GTN : Re GTN Spray , I have carried... - British Heart Fou...

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GTN

scoobypc profile image
12 Replies

Re GTN Spray , I have carried this for 2 years but never felt the need to use it as the leaflet talks about 'Angina attack' I don't think I have ever had an 'Attack' does anyone else never use their GTN spray ?

I had stents in 2017 and in 2018.

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scoobypc profile image
scoobypc
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12 Replies
PMRPete profile image
PMRPete

My wife has had 3 sprays since 2008 and never ever used one of them, the surgery have insisted she always has one and she still carries it!

scoobypc profile image
scoobypc in reply to PMRPete

Thank you .

Calliope153 profile image
Calliope153

I've carried mine since my heart attack and one stent (15 months ago) and take it everywhere but never used it. I am certain the one day I forget it will be the day I need it. So I look on it like a lucky charm - daft isn't it? But I also know that I have another very blocked artery and the cardiologist couldn't get a stent in ("risks outweigh the benefits" : I hate that phrase and hear it a lot) so I suspect one day I will have another heart attack - so I am really just carrying it as an insurance for when it does happen......

scoobypc profile image
scoobypc in reply to Calliope153

Thank you.

Nathan53 profile image
Nathan53 in reply to scoobypc

The only thing I would add is to ensure your GTN spray is in date. The Pharmacist told me that GTN becomes less effective and maybe not work after its use by date usually on bottom or side of spray bottle.

scoobypc profile image
scoobypc in reply to Nathan53

Thanks

benjijen profile image
benjijen

I carry mine everywhere and have had to use it a fair bit. I have unstable angina. I have 2 stents. The 3rd was not done in the end but no explanation as to why this was. I can't help thinking that's why I still have attacks. As previous reply, make sure the spray is in date.

HectorsDad profile image
HectorsDad

I carry mine all the time and have used it quite a bit. GP said to make a sure I have ‘a few lying around’ so there is always one to hand.

I am post HA with four stents plus some fancy balloon work, leaving me with unstable Angina, possibly MVA. My GP instructions were to only use the GTN as a last resort, and avoid if possible. My lead Cardio Nurse says to use it often, and not be afraid of it: cardio pain is bad.

What is do people here think?

Vinter profile image
Vinter

I use mine frequently if the pain has lasted more than 5 minutes

Foxyhole profile image
Foxyhole

I also have the GTN spray and never needed it

Psmithuk profile image
Psmithuk

I always have one with me -I feel it’s like taking an umbrella, it only rains when you leave it behind!

DavidG1971 profile image
DavidG1971

I left mine behind Saturday am - then had some back pain. Wished I’d had it so I could at least have ruled Angina out.

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