Itās been bothering me but when my Gp received the Drās letter from cardiology saying coronary spasms are nothing to worry about, have no more chance at having a heart attack than anyone else, now my GP has that advice, he said if I have chest pain to wait it out but only go to hospital if it gets horrific and unbearable.
I wouldnāt go anyway unless it was bad but he said it because of what the hospital letter said as he kept repeating the phrase they said, which is basically donāt worry about it.
Now I donāt know if, or when I should or shouldnāt go to hospital ( hopefully wonāt ever go again) but after whatās been said I donāt want to go against their advice.
This condition isnāt do well known which makes it soooo much harder š³
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Fluffybee
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It must be so frustrating to have your symptoms and not have very clear advice.
My understanding is that unless you have crushing, severe chest pain then you should stay at home.
It seems that cardiology is confident that you donāt have any coronary artery blockage so you are not at higher risk of a heart attack. My understanding of a heart attack is that the blockage is long lasting which is why the heart muscle is damaged. While a spasm is temporary and more like a cramp.
It sounds to me like the difference between an embolism or clot in a blood vessel in a leg compared to cramp. One is a medical emergency, the other is painful but can safely be managed without medical attention.
Not all heart attacks are due to blockages some due to Microvascular and vasospastic angina.
I would not describe the pain I feel with vasospastic angina like a 'cramp'.
It feels like I am in labour in my heart.
I manage my pain most of the time at home however please do underestimate the pain this type of angina causes. It is prolonged and well known to be debilitating and much more severe than other types of angina.
When I do need to go hospital I am admitted for treatment with IV GTN and a patient controlled analgesia system of morphine.
It usually takes a week for my unstable vasospastic angina to be stabilised.
There are several forum members who have had a heart attack due to prolonged vasospasms which can also cause arrthymias too.
Microvascular angina and vasospastic angina are poorly understood and unfortunately few Cardiologist have much understanding of the conditions.
The latest research does suggest that Microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina increases your risks of a heart attack, stroke and heart failure.
These risks are listed in the BHF website information about the conditions too.
I am really sorry if you felt that I was underestimating anyoneās pain and anxiety. That was not my intention. I was trying to reassure and actually if you have ever had cramp you will know that it can be agonising to the point of incapacity!
I will have a look at the links that you have provided.
I hope that you get the help that you need. Best wishes.
I would hate anyone to think from that reply that crushing severe chest pain is the only symptom of a heart attack. I had NO chest pain, just bad indigestion and a pain near my shoulder blade in my back. It was only when I got tingling pain in my arm and hand that I suspected what it was. Even the hospital ignored it when I was taken in and I waited 5 hours in A&E. Women do not always get that crushing chest pain or go grey and clammy. Just because you are not clutching your chest, does NOT mean it isn't a heart attack.
The reply was to Fluffybee and addressed the advice she had had regarding the amount of pain that would lead her to attend A & E. As is clearly stated regarding this forum we donāt give diagnoses and (most) are unqualified to give specific medical advice. š
Hi again. Thatās a hard one, isnāt it? Iāve been told by my Cardiologist to always go to A and E when I get angina pain, not controlled with two sprays,
Then A and E Consultant said not to go āyouāre just anxiousā.
Of course Iām anxious.....three HAs which were all almost silent.
GP then said āof course you have to goā.
Itās v confusing isnāt it?
Not sure what to say.....do you know if your pain eventually subsides? Do you have any evidence that itās benign?
It is important for your chest pain to be treated appropriately.
I suggest you seek a second opinion from a Cardiologist who has some understanding and expertise of caring for patients with microvascular and vasospastic angina.
I agree when i mentioned about my angina causing my heartattack the gp said it wouldn't be the cause as it is just a short spasm and i had clear arteries.!
I know you were trying to reassure me and itās kind of you to do that.
Itās just this condition isnāt very well recognised even by cardiologists surprisingly, it certainly is a difficult one for sure, especially with conflicting information from different medical professionals.
Believe me when I say that I understand having an uncommon cardiac condition and being told that it is just anxiety.
That is exactly what I was told by my local cardiologist before I went privately to see a professor in cardiac arrythmias. He did not recognise my condition but told me that it was serious.
Within a month he was able to tell me that I had a sudden death syndrome called CPVT and I had an ICD within 6 weeks along with a lifelong prescription for antiarrythmia medications.
I sincerely hope that you get some clarity and the help that you need.
If you are getting short of breath and the spasms aren't settling after a few minutes and you feel clammy call for help. Likewise if GTN isn't giving any relief call for help.
I got told they (paramedics) would rather come out and be on the safe side than not. You know your body better than anyone to know when something isn't right.
Fortunately my GP is more sympathetic even when cardiologist downplays it.
It is becoming more well known now that women have different symptoms to men when having a heart attack. I would listen to your body and go to A&E when you feel you should. Better safe than sorry.
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