Spray and passing out

[james223]

I have unstable angina. Spent Christmas and New Year in hospital with the angine, infected gall bladder and bug in my blood. Had two angina attacks since I've been home. Yesterday I passed out as the attack was fading - whilst I was out I was sick and urinated - a great shock when I came round. I am wondering if I sprayed too much so as to relax blood vessels that didn't need relaxing. I sprayed twice but three short puffs each time. Anyone with similar expereince? Today I feel really washed out.

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi james223

It sounds like you had a rough day yesterday. From what you have described you have sprayed a little too much GTN-so yes it is likely that your blood pressure dropped significantly causing you to pass out.

The NICE Guidelines for angina and GTN spray are: If you experience angina you should stop what you are doing and rest, then GTN should be sprayed once under your tongue. You should wait 5 minutes for it to take effect and the pain to ease, and if it doesn't then administer one more spray and wait a further 5 minutes. If the pain hasn't eased 5 minutes after the second spray or it has got worse, then you should call 999.

In total over a 15 minute period, you should take a maximum of 3 sprays-1 every 5 minutes.

If you need any further information or support please call our Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 and chat to a cardiac nurse. If you are unsure whether you have concussion or bumped your head when you collapsed, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor or A&E today for an assessment.

Take care,

Ashleigh