Problems with small arteries

[Papabear752]

I've had tightness of my chest since January. My GP refered me to the fast track chest pain clinic at my local hospital, which was refused by them. My GP then asked for a urgent appointment from Cardiology which they gave me 3rd May. I can relieve the tightness by using oramorph and 30mg of codeine every 4 hours. If I stop the codeine after the tightness has gone, the tightness returns and I have to resume taking the codeine. I have pacemaker fitted for irregular heartbeat, although reading the recent BHF magazine my symptoms fit perfectly for problems with the small arteries. I have been taken to A&E where they confirm no heart attack. I have been more or less house bound since January as a little bit of excersion increases the tightness. Can anyone offer any help as to how I go forward.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi I am really sorry you are in so much pain that you are having to take morphine.

I suggest you go back to your GP and ask for some more help ASAP.

Many people with angina do not feel chest pain and some just have a feeling of tightness or breathlessness.

The usual treatment for angina whatever the cause is GTN spray.

Microvascular and vasospastic angina are unrecognised and poorly understood conditions and sometimes you have to help those responsible for your care by providing them with the latest information.

I suggest you printout the information from the BHF website take it to your GP and to your Cardiology appointment.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I hope you are able to get some better treatment for your pain soon

[Papabear752]

Have had angiograms all showing little or no furring of the arteries and gtn doesn't relieve the pain. Cardiology doesn't recognise the small arteries as a problem and I shall have to await next months appointment to see what they come up with All they keep on saying is the the pain I am having is not heart related. Thank you for your concern

[Rob6868 in reply to Papabear752]

OMG how many times have I heard that...It's not heart related..I had all that and am finally being investigated for microvascular angina.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Papabear752]

I was also told I couldn't possibly be having cardiac chest pain too as my coronary arteries are clear.

I have a confirmed diagnosis of vasospastic angina causing spasms in my small and large coronary blood vessels.

I had a Cardiologist who could see beyond the blockages and I had a special type of angiogram which confirmed his diagnosis.

Any pain whatever the cause should be properly investigated and treated.

I attended a Pain Management programme as my angina is challenging to treat. I now live with pain as a constant companion to my life too. Please do go back to your GP for more help.

Your quality of life is important.

[Rob6868]

I had blocked artery so I had eschemia mate..But I can't remember to be honest.Will have to look at notes..It's more about blood flow and mine came back ok..It's my now waiting to see what hospital I end up in now regarding microvascular angina

[Papabear752]

After seeing registrar cardiologist she started me on Ranolazine 375mg which has been slowly increased to 750mg, my lady says she has a new man. I am now able to use the stairs without having tightness in my chest and out of breath. I I'm now able to walk down town with no problems.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Excellent news.

I hope you continue to feel better and enjoy life more.