Cardiac Syndrome X !!

[Barb959]

Hi, I am new here. I have been diagnosed with Cardic Syndrome X. The last couple of months I have been suffering really bad with this lots of pain in the chest area, throat and down my left arm, occasionally into my back. I was in hopspital for a week in December with chest pain came out with unstable angina on the discharge notes. I have had all the test and all came back clear so it looks like it’s back to CSX. The cardiologist does not seem to understand CSX. At the moment I am not able to work as the chest pain comes on at any time and mostly at rest. Not able to drive with it happening at rest. My life has turn d upside down and the Dr does not seem to think this is a problem. I do not know what to do next. Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

Barb

[bantam12]

It's now called Microvascular Angina but some still call it CSX, loads of info online about it and there are treatments available, sounds like you need to find a different Cardiologist, one who understands MVA !

I'm afraid many still treat women as hypochondriacs so good luck !

[BARTLETT1965]

Hi

I have suffered over 20 years with same things and got same sorted responses from cardiology.

I was given GTN Tablets at start but was taken off them because not a heart problem.

But asked GP about them about a month ago and was put back on them.

They reduce pain no end.

Found that the GTN Spray doesn’t work .

Hope u get sorted

Jeff

[Barb959 in reply to BARTLETT1965]

Hi Jeff

Yes I am on GTN spray and 8 or so tablets, cholesterol, statins blockers etc. I use the spray a couple of times most days. As the pain comes on mostly at rest I am not able to go back to work yet. The cold weather also gives me a problem pain, tightness in chest area and breathlessness.

The cardiologist has just passed me back to my GP as he thinks it digestive problems. I do take omeprazole but the discomfort from that is totally different (reflux, acid) so I know the difference between the two.

I also show an ST depression on a ECG which was why I was taken into hospital at Christmas for a week, which was when I came out with unstable angina outcome and the list of medication. I was to have all the scans etc as outpatient which have been done but like I said all come back clear. I just don’t know what to do as I have no follow up with anyone and it’s me that chased the results up from my scans.

Barb

[Frequentshocker in reply to Barb959]

I would go back to your GP about your symptoms. I experience the same since having a sudden cardiac arrest. In hospital all tests showed my heart was good and they couldnt find any cause or signs of problems other than Id suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing, no pulse and had CPR applied for over 20 mins. My heart arrested on arrival at the ICU too for over 8 mins. Yet it baffled the cardiologists who put it down to a genetic defect with no other signs. It is possible to have no obvious symptoms at the time of checking but Id record all symptoms you're getting over several days/weeks and return to your GP. If not the heart, I'd still want to know whats causing the breathlessness.

[dunestar]

I agree with bantam12 that it would be helpful if your GP would refer you to a consultant who specialises in MVA. Unfortunately there aren't all that many of them. A good MVA specialist will be able to tweak your medication to get the right combination for you. It's not a one size fits all type of condition. I wish you well.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

As Bantam has already said Microvascular angina is the term now used.

The fact the Cardiologist/ doctor used the term CSX indicates they are not up to speed and perhaps need to refresh their knowledge.

There's some information about MVA on the BHF website. Perhaps Print it out and go back to you GP and discuss this with them.

Ask to be referred to a Cardiologist who has some knowledge of Vasospastic and Microvascular angina or they are willing to learn .

It is really important to be able to establish a good relationship with your Cardiologist so that you can work together to find the best combination of drugs that work best for you.

Vasospastic and Microvascular angina are unfortunately not well recognised or understood..

Being in pain is absolutely a problem!

All the conventional heart and circulatory tests are designed to look for blockages in the large coronary arteries. So many Cardiologists have difficulty looking beyond the blockages.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Good luck!

[Barb959 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi Milkfairy

Thanks for the info I will print this off to take to my GP.

I have only spoken to the cardiologist over the phone after my stay in hospital, to get results from the outpatient scans, he does not think i need to have an appointment to see him!!

Barb

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Barb959]

It is important to be seen by a Cardiologist rather than a discussion on the phone alone.

I suggest you this discuss with your GP and ask to be referred to a different Cardiologist who is more sympathetic and hopefully has some knowledge of MVA.

If you need anymore information just give me a shout!

[Barb959 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for the info I will take on board. I will be seeing my GP in the next week so will try to get a referral to a different cardiologist.

Barb

[Rob6868]

Hi barb

can i ask how old you are and who says you can't drive?

[Barb959 in reply to Rob6868]

Hi I am 62 and because it happens at rest DVLA say you are not aloowed to drive

Barb

[Jenbobaggins]

Just wondered if anyone knows of any consultants who specialise in MVA who are based in North West? Am struggling to find anybody

[lakestrekker in reply to Jenbobaggins]

Hi Jenbobaggins

Just wondered if you managed to find any consultants in the North West who specialise in MVA, as I am struggling also?

Thanks, Jan

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to lakestrekker]

PM me

[desjsus1 in reply to Jenbobaggins]

I live in Canada but plan on travelling to Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles to see Dr Noel Bairey Merz who specializes in MVD in women. Good luck in your search.