Last week I was prescribed calcium channel blockers for angina. I have just recieved a copy of the letter sent to my GP after my appointment and there is no mention of angina. It mentions distal disease and coronary artery disease. Can anyone shed any light on distal disease?
Distal is (IMHO) not the best choice if words. In medical terms it means further/furthest away from. So, for instance, my thumb is a distal of my wrist.
In this case I believe they are referring to the smaller blood vessels off the main coronary arteries. Angina is caused by a lack of oxygenated blood to the heart muscles. For the smaller blood vessels it is called MVA (micro vascular angina). This is a condition not recognised fully by some cardiologists so I think you have a good one.
One of the other HeartStars is far more knowledgeable than I on this and will, I imagine, reply to you in due course.
Many thanks for getting back to me. That is very helpful, I am feeling a little overwhelmed by all the terminologies at the moment.
Yes, the terms can be confusing but the abbreviations are worse sometimes having two meanings! I first looked up distal when a dentist called out distal, mesial and buccal during a check up. I have examples of each plus a few crowns and gaps. Waiting for the pill to grow a third set! 😁
Hello Brangwyn
I agree with MichaelJH your Cardiologist may well be using the term 'distal disease' to describe a disorder of the very smallest blood vessels of the heart.
The more usual term is Microvascular angina which is thought to have several causes.
Microvascular dysfunction when the small blood vessels fail to dilate in response to exercise
Or the small blood vessels temporarily narrow and constrict in a spasm.
This can also occur in the coronary arteries and is known as vasospastic angina or coronary artery spasms.
Most people live with just MVA, a small group just vasospastic angina and a few like me live with both.
It can take time to find the best combination of medication that will work best for you.
Diltiaziem is a useful medication and can help in particular those with MVA due to microvessel spasms
The BHF has this information about MVA and angina
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
If you have any further questions perhaps contact your Cardiologist's secretary and ask for a fuller explanation.
Thank you that is very helpful. I am just trying to get my head around this diagnosis and do everything I can to continue to make lifestyle changes where necessary. I think it was you who mentioned the documentary Forks for Knives , fascinating I wish I had seen it years ago.
Hi Brangwyn
Others I know value Forks over knives.
I am more a moderation in all things type of person.
I exercise as much as possible, follow a Mediterranean diet, I eat much less red meat, and manage my stress through Tai Chi, yoga and meditation.
There is no one size fits all it is what suits you and your particular heart condition.
The 3 major coronary arteries are split into proximal, mid and distal segments.
Distal disease does not describe MVA it means that you have some atherosclerosis plaque in the lower segment of one or more of your major arteries.
Another term used is small vessel disease
It is confusing as there is no consistency in the terms used in the US and Europe.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...
See figure 2 of this article for a detailed illustration
heart.bmj.com/content/104/4...
Thanks for the info 👍
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