Angina question

[Shoshov]

Hi guys. Can anyone explain the difference between angina and unstable angina. How serious is it

[Grayjay]

Unstable Angina happens if you're at rest and inactive, so no reason. Angina can be brought on through being active i.e exercise or physical activity.

[Shoshov]

Thanks

[stevejb1810]

Unstable angina is usually regarded as being the more serious of the two because of its more unpredictable nature. However, it’s only a guide, all angina is potentially serious

[kc1953]

Unstable angina can occur at rest, during exertion, and becomes progressively more unpredictable. Without treatment it usually results in a myocardial infarction in the not too distant future.

[Effiecat in reply to kc1953]

I’ve had lots of both anginas. The stable angina has been treated well by stents. And by me resting at the first signs. I’m exercising pretty vigorously (for a 74 year old) and have upped the intensity masses over the last 5 years, since three modest HAs.

The unstableb angina took longer. It’s now pretty well controlled with meds, taking ages to find the right cocktail.

Also, unnervingly unstable angina is likely to happen early morning, when sleeping. One is worse with stress, and GTN spray can help, but not every time. If you’re stretching for a third spray. ‘Call an ambolance’ I was told.

There is a good life to be had, with unstable angina.

[Mjd7568]

As others have said the main difference is it occurs at rest, the other difference for me was that it didn’t go away after using my GTN spray a couple of times.

[Shoshov in reply to Mjd7568]

Gtn spray has no effect on me. I can get pains constantly all day even if I'm sitting watching to.

[steedwards1985 in reply to Shoshov]

reading all your posts your in the exact same boat as me, it's like I'm reading about myself if I get any answers ill let you know

[Shoshov in reply to steedwards1985]

Thank you

[summer49]

My husband had unstable angina, it happed at any time including when he was resting. Its meant to be more serious than stable angina that happens when your exerting yourself. However his unstable angina was being treated by our local doctor at the time, who thought it was panic attacks.. So he had it undiagnosed for quite some time. When it was diagnosed he was found to have damage to his heart. and he's got stable angina now after a triple by poss op 20 something years ago

[Shoshov in reply to summer49]

That's shocking to hear and the reason for my concerns. Thanks for your time

[SarahBeR]

Hello Russell

There's no easy way to put it, Its tough but it will get easier over time. How long varies from person to person and that makes it harder because the recovery time is an unknown.

I've also been dealing with suspected myccarditis and have been since Jan this year.

Symptoms have included

Chest pain

Breathlessness (to the point that I've not been able to walk and have loned a wheelchair from British red cross)

Fainting

Tired ( a lot)

Nausea

Brachycardia

Feeling like I'm not connected with the world and struggling to concentrate.

I guess one thing I have learnt is to be persistent when it comes to chasing appts and results. The actual tests are ok but they take so long to get made and then it takes ages for the results to get back to you; phone the cardiologist secretary and ask. Another thing I've learnt is that just because a result comes back clear doesn't mean you haven't got or had the illness, which sounds odd but the heart and the body are funny things and just because the illness isn't evident in you doesn't mean your body isn't still recovering from it. Think about a broken bone, once it heals the real recovery takes place with rehab and physio.

Another tricky thing is others perception of your illness because it's not visable. I once saw a sign that said "not all disabilities are visable" it's the same here. You might look a Bit peeky you might even look a Bit grey but apart from that no one but you will know how you feel. I feel generally unwell, not sparkling and that's a really difficult thing to quantify or describe.

You'll have good days and bad, I'm still not at work and this week hasn't been good. I had a good week last week when I managed to walk around my estate and back home, this week I've not been able to do much at all. I've driven twice since Jan and managed to go round Aldi twice other than that I'm in the wheelchair, I just can't make it but everyone is different.

Stay strong