Angina or not?

[Mancswimmer]

Hi,

I'm a 61 year old woman, type 2 diabetic but generally fit. I have no meds apart from aspirin. Over the past couple of months I have been having chest pain at rest for which I have been prescribed a GTN spray, which has helped. Yesterday I had a cat scan which showed my coronary arteries to be clear. The doctor then told me that it is probably a pulled muscle in my chest, I said that I didn't think this is the problem, she then inferred that it was my imagination.

I don't know what to do, apart from waiting to see what happens.

What do you think?

[benjijen]

If the GTN spray is working then not sure why it's been dismissed. I have 2 stents but still have occasional pain at rest - diagnosed as unstable angina, possible MVA. They were unable to put a stent in the small partially blocked artery. You could ring the BHF nurses and I'm sure Milkfairy will be along with some advice soon.

[Mancswimmer in reply to benjijen]

Thanks Benji

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Mancswimmer

Welcome to the forum.

It is possible to have angina without your coronary arteries being blocked.

Non obstructive coronary artery disease or Ischaemia no obstructed coronary arteries. This causes Microvascular or vasospastic angina.

These conditions are under recognised and poorly understood so many Cardiologists are not aware as perhaps they should be about these types of angina.

The 'it's all in your head' is sadly all too common a comment from a healthcare professional who has little knowledge of MVA or vasospastic angina.

If you have ongoing chest pain at rest this should be investigated properly and the possibility of MVA should be considered. It is more common in women and is associated with diabetes.

Here is some information from the BHF about MVA

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I suggest you have a look and discuss this with your GP and ask to be referred to a Cardiologist who has some knowledge or understanding of MVA