Prinzmetal angina

[superhoulie]

During an angiogram I was diagnosed with prinzmedal angina. I was taken of beta blockers and put on Channel blockers.

What is the difference between these drugs?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Both medications are primarily for treating blood pressure.They also have secondary actions and these may determine the choice. Beta-blockers slow the heart reducing strain on it and are often added after heart surgery (I had Bisoprolol added after my bypass) whilst CCIs (calcium channel inhibitors or blockers) dilate blood vessels reducing angina. Some, like diltiazem, are specifically prescribed for this. You could ultimately be put on both.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Superhoulie

I have lived with vasospastic angina causing Microvascular angina and Coronary artery spasms for over six years.

I have been precribed 2 calcium blockers they are as Michael says also used to treat high blood pressure and angina due to blocked arteries.

They are used for those of us with Coronary artery spasms aka Prinzmetal Angina as they help to reduce the vasospasms which cause our angina.

Beta blockers can make Coronary artery spasms worse. I ended up in CCU for 5 days after being prescribed beta blockers. So that is probably the reason why you have been taken off beta blockers and prescribed a calcium channel blocker instead.

I am also so on nitrates too, slow release and patches again to try and reduce the vasospasms.

[Nicky3]

Hi

I agree with what has been put already I am on Diltiazem I think it helps me as well as many others. Usually I understand beta blockers aren't used but in certain circumstances such as mine they are. I had to go back on one Nebivolol to reduce my QT interval which has worked. I can only tolerate a small dose but it just goes to show each person is individual and medication is. They will recommend certain meds but the Cardiologist will need to adjust for you and what else might affect your heart. As well as time goes by it will still need tweaking it takes time to get the best new you. Call the BHF and speak to a nurse they can reassure you.

Good luck

Nicky