how do i recognise triggers

[sueangina]

I have printz metal angina and because this is not stressed related but happens when I am relaxed. I was wondering how I can recognise the triggers of an attack. I do know when I am having an attack, but I cannot recognise the trigger of the attack. How do you recognise and control your triggers?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Standard angina (I don't know of a specific term for it) is brought on by exertion (may only be mild) or stress. The Printz-metal variant comes on at rest so triggers are harder to recognise. One known one is smoking (I assume you don't) and another is getting chilled (open bedroom window in mid-winter is not recommended). The best thing is to think back and try to see if something was a trigger; e.g. being overtired or that extra drink. Also some medications can trigger an attack so it might be worth discussing with your GP. Lastly, but hopefully irrelevant, many recreational drugs are known culprits. Hope this gives you a starting point.

[Effiecat]

Hi. I have unstable angina, and found self monitoring v useful.

Start simply, systematically noting down:

What you’d done the day before. High/low activity?Stresses? Late meal? Drink?

Time symptoms started

Exact symptoms

Then start getting a bit more detailed, if needed.

Good luck.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi,

I have lived with Microvascular and Coronary artery spasms another name for Printzmetal angina for over 6 years.

My main trigger is the cold or any sudden drop in temperature. Emotional and mental stress are also well known triggers. Tiredness if I have a run of nights with no sleep due to the angina pain that will increase the frequency and intensity of the pain.

I then end up in hospital for a week or so to get everything under better control.

I have to take my medication on time no delay otherwise that can trigger a run of pain. My calcium blockers and nitrates are all slow release. I don't use nitrate spray as it works briefly and I am then hit by an even worse pain afterwards.

Other triggers for me are caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Beta blockers make my spasms worse as does ephedrine/ adrenaline which are used in local anaesthetics so tell your Dentist etc

I find Tai Chi, Yoga, meditation and exercise all helpful.

I keep a diary of my activity physical and mental demands, the weather etc.

It is a case of trial and error but sometimes I will have lots of pain out of the blue no rhyme or reason.

Never smoked or had a cocaine habit the other known triggers mentioned by MichaelJh 😉