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[Anne2410]

My 58 year old athletic husband has just been diagnosed with angina. He is struggling with his diagnosis and would love to speak to someone in a similar situation, someone who would regularly cycle, run etc

[jimmyq]

Hi Anne,

You don't need to keep posting this. Someone in a similar situation will respond soon.

I had Angina back in the 1990s and I am still here so there is a good sign for you. Someone who has been diagnosed more recently is probably what you are looking for though. A lot has changed since I had my bypasses done.

Keep your chin up.

Jim

[Anne2410 in reply to jimmyq]

Didn’t realize I had posted twice!

[jimmyq in reply to Anne2410]

It's OK. It doesn't matter.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

So what tests has he had, are any more planned? There are all sorts of levels that can mean anything from lifestyle changes (perhaps with medication) thru stents to a bypass. I developed angina early last year and am now awaiting a bypass.

[Anne2410 in reply to MichaelJH]

He has had a treadmill stress test which diagnosed the angina. A return appointment in 3 months. Beta blockers up to 5mg but still having symptoms. Worry is the ticking time bomb when we don’t know specifics. Went from running to two weeks later unable to walk on the flat without symptoms .?

[Zena166]

Hi Anne. There is lots of information on BHF website as well as having a helpline. As Michael says your husband needs more information as well as a clear plan of action for treatment. You will both be in shock which is understandable. He perhaps needs further discussion with his GP/cardiologist. It maybe that he will attend a cardiac rehab class which will help with his fitness levels. Look after yourself in all of this. It’s equally hard on partners. Do take care of both of you. Keep us posted. Zena

[Anne2410 in reply to Zena166]

His fitness is very good, up to three weeks ago was running 5km three times a week.now symptoms when walking on the flat.

[golfgod]

Morning Anne played a lot of football up to 20 years ago then switched to golf.had my angina 3 years now at ist it was a shock before I play I take a puff of gtn spray always carry one around with me.best advice is to get your husband to talk to a go or better a cardiologist it's not the end but have to learn to take it at a slower pace and to except he will tire quicker good luck to you both

[CarolW2121]

Anne I was diagnosed with angina early March - it hit me like a bolt of lightening and felt like someone had slammed the door on the rest of my life. I saw a cardio nurse who put me on beta blockers and statins and they gave me a GTN spray.

I walked a lot and went from doing 1-2 hour walks to ten minutes. I couldn’t do much and housework had to be done in small stages throughout the weekend.

Since diagnosis I radically changed my diet and stopped drinking wine completely - I used to drink about 2 bottles per week. I’ve cut out dairy apart from fat free milk in my tea. I eat no sugary products apart from an occasional biscuit as a treat ...... I live off fruit, veg, fish and chicken, lots of water and extra virgin olive oil and eat no red meat. Losing weight and new diet helped me feel much better.

I presume, as your husband sounds like he keeps very fit, his diet is good?

Wait for the tests - are they doing echo and angiogram?

I know he will be feeling like a ticking time bomb but if he listens to his body and reacts accordingly he will learn to manage it until he has full diagnosis......

Keep us posted and both of you take care of yourselves x