Ummmmm 🥴

[Fluffybee]

It’s been bothering me but when my Gp received the Dr’s 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 wouldn’t 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 don’t worry about it.

Now I don’t know if, or when I should or shouldn’t go to hospital ( hopefully won’t ever go again) but after what’s been said I don’t want to go against their advice.

This condition isn’t do well known which makes it soooo much harder 😳

[IrisCarter]

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 don’t 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.

I hope that things settle for you soon.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to IrisCarter]

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.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[IrisCarter in reply to Milkfairy]

I am really sorry if you felt that I was underestimating anyone’s 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.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to IrisCarter]

Thank you.

I agree cramp is very painful too.

However there is also a false belief that heart attacks are only caused by blockages.

It is thought that 6 % of heart attacks are caused by Microvascular dysfunction, Vasospastic angina and Spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

[Qualipop in reply to IrisCarter]

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.

[IrisCarter in reply to Qualipop]

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 don’t give diagnoses and (most) are unqualified to give specific medical advice. 🙂

[heartsonfire in reply to IrisCarter]

Not all heart attacks present with crushing, severe chest pain.

I’m not arguing with you, just stating a fact.

[IrisCarter in reply to heartsonfire]

Hi both,

Just to repeat.

I did not state or imply that crushing chest pain is the only or a necessary symptom of a heart attack.

I was replying to Fluffybee about the advice given to her by her Dr.

I would hope that no one thinks that a post from a stranger on the internet is the sole source of information about chest pain.

That is why I confine myself to answering specific questions by specific individuals.

Thank you and kind regards.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi again. That’s a hard one, isn’t it? I’ve 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 ‘you’re just anxious’.

Of course I’m anxious.....three HAs which were all almost silent.

GP then said ‘of course you have to go’.

It’s v confusing isn’t it?

Not sure what to say.....do you know if your pain eventually subsides? Do you have any evidence that it’s benign?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Fluffybee

If in doubt go to hospital.

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.

[Sunday20]

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.!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Sunday20]

😳😫☹

[Fluffybee in reply to Milkfairy]

🤗

[Fluffybee]

Hi IrisCarter

I know you were trying to reassure me and it’s kind of you to do that.

It’s just this condition isn’t very well recognised even by cardiologists surprisingly, it certainly is a difficult one for sure, especially with conflicting information from different medical professionals.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[IrisCarter]

Thanks Fluffy.

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.

[Ninjanoo]

Hi FB,

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.

Hope you get what you need and soon.

Take care ❤

[Handel]

Hi Fluffybee. I wouldn't wait if you have severe chest pains! It's not fair you're in limbo.

Fortunately this is the right forum for a rant.

Take care xxxx

[Dollcollector]

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.