Micro vascular angina

[2stents]

Bit of a long story.. have 2 stents fitted as some if you may know I have been on here before.. both stents have blockages been backwards and forwards to Cardiolgist had lots of different test.

Anyway just been to see Cardiolgist and was told blood running ok through stents but sluggish through small veins

He told me today I have micro vascular angina,

I developed Vasculitis on lower legs last December then January started with fluid around ankles and lower legs, he told me to stop adizam but when I miss a tablet I get angina pretty bad. I really don’t know what to do, as I need to get back to work, anyone else had anything the same

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Adizem is a marketing name for Diltiazem, which is a CCI (calcium channel inhibitor). CCIs frequently cause a degree of odema. This could be treated with a diuretic like Furosemide or alternative medication tried. If it was prescribed for angina isosorbide mononitrate might be effective or if for blood pressure an ACE inhibitor, e.g. Ramipril. You need to have a chat with your GP.

[2stents in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you Michael I’ve been on isosorbide for about 4 years but I will speak to my gp about a water tablet

I’m feeling pretty annoyed with my Cardiolgist at the moment

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello 2stents

Channel calcium channel blockers can be very helpful in treating spasms in the microvessels and coronary arteries.

There are alternatives such as Tildiem another brand of Diltiaziem. I could not tolerate Adizem.

Amlodipine is another Calcium channel blocker but this also has the same side effect of causing swollen ankles.

I have lived with Microvascular and vasospastic angina for 7 years and I cannot be even minutes late taking Diltiaziem. I also take Amlodipine.

Have you been prescribed isosorbide mononitrate extended release tablets?

This can also be helpful along with a short acting GTN spray.

It maybe worth asking to be referred to a specialist in Vasculitis such as a Rheumatologist with some knowledge of Microvascular angina.

I hope you feel better soon.

Living with pain is tough. I hate having swollen ankles too they are very uncomfortable and tiring.

My lovely ankles gone!

[2stents in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you milk fairy bless you .. you must be so fed up with it all.

I’ve been on isosorbide xl for about 4 years

I’ve been in sick since December and really need to get back to work as my statutory sick pay as finished now. I work on the tills but standing or sitting cause my ankles to swell and my legs ache really bad. Also using my arms a lot and pulling heavy objects doesn’t do me any favours do you experience things like this, any advice would be grateful xx

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes it is horrible what illness, drugs and time do your body. Amlodipine caused massive ankle swelling and they never fully recovered when I was taken off it. Although I weigh less than a few years ago my waist, whilst not that large, expanded! 😞

Interesting comments about brands of Diltiazem. I tolerated it initially then had major issues and looking back think the brand changed - initial prescriptions were private.

[2stents in reply to MichaelJH]

It is awful what drugs do to you, my mum bless her was on so many for different illnesses

She ended up with liver disease bad circulation and lots if other things