Angina

[Urssy]

Just wanted some advice.

I have stable angina. Only starts in exhursion.

But over last couple of weeks have had a few, out of no where angina symptoms which I've then had to take my spray. Then ok.

Last week I was just cooking at home...felt bad.

And today just at work (teacher) and had intermittent pain.

I have angiogram on 11th.

Wondering do I need to see GP? Who always fobs me off with they are not experts.

Or just bring it up at pre OP next week?

Oh 50% block in LAD.

Thank you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

This sounds as if your angina is becoming unstable which is not a good sign. Mine became unstable into the run up to my bypass. I would ring the cardiology department you are under this afternoon!

[Jils in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael....and Urssy...mine has become unstable. Urssy, the same thing happened to me. I am awaiting an echo and a MIBI. I am confused as although I have PAD my cardiologist has says, after using his stethoscope that this is not heart and he doesn't think arteries either. Can he decide this just with a stethoscope? Urssy...if in doubt, go to the GP. X

[Urssy in reply to Jils]

Thank you. Definitely ringing tomorrow x

[Urssy in reply to MichaelJH]

It's such a worry.

It just seems to be getting worse as the months go on!

Will give cardio a ring tomorrow.

[Jils in reply to Urssy]

It's a nightmare

[Jils in reply to Jils]

...let us know how you get on x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

This sounds more like unstable angina (out of the blue, and not on exertion, is the descriptor I use).

My unstable angina gets everyone twitched if the spray fails to stop it. You suggest that one spray did stop it.

I was advised to call 999 if I’d taken two sprays and still had angina and needed to take another one. Discussing it with your GP would clarify if you needed to be seen early by Cardiology, or your meds reviewed.

I found stress exacerbated my angina, so perhaps also discuss if you should continue with your teaching, until you’re stabilised.

[Jils in reply to Kristin1812]

As a newbie Kristin...have you identified a cause for your angina? I am finding the whole thing so confusing 😂

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Jils]

No, no cause found, except possible micro vessel disease.Though I’ve had lots of stents, and the stable angina is much better controlled (with meds), the unstable has been harder. But lots of juggling of pills has improved things recently. If they keep my HR and BP pretty low, it helps a lot.

The Drs found a diary of symptoms and signs, and intensity of angina very helpful.

Let us know how you get on with your appt.

[Jils in reply to Kristin1812]

Thank you. I will x

[Urssy in reply to Kristin1812]

Thank you all. Yes one spray helped.

I will ring cardio tomorrow.

Thank you all for your advice. It's so helpful to get some feedback...from people that know.

[Urssy]

Update. Rang cardio.

I have pre OP Tuesday so she she said I could chat to them then. She asked if I taken the 'extra pill'

I forgot that...I was proscribed an extra tablet the hospital if bisoprolol didn't stop angina.

Isororbide mononitate MR might be spelling that wrong. lol

I will take in morning.

[MydogBrandy in reply to Urssy]

Hi just to let you know my Colin took 20 mg of the isororbide morning and night until he started getting angina again and the specialist upped his dose another 10 mg morning and night so he takes 30 mg morning and night now. He is so much better now. Touching wood as o speak Cos don’t want to jinx it. Hope you feel better soon

Regards Ursula x

[Urssy in reply to MydogBrandy]

Thank you. X

[Urssy]

Thank you for the heads up

[Babymax261]

Hello Urssy

I have been diagnosed so far with suspected Angina.

I am waiting for an appointment for an angiogram sometime in the middle of June.

I have the spark along with other medication on what they call the ACE?

I get breathless on exertion and a heavy feeling in by chest when I get stressed or upset. I also feel exhausted sometimes as if I have been on a run.

Can you explain to me what the pain is like in your chest as. Have not had to use the spray yet and just wondered what the experience was like?

Thank you. Elaina.

[Urssy in reply to Babymax261]

I take spray on exhursion when I get hot and bothered. A central pain travels from centre chest all around to back and tightens...like a belt. Hard to breath. Crushing.

But everyone's different.

I've also had angina where I get dizzy..pain like stabbing...a odd feeling...or someone sitting on chest.

I think the rule of thumb is take spray if works...angina.

[Babymax261 in reply to Urssy]

I have now got an appointment for 8th July for angiogram. Feeling quite nervous about it. Is it best to be sedated?

[Froggie0208]

Hi Urssy

I had tightness, slight pain and shortness of breadth laying in bed, had my spray then took 3 dissolvable aspirins then pain went away, this happened a few times, on one occasion it still did not go away so hospital it was they found one of my stents in LAD had collapsed so now being referred and awaiting bypass at Southampton hospital. Doctors can’t really do much so wait till your pre op and see what they say but if you find spray not working just go straight to hospital. Good luck. 👍

Froggie x

[Urssy in reply to Froggie0208]

Oh gosh!

I didn't know stents could fail like that.

Definitely will act if spray doesn't help. Ty xx

[2stents]

Sounds like unstable angina have a good talk with Cardiolgist

I had unstable angina and it got worse by the day hope they get you sorted out

[chaz59]

Hi Urssy , i have unstable angina and have been taken into hospital 5 times since 16th January.... comes on at rest and moving about I normally take 2 sprays wait 10 mins then another 2 and if pain/ tight chest still there its 999 , my first trip via ambulance i was told they would rather take me in 99 times to be checked, but it could be a case of the 100 th time and you think no its ok i will ride it out to coin a phase , that could be the big one ..... heart attack, good luck Urssy it will be ok and you will get sorted.

[Urssy in reply to chaz59]

Oh. I must say I am the type of person that would probably think it would go away...or don't want to make a fuss...but your right.

That one time....

Too scary.

[secondchancer]

Hi Urssy

I'm recovering from a heart attack I had last week and my angina was becoming unstable and my GP called it crescendo angina and he didn't mess about sent me straight to ED, where I spent last Thursday evening and was then stented Friday, 99% block of the LAD branch. My angina was triggered with exertion but then progressed to just being around the house doing normal household things....not good.

Sit down take your GTN spray wait 5 minutes. If symptoms persist spray again wait 5 minutes and if symptoms have not subsided then ring 999 immediately! I cant stress this enough, no one in ED will think any worse of you. Nine years ago I had my first stent LAD but my GP at the time thought I had asthma and prescribed me an inhaler as the GP didnt pickup on my symptoms.

Good luck Urssy.

[Urssy in reply to secondchancer]

Thank you.

Today no pain...but it is definitely changing. I will act if spray doesn't work...thank you for your advice and how your angina changed. X

[pcspetpro]

I'm confused about what actually causes angina. I have a 70%+ blockage in the Mid LAD, a mild blockage in the left main coronary artery and proximal LAD and moderate narrowing in the distal LAD . But I'm not experienced any symptoms.

[DavidG1971 in reply to pcspetpro]

I don’t think anyone really knows unfortunately. Cholesterol gets the blame - but there are people with low cholesterol with blockages and people with high cholesterol and no blocks. Which leaves me to conclude that there are only theories. I’ve looked at myself and what’s different in my habits to other similar people. I didn’t drink, smoke and was fit. So I’ve pinned mine on poor diet and stress. Too much sugar was my stand out point of difference.

[tamariki]

Could be indigestion.