MVD/CAS and ganglian block

[Divasong]

Has anyone had a ganglian block done to try alleviate some of the chronic pain? Meds not helping, going to have a stent soon as there is 76% block on RCA. Whilst this may not help with the mvd or CAS the cardiologist has suggested being referred for a ganglian block if there is no improvement after stent. Have any of you had this done? If so was it helpful? What was it like etc... Thanks.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Divasong

I was offered a Stellate Ganglion block many years ago. I researched the procedure and decided it wasn't for me.

I asked for the cause of my chest pain to be properly investigated.

Until then I had a diagnosis of exclusion of Cardiac Syndrome X.

I asked for a second opinion.

I had an angiogram with acetylcholine which showed I have vasospasms in my small coronary blood vessels and coronary artery vasospasms. Microvascular angina and Coronary artery spasms. Coronary vasospastic angina.

A ganglion block is not usually recommended for those of us living with vasospastic angina.

There is growing evidence that stents can cause vasospasms too.

My Cardiologist has stated that I should only have another angiogram if absolutely necessary and I am to do my best not to develop any blockages in my coronary arteries as a stent could make my vasospasms worse.

The ganglion blocks tend to work for 3 months and then need repeating.

There are risks associated with the procedure.

I suggest you ask to be referred to a Cardiologist who is more knowledgeable about Microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina and have the appropriate testing to confirm the cause of your angina.

[Divasong in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy. My diagnosis have come about as they saw spasms in the echo. They suggested cardiac syndrome x like you after excluding everything else.

I have 76%blockage in RCA so feel like it might be worth a stent as the pressure wire test was borderline flow.

I'm not at all sure about a ganglion block need to research a lot more but don't like the sound of it.

Who do you think I should ask to be referred to? I'm guessing London will be my nearest place I'm in the South East. Thanks for your help.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Divasong]

Hi Divasong

Cardiac Syndrome X is an out dated term and tends to be used by Cardiologists who are not perhaps as up to date as they should be about Microvascular and vasospastic angina.

I have sent you a message with a suggestion of who you could ask to be referred to. The forum rules do not allow the naming of individual doctors in a public post.