Unstable angina

[MRSRKA]

Hubby is 53 had 2 previous mi's and 4 stents. He has been fairly stable for well over a year apart from pain when he overdoes things. He is on high dosages of all the normal "heart" meds. On sat 11th of Jan he suddenly had 2 episodes of chest pain, eased with gtn spray but still had dull ache for quite a few hours after each episode, the following day he was extremely breathless all day but no further pain. Mon he had 2 episodes of pain gtn relieved for approx 30 mins oin between so called 999 he then had another do in the ambulance, anyway long story short ecg OK trop bloods OK one of his meds increased and sent home after a night in the hospital. He continues to have daily chest pains and the stress echo they want him to have is going to be at least 3- 4 month wait, surely he can't continue to have chest pains daily for months on end? It's like living on a knife edge every day. Anyone else have to cope with all this?

[Hatchjd]

Is there any option to pay to have the test sooner privately? This would probably reduce the wait to 1-2 weeks and you can still opt back into the NHS with the results.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi MRSRKA

Living with unstable angina can be very stressful. I have a type of unstable angina however I know what is causing my angina pain which helps me cope and manage my condition better.

You naturally will worry because of your husband's previous history and want to know what causing your husband's angina.

I suggest if your husband is having episodes of chest especially at rest not relieved by GTN he should always call an ambulance.

Perhaps go back to your GP and ask your husband to be referred to the Rapid chest pain clinic ?

If he is still under the care of a Cardiologist contact their secretary and ask for an appointment ask for cancellation if necessary.

[MRSRKA in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi thank you for your reply, hubby has been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, micro vascular disease and we know from previous angiogram that one of his small vessels is blocked but far to small to stent, the original plan on this admission was to be sent to our ccu unit whilst awaiting a bed at the local cardiac unit to do another angio to check if current stents are still clear and to look for any other blockages but this all went out the window for some reason. I deff feel this should of been done

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to MRSRKA]

I acknowledge your frustration and anxiety in this situation.

There is too much uncertainty. How is your husband coping?

Has he spoken to his GP about what is happening?

Unfortunately as soon as some Cardiologists see Microvascular or vasospastic angina because of their lack of knowledge dismiss the importance and significance of MVA and VSA.

I hope your husband can access the care and reassurance he needs soon.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Would your GP consider referring him to a bigger Hospital? I travel 30 miles more, to a place I get investigations much quicker, and much more specialised care. You do have a choice, though it can be a bit of a trek, but it’s much more efficient when I get there.

One real downside is the poor communication between hospitals, which only matters if I get an emergency and I end up back in our smaller, local hospital, with no up-to-date notes available.

Not a really National service!

[Hidden]

I had a heart attack last April and due to a number of factors ended up putting up with unstable angina until last week when I had 2 more stents (I'm up to 5). I'm sore at the moment and have had angina since the stents. It may be a case that he just has to live with it, unpleasant as it is. Keep positive, it's just a new phase in your lives 😊.

[SaraTwycross]

I have unstable angina and for just over a month i was back and forth to A and E 17 times. On my last cardiology appointment i had one whilst i was there and they kept me in until i had angiogram. I feel for you because your life is literally on hold too frightened to do anything. Keep ringing and ask for emergany appointment if you need to, thats what we did. Hope you get some releif soon hugs sara

[Paddyboyo]

Hi mrsrka, had 3 stents 12yrs ago, all was well til 2 yrs ago, then had an episode of what was described as unstable angina, stayed in hospital 5 day, then had a quadruple bypass, been absolutely fine with it since, i think you should push for further information on this as to why there's no urgency.