Coronary artery spasm

[Denva]

Hi. I have been diagnosed with coronary artery spasm. I have had two stents and this was discovered then. I was on meds for angina but I have still been suffering with angina pain with minor exertion and a dull ache. My cardiologist has changed my medication to Diltiazem. Already I feel better with less pain but I have gone back to the missed beats, fluttering, grabbing of my heart. When I walk I feel as if I have a glass bulb instead of a heart and it could break. To be honest, I would rather put up with these symptoms as opposed to the heavy angina but I am curious to see if anyone else shares this diagnosis and their symptoms. I am also well aware that this is all pretty new for me and I have a lot of adjusting to do. Thank you 🙏

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Denva

The BHF website has this information about vasospastic angina the term now used to describe coronary artery spasms and microvascular angina a related condition.

Microvascular and vasospastic angina are known as Ischaemia no obstructed coronary arteries (INOCA)

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I have lived with vasospastic angina for 8 years.

I have clear coronary arteries I have angina because all the blood vessels in my heart go into spasms.

I had a specialised angiogram to diagnose my vasospastic angina.

How has your vasospastic angina been diagnosed?

The usual treatment for vasospastic angina is a calcium channel blocker such as Diltiaziem and nitrates.

Also an ACE inhibitor such as Ramipril. Statin and aspirin or clopidogrel are often prescribed too.

Exercise is important as well as the usual advised lifestyle changes.

Learning your triggers is helpful, common stressors are emotional and mental stress and the cold.

Managing stress is essential.

Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation can help along with breathing and relaxation techniques.

There are a few other members of the forum who also live with microvascular and or vasospastic angina and I am sure they will be along to share their experiences with you too.

[Denva in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for that wonderful reply. They found out I had the spasms when I had an AngioGram and had two stents put in. I am currently on Ismo 40 retard, Diltiazem, Clopidogrel, Aspirin and Actor a statin. The change to Diltiazem has helped in a lot of areas but I am getting the flashes and grabs which are a bit unsettling. Take care.

[352020]

Hi I to have just been diagnosed with coronary artery vasospasm I am also suffering the same symptoms and terrible fatigue, I am on diltiazem which my gp has just upped as was still having a lot of chest pains which have improved but I still have a heaviness and tightness in my chest most days! Would love to be able to get back to normal and work but just don’t feel well enough!

[Denva in reply to 352020]

Oh gosh. It must be so hard to have to work. Take care. ❤️❤️

[Terri-D]

Hi I suffer from these spasms all the time after 2 heart attacks and 4 stents 2 years ago. I now take diltiazem at 360 mg after many months of trialling various medication to control the angina. I also gave an arrhythmia which gives me palpiatations and skipped beats. The diltiazem has been the only medication that has helped. It does the job of relaxing the heart muscle and dilating the arteries so the heart doesn’t have to work too hard. I do get side effects which can be quite difficult to cope with, mainly the burning feeling throughout my body and the ‘grabbing’ sensation you describe. I am slowly learning to live with the angina and spasms but it is hard. I was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called SCAD or spontaneous coronary artery dissection which causes heart attacks at any time, basically the arteries rupture for whatever reason , it is all under research.

Try and stick with the diltiazem there are various doses which you can increase if necessary and listen to your body. Good luck x

[Ninjanoo]

Hi Denva

I too have recently been diagnosed with same as you. It's a lot to get your head around but trust me you are not alone!

I am currently on a phased return to work which started last week - hasn't gone to plan! Had chest pain whilst at work Tues and had to take Friday off as constricting feeling in my chest was all too much which lasted most of the day. I have been prescribed diltiazem but am still in early days of using it.

Totally understand how you are feeling. It can really feel dibilitating at times. At the moment mine seem to be coming on more whilst I'm at rest usually late evening and in the wee small hours.

I found the links Milkfairy sent really useful. They're a friendly bunch on the forum.

Take care of yourself ❤

[Fluffybee in reply to Ninjanoo]

Hi Denva

I’ve been diagnosed with micrvascular angina and vasospastic angina earlier this year so still learning.

I’m on a few meds....Viazam just been changed from Amlodipine, Atorvastatin, Bisoprolol, Chemydur and GTN spray.

These have helped but still have clusters of chest pain/heaviness across my shoulders, arms etc and breathlessness, walking a short distance and waking me during the night with chest pain.

I have symptoms while at rest and mild exercise.

Milkfairy is brilliant with information etc, I’ve learned a lot from her.

Good luck with everything, keep in touch on here, friendly bunch 😄