Hi All,
I had a heart attack just over four years ago. I recently thought that I was having another, but it turns out that I have unstable angina. I'm having a problem coping with this, in so far as, whenever I get any pain or discomfort, I go into a tailspin wondering if this is just another angina attack, or another heart attack? The sense of anxiety and worry is making things worse.
Does anybody have any coping mechanisms or advice please?
Coping - coping physically, or coping emotionally? Emotionally I make it through telling myself I'm doing everything I can from fully informing the medics to complete cooperation with the cardiac team. I tell myself I've done my best and I'm doing all the right things - it's become my 'calming mantra' when I feel a bit of chest pain and then the 'Is it 'just' the angina or am I having a heart attack?' coming on.
As for physically coping, I pace myself, keep the GTN spray in my pocket or handbag, know where all the benches or other safe 'rest-up/breather' spaces are, never leave the house without the mobile, and always grab a full sized trolley in the shops or supermarket so I have something to lean on should a bout of angina rear its pointed little head.
Humidity, warm or cool, seems to bring on my angina so I keep an oscillating fan going in every room I'm in to keep air moving (and thus drying a bit), and we've ordered dehumidifiers for every room in the house. I don't holiday in warm/hot/humid climates, and I don't go outside here at home (UK, NE Scotland) when it is warm and humid. I don't do hot tub spas, I don't take hot baths or long hot showers (and I really-really-really miss those long hot showers especially in winter!), and I make sure the kitchen is well ventilated - I love to cook and bake but a hot kitchen can bring angina on in less than three minutes.
Finally, I joined MedicAlert and wear a bracelet with my two main heart concerns listed (per doctor guidance re what to have engraved) so if I keel over on the pavements, a First Responder knows what is likely to be the problem, and so A&E has full access to my medical records faster than would be the case if I were blue-lighted to hospital and unable to give my information.
I've done my best, and I'm doing all the right things.
Thank you Sunnie. The angina thing is still new to me. No doubt I’ll get used to it.
I’m struggling as well with a stable angina diagnosis I have had3 strokes ,an nstemiansince my stent have had pains in my chest and arm I know getting anxious is not good for me but what do you do?
Hi Parker, I guess it’s something we all have to adjust to. I reckon we’ll get there.
Thanks yes I’m devastated because the cardiac rehab team won’t let me go back to physio!
I tried the headspace app on my phone. Definitely helped.
Hi ElCorazon. I find Relaxation Videos on YouTube very good. I do it regularly. Takes a bit of time to get into but I find it well worth it. Michael Sealey is exceptional. He has some excellent ones for Anxiety. Really calming 😊
Thanks Greenlady. I’ll give it a try.
You are very welcome!
Thanks I will try themx
I take the supplement 'lysine' which boosts seratonin in the brain.
I had triple bypass and 2 angioplasty surgeries (4 stents) in 2015. Anxiety has become part of my life.
That said I am fine most of the time and also cope through daily exercise and a radically changed diet.
I have been on a whole foods, plant-based diet since December 2015 which resulted in my losing all excess body weight and stopping all medications.
If you do not address the cause of your angina - your diet and lifestyle - then you will continue to risk your health.
Change is not easy, but it is necessary if you wish to survive.
Watch these videos:
Good luck.
PS - I am now in perfect health.
Advice on how to cope from a heart attack 
Trying to cope after HA
Coping With Hot Weather 
Coping with hot weather
finding it hard to cope
