Exercising with Angina

[Joeygrey]

Help! I'm new here & waiting for an appointment with Cardiology, my GP has diagnosed Angina & has me on meds which are helping. I walk my dog every day 3-4 times, but it seems this isn't enough exercise . I would like to do more, but am scared of giving myself a heart attack. I've watched the online vid on the BHF site, but still scared to do it. Is it OK to do more or do I wait until I get my hospital appointment which may take months ? I am not overweight & my cholesterol is low. Any help appreciated thanks

[stevejb1810]

The meds should help keep everything in check so you should get racing heart beat and your blood pressure should be quite stable. Walking the dog 3-4 times a day is a good start. Generally the aim is 30 mins brisk walking a day, 3-4 times a week. If you try to do too much you might find yourself getting breathless (it’s the meds). Try not to overdo it, you have an as yet not fully diagnosed cardiac issue. Take it easy but keep active and fingers crossed for you cardiac appointment

[stevejb1810 in reply to stevejb1810]

Oops , typo, should not get racing

[Joeygrey in reply to stevejb1810]

Thanks for the info Steve. I'm a bit scared of doing stuff & at the moment am still using my GTN spray with my other meds.

[Sina-6491]

Yes I agree, tge exorcise is good. However the pace you walk at should really be advised by your Gp.

Although we all have simula cardiac issues on this forum, we are all inderviguals. Our issues are at different stages.

So until you talk to your Gp, you couldn't possibly know what speed is ok.

But I would go with the little and often at a reasonable pace. Not allowing yourself to get breathless, until you do have your Gp consolation.

I mean what were the reasons for you finding out your cardiac issues in the first place.

Best wishes, Jo xx

[Joeygrey in reply to Sina-6491]

Hi Jo, had been unwell since before Christmas & thought it was my asthma playing up. Went to asthma clinic & they called the doctor in. I wasn't getting enough oxygen, face was a strange pallor & I had mentioned to the nurse that I had been having chest pain. I think they thought I was about to collapse. The GP diagnosis was Angina after doing an ECG & bloods & I have been back every 2 weeks since to have different meds introduced ( it was initially just GTN spray ).

I know I'm not on my own with this, which is good & work are being brilliant.

Thanks for the advice

[Sina-6491 in reply to Joeygrey]

Oh that is good if your work are being supportive. Mine weren't which made life vert stressful, not ideal with cardiac issues.

Yes so all you can do at the moment is monitor, keep your diary and wait really.

The reason the diary is poticually good. Is because I think sometimes our Gps or others in the medical field are listening, but they are not really listening if you know where I am coming from.

I think sometimes because they are all so over worked. When we come in with our tippicle cardiac simptons. They are tired or bored of it all, so they just think, bla, bla, bla.....😕

Sometimes you'll talk about something you've descused before. Then while looking at their computer screen instead of looking at you. They'll say, "really? I wasn't aware of you suffering from that. Was it another Gp you saw when you reported that issue."

You'll say "no, it was you doctor, I told you of my simptons the last time I came in."

He or she will say, "oh yes, I can see it now on my screen"

Of course they are only human after all. The grim fact is, they don't always have the time to look through all of your file on your short visit.

However, if you take some kind of record, recent medical issues as well as what they already know of your medical history. It makes them take just a little more time on looking at it.

Therefore they take it in a lot better.

But of course remember, if you are talking to them while they are reading it. They simply wont ve able to focus and concintrate on what they are reading.

Best waiting until they question you on what they are reading.

Save your questions until they have finished. That way, they wont miss anything out.

Right now, best of luck to you. And remember, any queries of suspect pain. Don't wait for doctors appointment. Call 111 or if you are poticually worried 999😊

Ps, the lovely nurses on this forum are pretty good at awnsering you questions/worries. I think tgey monitor this site 9/5 Mon/Fri😊😊😊

[Joeygrey in reply to Sina-6491]

Thanks for the info & tips Jo. I will try to keep a diary. Am writing things on the calendar @ the moment & running out of room !

I will definitely call 999, had really bad pain @ the start of this issue & sat it out, then collapsed into bed & slept for 10+ hours. Too scared to go to A&E. Have family history of heart problems

Good to hear there's good people out there, looking out for us on this forum.

Take care of yourself chick