Calcium score 0 but still getting chest tightness. Cardiologist has discharged me..

[Snowboarder66]

My CT cardiac angio showed a calcium score of 0 so my ‘cardiologist’ of all of 5 mins thinks my symptoms of chest tightness on exertion and with stress were due to a low iron. She’s discharged me with no further tests but I’m still getting symptoms. At a loss what to do... I suspect I should use the gtn spray (given to me by my gp) and see what happens then ask for a another referral. Does that sound like a good idea ? My iron levels now are much better now so can’t see that being the cause. Thanks in advance !

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello

Has anybody considered non obstructive coronary artery disease?

The most common types are Microvascular and vasospastic angina.

This type of angina is not caused by blockages. It is thought to be the inability of the small blood vessels of your heart not working as they should.

If you are still having symptoms I suggest you go back to your GP and ask to be referred to a Cardiologist who has some knowledge of Microvascular angina.

Microvascular angina is unfortunately often overlooked and under recognised.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Snowboard in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi milkfairy thanks for your reply. No I'm discharged from my cardiologist without even getting to see her to discuss the results ! Her secretary promised that she would ring me but she didn't, I just got a brief letter saying what my score was as a total, nothing else. Bit disappointed as I've had professional dealings with her and she was very thorough. Can I ask you how bad is your pain from mva ? Mine is a tightness, almost restrictive feeling, not excruciating, just comes and goes as I'm walking. Sometimes I can walk it off and once I'm on the flat it mainly goes.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Snowboard]

I know some people with MVA say their symptoms can just be breathlessness or chest tightness rather than severe chest pain.

There are thought to several different causes of Microvascular angina.

One is due to the inability of the small blood vessels to dilate in response to demands such as exercise. Microvascular dysfunction.

Another due to vasospasms in the small blood vessels. I have coronary vasospasms so both my large and small blood vessels are effected.

I can exercise.

Even the most through Cardiologist may not have much knowledge about the condition and if necessary ask for a second opinion.