Living with unstable angina advice - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,327 members33,995 posts

Living with unstable angina advice

SaraTwycross profile image
11 Replies

Hi everyone

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

Written by
SaraTwycross profile image
SaraTwycross
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
11 Replies
Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

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

SaraTwycross profile image
SaraTwycross in reply toLezzers

Unfortunately im allergic to isobobide mononitrate,, had an adverse allergic reaction to it. Hugs sara

benjijen profile image
benjijen

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.

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply tobenjijen

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

benjijen profile image
benjijen in reply toLezzers

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.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star

Hi Sara

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.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It is possible with the right combination of medication to live well with the condition.

I hope your appointment goes well with your Cardiologist.

sos007 profile image
sos007

Have you modified your diet yet?

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.

Check out this link:

mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

Good luck.

SaraTwycross profile image
SaraTwycross in reply tosos007

Hi, yes i have been doing slimming world since january, and this week im trying to cut out caffine. Hugs sara

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

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.

SaraTwycross profile image
SaraTwycross in reply toMichaelJH

I will ask them about it thanks. Yes they are aware, my original appointment was middle of no ember this was the earliest they could see me. Hugs sara

Puffinglady profile image
Puffinglady

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 .

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

unstable angina

hello all, I have been doing great for ages since my heart attack and stent fitting in Oct 2020....
Gigi1958 profile image

unstable angina

hi guys as many of you know i recently had a stent replaced due to restenosis. have been doing ok...
Shoshov profile image

unstable angina

good evening hearties. was taken to hospital today with unstable angina again bombarded with...
Shoshov profile image

Unstable angina

Hiya, Does unstable angina get worse with exercise? I’m on the understanding that unstable angina...
young85 profile image

Crescendo Angina v Unstable Angina

I was diagnosed with unstable angina a couple of years ago, which after various tests was...
Gibson01 profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.