angina? If it has flared up then something will have changed.

As Angina is really a symptom of an oxygen deficiency in the heart, the cause needs to be addressed, particularly if there are worsening symptoms. So yes, get to your GP for referal to a cardiologist. In the meantime try to avoid any relatively extreme activity that makes your symptoms worse. Good luck

[ColleenStephens69 in reply to IanGordon]

Thanks Ian that is the plan, I feel so much better today