I am wondering if there is any advice and support for living with unstable Angina, i have been in hospital 13 times in 3 months and i have to admit its getting to me. I have appointment on october to see cardiologist, but right now i was looking for tips on dealing with this. I was diagnoised with angina last year and for a tine it was stable. I often have AF with it as well. Hugs sara
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SaraTwycross
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I'm sorry Sara, I dont have any advice. But my husband used to be in & out of hospital practically weekly with unstable angina, until they got his isobide monitrate sorted. Best wishes to you, I hope get an answer ASAP
I have unstable angina and, same as Lezzers husband, no relief until I was put on isosobide mononitrate. This has now been halved to 30mg to see how I get on and, touch wood, still no episodes or having to use GTN spray. Good luck with your appointment in October.
Can I ask if the isobide monitrate lowered your blood pressure and if so did your BP go up when they lowered the dosage? Sorry Sara to jump in on your post
Hi, my BP hasn't really changed, I assume because of bisoprolol. However, I go to cardiac rehab 3 times a week and have found that my heart rate goes up further than before which is good (have a fitbit). It used to rarely go above 100, yesterday I got it up to 141! I also reduced my statin by half so that may be another factor; my GP didn't like that but it has definitely lessened muscle pains.
I am sorry you are living with the challenge of unstable angina too.
It is the uncertainty of the condition and fear and anxiety it may make you feel that is so unsettling.
I experience lots of angina pain daily and do go into hospital every now and again for treatment with IV GTN and morphine usually for about a week.
I have learned to manage my triggers.
Perhaps keep a diary of your symptoms and when you have your angina is it at rest or after exertion? Take this to your appointment with the Cardiologist.
Write down any questions you would like them to answer too.
Emotional stress and the cold are my too big triggers
So I manage my anxiety in several ways.
I don't have AF but if my heart rate increases I do get chest pain
Perhaps go and discuss with your GP some strategies to manage your anxiety.
I find meditation, Tai Chi and yoga helpful.
The BHF website has lots of useful information and the Cardiac nurses on the Helpline are another good source of help.
Eliminating processed and fried foods along with dietary sugars will reduce the body's inflammatory condition. This can potentially lead to an improvement in your endothelium's capacity to dilate and allow better blood flow.
The Mediterranean Diet is widely considered an effective long-term dietary regimen for optimal cardiovascular health.
Another anti-anginal is Diltiazem, which is s CCI (calcium channel inhibitor). I thought it more effective than isosorbide mononitrate in preventing angina. Might be worth asking your GP about it?
You are seeing the cardiologist next month. Are they aware of your frequent visits to A&E? If not give them a call and you might be seen earlier.
The main thing is do not panic . I have had unstable angina for many years . Due to severe reactions to all medications normally prescribed to treat this condition i am unable to have treatment , a stent or bypass to reduce symptoms . I often have episodes after eating . I have learnt best approach is ....get into a comfortably restful position... use gtn spray . ..breath gently and conciously control heartbeat . It takes practise but can be done . Good luck .
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