Breathlessness

[Tannigirl]

Hi

I have had a diagnosis of microvascular angina due to my symptoms as angiogram was fine. Was recommended by the gp to attend the gym with others with heart related problems and was doing fine until the other day. I was just 5 minutes into the exercises when I became so breathless I had to take my GTN. I don’t get chest pain with exercise but still advised to use GTN when breathless. My pulse was 104 bpm and not coming down so was put on floor with feet elevated. This did help after about 15 minutes (77 bpm) but when I sat up I became dizzy and my pulse went shooting back up. As is the protocol for a public place an ambulance was called and I was assessed by the paramedic. Because I had taken my GTN twice she thought my BP would be low but it was actually high and staying high. I was still breathless during all this. ECG was fine. After approximately 1.5 hours my stats improved and I was able to sit up. 5 minutes later I had to go back to lying down on the floor and the paramedic took the decision to take me to A&E. By the time a 2nd paramedic arrived my stats were once again nearing normal and I was beginning to get my colour back. Phew, sorry this is so long but thought I’d give you as much detail as possible! By the time I got to hospital I was feeling fine and because everything seemed normal I was quickly discharged and told to keep exercising!

Anyone here had the same experience of acute breathlessness and what advice if any can you give?

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi Tannigirl,

I am sorry to hear you experienced these symptoms at your exercise class. I hope you are feeling better now. I was wondering whether you had the opportunity to warm up properly as sometimes people get very short of breath if they do too much too quickly?It is a really important component of a class to warm up sufficiently, especially when you have a heart condition. It gives the arteries a chance to slowly dilate, your heart rate and blood pressure to slightly increase and for the blood to reach your major organs in a gradual way.

I would let your GP know about this episode if they don't know already. They may want to do some further investigations if you have these symptoms again. Please also ensure you let the exercise trainers know about any changes to your health or medication so they can ensure your exercise programme is tailored to your needs- it's also really important to go at your own pace and not try to keep up with everyone else- however tempting!

I hope I've helped.

Take Care,

Philippa

[Tannigirl in reply to Philippa_BHF]

Thanks for your response Philippa. The instructor builds in a warm up and a cool down for the excersise class which I’ve never had a problem with before but I’ll certainly make sure at the next class that I warm up better and take things a little slower. I had a little chuckle at your comment about not trying to keep up with every one else......the majority of the class are so laid back and appear to be there for the cuppa afterwards! I’ve a meeting with the instructor tomorrow so will mention your comments.

I’ve also made an appointment with my local heart specialist nurse (quicker to see her than the doctor) as I felt the A&E doctor was quite dismissive of my symptoms saying it was normal for the gym to call for an ambulance! Which of course it is. I don’t think he read the paramedic’s report properly. It wasn’t until a few days later that I was able to think more clearly about my visit to the hospital and the doctor’s comments.

It has taken until today, nearly a week later, To feel more back to normal.

Your response has been very helpful, thanks.