Work and angina

[Jimbro]

Hi there a few days ago i was diagnosed with angina.can any person tell me what would be the best thing for me to do.i have read people saying that the cold affect you more with angina.my problem is that i work in cold conditions 4to7 degrees so would it be better for me to find another job. ?.

[Zena166]

Hi Jimbro. I would have the discussion with your GP. I’m not sure we can advise you to change your job. It is right that the blood vessels constrict in the cold and so the heart works harder. Neither too cold or too hot is best for those of us with heart disease. I guess it depends on your symptoms and how you manage it. I live in Newcastle upon Tyne so when it was minus 10 during February I didn’t go out (not sure many people did!) We also had 3-4feet of snow drifts for a week so I absolutely was housebound. When the temperature came above freezing I wrapped up and went out as I could tolerate it. So I guess it depends on a lot of things like how much effort you have to do, how extreme the cold is, how your medication is working. As I said worth having a discussion with your GP and you could give the BHF helpline a call as well. Don’t rush into a decision. Remember extreme heat is not good for us either so don’t swap one for another!! Hope all works out for you. Best wishes. Zena

[Jimbro in reply to Zena166]

Thanks for your advice Zena much appreciated.i guess i will be having this conversation with my quack.only have to walk upstairs and well and truly out of breath.had to go on treadmill Tuesday at Redditch hospital.i think i only lasted 58 seconds. Thanks again. Glad to know I'm not the only person having to deal with this. I hope everyone gets better out there.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I am awaiting a quadruple bypass and can suffer from angina. Yes cold weather makes it worse and I find around 5C is the tipping point. Last summer I found that around 27C was the upper one (still in diagnosis phase then). I think a lot depends on what the ultimate prognosis is? If you are being treated for angina and stents/bypass are not under consideration then maybe a change of job I on the cards (maybe tricky if 55+). You do need to talk to your GP and, maybe, a cardiologist to work out the best way forward.

Note:- this is very much my personal opinion!

[Jimbro]

Thank you Michael JH given me even more to think about.but it's good to get input from as many people as i can i think.i do hope your quadruple bypass surgery goes well for you.i wish you all the luck in the future.jimbro.

[tonyhall2015]

Hiya.. living with angina and working can be a nightmare I agree. We all have to work . I have 4 heart attacks . Still work in a very stressful job. Some days I can be on fire some days hardly get out of bed . The hardest part is hiding a disability that no one can see . Hope you get sorted

[Jimbro]

Hi tony thanks for your advice on work.still trying to come to terms with everything at the moment.