Living with unstable angina advice

[SaraTwycross]

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

[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 in reply to Lezzers]

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

[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 in reply to benjijen]

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 in reply to Lezzers]

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 Heart 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]

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 in reply to sos007]

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

[MichaelJH Heart 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 in reply to MichaelJH]

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]

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 .