When I’ve been going through extreme stress and know there’s a lot more to come, it’s something that really brings on my chest pain ( waiting for stress mri perfusion results) but told I have coronary artery spasms and micro vascular angina, and the bottom of my heart isn’t pumping efficiently.
I know there’s no way to prevent stress but when you know there’s stressful times ahead and know more than likely you’re going to have symptoms, does anybody have ways of dealing with these symptoms, I do have my GTN spray but that doesn’t last long.
I’m on different meds, don’t know if anyone has taken their meds at different times to help ?
Very much a muddled question, hope you can decipher what I’m trying to ask 🥴 ?
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Fluffybee
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Hello, Stress is the absolute pits in my view and I find it breeds too! Have you had any help in managing your stress response? It’s often said that we can’t do much about what comes flying our way but we can do something about how we deal with it. Easier said than done though and getting help from others is they key. Reaching out on here is a good start.
Good sources of help are your GP, a good counsellor and/or the BHF helpline nurses who may be able to help you find appropriate services in your local area or online.
Sorry I can’t say anything that will make you feel better now or give an answer to your question about meds but I’m sure others will be along in due course.
Thank you so much for reading my post, I think when someone empathises with you and know what it’s like really helps.
It’s a hard one to deal with all these different symptoms, side effects and the way psychologically it effects you without out realising it has, then life sort of hits hard sometimes, then get back on your feet and get on with it again.
Just need a walnut whip but they’ve sold out online, someone’s been panic buying them all up 🤭🤭🤭
I know how you’re feeling I struggle with stress and anxiety I have recently been in contact with Selfhelp through my Doctor they seem really good don’t be afraid to ask your GP for help mine was really understanding sometimes it’s easier to bury your head in the sand stress is an illness and talking to someone you don’t know could help good luck and stay strong
I have MVA. If I suspect a 'discussion' or other situation might become stressful I use the GTN before it happens, seems to help keep the angina at bay.
I also use the GTN before I start my warm-up for the twice daily walks - also seems to help keep the angina attack away.
When you feel better, give that hack recipe for walnut whips a go - empowering to know you're not at the mercy of Walnut Whip hoarders!
Hello Fluffybee, as you know I’m in the same boat as you and have a hot beanie bag on my chest as I write due to stress at the moment giving me flare ups, I’m certainly interested in more tips!
I did happen to read an article of a lady suffering same symptoms where they called it Cardiac X syndrome, seemed the same as MVA. Here they said can be oestrogen levels dropping and affects 9 women to every 1 man. I’m wondering if hrt can help.
It also suggested asthma or blood pressure drugs or a low dose antidepressant such as imipramine that tackles pain signals to the brain. Also hypnotherapy, easier said then done!
I’m also interested what the longest length of time since being diagnosed that people have gone with no twinges. I actually went two weeks last month with nothing.
Good morning. Strangely, I can go through 1.5 hours of exercise at the Cardiac Rehab Centre with no effect on my Artery Spasms - in fact I feel great. It is common that I can go 2 or 3 weeks without symptoms until I am emotional or angry for whatever reason. Pain then reminds me that it has not gone away but thankfully only lasts maybe max 1 minute and then fades. I find it very difficult controlling the triggers hence I am to some degree, in the same boat as others on here and am interested in all the advice given.
It sounds as though the article you were reading is quite old. It is using out dated terminology and describing treatments that are not evidence based or not now recommended to treat Microvascular angina.
There are tests now available to diagnose some types of Microvascular angina.
HRT has been found not to benefit people with MVA. The evidence suggests MVA is actually much more common in men than thought in the past.
Have you been referred to a Cardiologist who has some expertise in treating patients with MVA ?
The BHF has some information about MVA which you may find helpful.
Yes you are right the article was from 2012, a daily mail article entitled ‘my heart attack lasted 14 years’ !
I had my angiogram early summer and apart from an increase in meds, that being Monomil and Ranolazine plus a baby aspirin, the condition still reacts badly to stress. I haven’t delved into more specialist help yet and am interested to see the outcome with Fluffybees mri etc. as we are very similar.
Hi fluffybee I just wanted to identify with what you are describing. I suffer considerable stress at work mostly caused by my boss who is constantly on the phone with me with his negativity and my chest during the multiple calls is really affected during this time. I practice the 4,7,8 breathing technique during the calls which work to an extent. Stress and the onset of my chest pain are a definite link for me but it is difficult to deflect everything that comes at us all on a daily basis. Sorry can’t offer any suggestions about meds but very interested to hear what others have said about this. Ps I have all the walnut whips!
I’m sorry your Boss is causing you so much stress you must feel awful, I had someone who was horrible to me she was my supervisor, I eventually moved jobs 🥺
YOU .....have all the walnut whips 😱😱😱😱 how could you !!!! I now have no choice but to take up on the offer of what sounds like a delicious recipe I’ve been given on here, I’m sure it’s going to taste even better than the original !!!!!! 🤭🤭🤭
Thanks for that fluffybee and I hope you are able to lift some of the tips provided by our good people on here to help you overcome some of life’s stress. I agree totally with Rolfe , my cockapoo has been a great distraction from health issues even though she takes all the energy I’ve got as she’s half mad most if the time🙈. Go get baking... 😀
I know it’s terrible, someone has panic bought them ALL !!!!!! Shall I make you some with the recipe I was given in here, may take a while and don’t know how I’ll get on making them but if you’re up for misshapen chocolate whips then they’ll be on their way just give me a few weeks !!!!!! 😂😂
I can empathise with you as I suffer with high blood pressure and sometimes feel chest tightness when I have a lot of stress. This chest tightness adds to the extra stress we're feeling as it is obviously concerning and I agree there has to be and there are ways at managing it. I guess it is just finding one which suits you and meditation whilst effective doesn't always suit everyone. I have a list of resources through doing courses in mental health (I work for the NHS). Would you like me to post some of the ideas here and you can take a look?
Take care and please shout out for help and remember you're not alone in this x
Me again! So I've come across some helpful resources/websites you might want to tap into and I thought I'd drop you a line or two with them whilst I have my lunch;
×The Action for Happiness is a brilliant app and website. It gives little reminders each day and sends inspirational messages. Their website has lots of helpful ideas and it's just so positive, particularly important at the moment.
x Mind. Have a look at their website and look up stress. They give some valid information about the treatment and resources for stress and CBT as mentioned is a good one. Most areas in the UK have an online CBT provider who is free of charge and funded via the NHS. I can help you look for this if you're not sure.
x Complementary therapies are good and meditation resources are good such as Headspace or guided meditation on YouTube clips.
x Big White Wall is an online mental health community which is free in some areas
x Stressbusting.co.uk is a brilliant website which give lots of ideas about stress busting funnily enough.
x Side by Side an online community where people can share their problems
x Do a stress journal which helps you identity the triggers and how you deal with them. Each time you feel stressed log it. The idea being that keeping a log may enable you to spot patterns. Write down what caused the stress, how you felt, how you acted in response to that stress and what you did to make yourself feel better.
x Keep a gratitude journal every day noting what you are grateful for in your life.
x When handling stress you can either change the situation or change the way you react to it. Always think of the 4 A's, avoid, alter, adapt or accept when handling stress. For me there are some things I can avoid (like seeing the mother in law for example 🤣😉!!). On the other hand I can accept I have a work based exam and will employ of coping strategy to help the stress for me that's lots of preparation and rest as much as possible in the evening leading up to the exam.
x Keep active, as someone has mentioned maybe borrow someone's dog (you can take mine for a walk if you wish!! 😁) but keep connected with others. If you don't have a wide social circle or family keep connected to online groups and your community if possible.
x Make lifestyle changes if you feel that is warranted such as getting enough sleep, taking more exercise, limiting caffeine or eating more healthier (I've got lots of resources on these so please pm if there is something specific).
x NHS One You, every mind matters. Offers a Mind plan whereby you answer 5 questions and they will give you ideas based on your answers. Such ideas are progressive muscle relaxation or trying the Get the Feeling Good app.
x Breathing exercises. Breathe in for 7 seconds and out for 11 seconds x 5 which triggers a relaxation response.
There are and I have lots more but I need to get back to work. Please feel free to shout or pm if you need any help but do take care of yourself xx
My stress and anxiety levels were massive after my unexpected heart attack. I got cognitive behaviour therapy (C.B.T.) on the N.H.S. and found this really helpful.
Sorry to hear of this. I feel for you. This may sound a bit out there but do you know how much dogs can reduce your stress or any animal for loving, caring for them and being with them. Can you ‘borrow’ someone’s dog or have regular contact with an animal.
Animals give you calm and unconditional love. Best, Ali (and yoga works to)
I totally agree, I have a beautiful cocker spaniel who’s my best friend, she knows when I’m worried or sad, loves me unconditionally, she’s now 12 so only likes short walks which suits me at the moment. 😊😊
My angina is worsened by stressful situations. What I have found helps is just getting out in the garden and having a bit of a potter, snipping off a few dead heads, moving a flowerpot or two about. If the weather is too bad to potter outdoors, I find listening to some classical music on Radio 3 really helps to calm me down. Another thing I like is listening to stories on Radio 4 Extra, there are some lovely soothing voices on there! PS If you can't get the Walnut Whips, can I recommend Tunnocks Teacakes, the DARK chocolate version, available at Waitrose?
Oh I used to love a tunnock tea cake but sadly I have coeliac disease diagnosed by blood test and stomach biopsy about 6 years ago 🙄 they do a gluten free version but I really wouldn’t recommend them !!!! I can have snowballs though 😀
Hi there, sorry to hear about your problem. I haven’t been diagnosed with MVA but after having a sudden Nstemi heart attack caused by a genetic disorder I had no idea I had, I had to have an emergency triple CABG, the shock of which left me with high levels of stress, anxiety and some ptsd. My GP got me into a cardiac rehab group who advised I self refer for some counselling which, via CBT, helped a great deal. However, due to covid restrictions, lockdown issues and now finding I also have fibromyalgia caused further anxiety and I was advised to re-refer for further sessions and am now engaging with another counsellor. She is brilliant and is helping me understand how to approach and cope with my anxiety. I also find that a good walk each day and trying to meditate a little is helping to keep me much calmer overall. I do still have occasional anxiety but feel I’m starting to conquer and come to terms with much of the problem and that’s a huge step in the right direction. Hope this helps and wish you all the best. xx
Hi , stress can be managed to an extent through mediation and mindfulness , I have anxiety and it’s a long process but it does help if done daily . Find something that appeals to you , I enjoy Tibetan singing bowls and my fit bit does guided meditation as well . Stress really can affect our everyday life and especially now we are in lockdown but I’d use this opportunity to practise self care , you deserve it ! Good luck
I have stress related heart failure, the constant stress in my life actually did the damage, (LVD). 2 and a half years on I am fairly healthy and unmedicated but get the pains when I feel stress creeping in.
During first lockdown 96 days shielding in panic did wonders for it... but I find once I recognise it for what it is I can cope better, knowing tomorrow I might be less stressed and less in pain helps. I talk to myself, telling myself worrying is doing me harm which can calm me a little and I have drugs from doctor which can chill me down a notch or too in extreme situations. We decided that was best solution as the actual heart meds make me so ill, unable to function. Best to chill me out, rest and prevent more damage than make me permanently ill.
Fingers crossed you learn some coping mechanisms to keep stress down...
I sometimes run (term used loosely) when like this as its my happy place and makes me forget what was stressing me by focusing on breathing, ok gasping!
I had an incident a few months back when I thought I was having an asthma attack due to the air quality. But when I checked the data later ( I use Climacell), it showed that the air quality was fine enough. After a few checkups, the doctor told me I was having an anxiety-induced asthma attack (dint know they were a thing). I am trying some alternative medicines and it has been helping me a lot. Maybe you can try something similar to that. Hope you feel better soon.
Hi Fluffybee, so sorry to hear about your stress related angina. I've much admired how supportive and helpful you are to others. I don't have anything to add to the replies you've already received, but thanks for posting as I too find stress gives me angina and lately ectopics too. Sadly I've been told to avoid using my GTN , which use to help, until my aortic valve is fixed. Abdominal breathing sometimes helps me .I've read the replies and will try some of the suggestions. I hope you find something that works for you. I also find the cold weather brings on my angina. Stress + cold =perfect storm.
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