Intermittent breathlessness

[Qualipop]

My GP is stumped and is sending me back to cardiology as a precaution. For about two years before my heart attack last August, I had seen my GP several times about really bad breathlessness but only when doing certain things eg because of spinal problems i tend to go upstairs on hands and feet. I can do this very quickly with no problems but if I walk upstairs upright, I have to lie down to get my breath back. I can spend an hour digging in the garden or carrying sacks of compost with no problems but if I go to just lean forward and deadhead flowers or take photos, I'[m gasping for breath. The HA showed one artery totally blocked which is now stented and two other blockages around 60%. A further angiogram and pressure test showed the blood flow to be ok. I've had chest x rays which were clear, lung function test excellent, no fluid round heart. GP is completely puzzled. He really doesn't want cardio to start messing with my tablets as I have had several bad reactions and he doesn't think it is heart related because it can be so random but he can't be sure. I just let the shopping delivery in and have had to sit down to get my breath. Having read numerous comments here i can't help wondering about microvascular angina but so random? no pain?

[JonathanH]

The postural nature of your condition suggests to me a possibility of dysautonomia. (It was suggested by one consultant physician that I be investigated for dysautonomia for my symptoms that now appear to be related to microvascular disease). Your autonomic nervous system is responsible for the subconscious regulation of bodily functions such as breathing, heart and other cardiovascular functions, gut etc and if it doesn't function properly you have dysautonomia. There is a dysautonomic condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and, while I don't at all say that is what you are suffering from, it is an illustration of a postural condition. You could ask your doctor for a referral to the NHNN (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery) in London. There are long waiting times!

Your symptoms don't seem like typical microvascular angina symptoms.

[Qualipop in reply to JonathanH]

NO I didn't think they sounded like microvascular but it was the only thing I could think of. I'm sure it's not POTS; I have no effect when I stand up and no change in heart rate. Unfortunately getting to London is out of the question for me. Last time I tried, some 5 years ago I wasn't allowed my scooter on the train so it cost over £350 for two fares plus a day off work for my son to push my wheelchair. Don't think I could even cope with several ours on a train now.

[Qualipop]

Saw my pain consultant on THursday who feels certain it's all caused by the spinal damage causing my chest muscles to spasm and not expand properly