Angry Spasms / Angina

[Smileyian]

Hi, Smileyian from Singapore. Love all your posts and wish you all well during UKs most difficult times. No Spasms/pain for almost a month and this morning got super angry (inside) and involuntary emotional when I saw a young guy being very unkind (short of abusing) a dog he was walking. My chest and emotions welled up and I had 30 seconds chest pain relieved by GTN. Can anyone confirm or agree that this a normal reaction if one has Coronary Spasm / Variant. I am still getting used to the various triggers and reactions. Any comments most welcome.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi Smileyian, and welcome. That’s enough to give most of us angina!

But I hope someone will come along soon who has particular experience of Coronary Spasm, and can give you some further ideas of triggers.

[Smileyian in reply to Kristin1812]

Thanks. There are a few with super understanding of the "special angina" patterns, including Milkfairy. I think we are all different hence the bigger the variety of answers to all our questions. Thank you so much Kristin.

[Healthyheart1]

Hi smileyian, my sister in law drew a picture and framed it for my husband , it was a picture of coal miners outside of the mine and in the corner it had the check numbers of his and his deceased dad.

The emotions that welled up inside me were just uncontrollable, when I looked at my husbands reaction I just lost control as our tears just rolled down our faces.

Now that's what set my angina spasms off and for the rest of the day in pain gtn doesn't work on me but I always try it. I was tired and wiped out for the rest of the day. Hope this helps to let you know what emotions do to our spasms.

Regards Sheena

[Smileyian in reply to Healthyheart1]

Hi Sheena, I am just so grateful to you for your very sad but relevant post and thank you for your vivid but totally understandable reaction. That is exactly what I mean - I can do all sorts of physical things including 1.5 hours in the Cardiac Rehab Gym with no adverse effects - however an emotional situation where your body reacts to events such as you describe can set of the Artery Spasms. As I get older (now 77) I am unable to mentally cope with many of the negative and cruel things of this modern world and have to learn to address this matter to alleviate my Spasms. Of course as an older person who has travelled the world for so many years, I fully understand life is an extreme struggle for many. However I know it is an old Chestnut but I loved the camaraderie and friendship of my neighbours in the 50s as we struggled to regroup after the war.

It is however the fantastic improvement in medical care and medicine that keeps us alive today and I humbly recognize that without this care many of us would not be here today.

I have had all manner of arrhythmia and heart problems for over 40 years but still try and soldier on. I just love the friendship and sharing of ailments on this channel and please excuse me if this old man gets a bit sentimental at times. Artery Spasms confuse me, so I must take in all your advice as patients as well as the medical advice from my excellent Cardiologist. Stay safe from Covid and stay alert for your neighbors. Ian x

[Healthyheart1 in reply to Smileyian]

Thank you, I wasn't sad I was totally vulnerable at that time I think, it came out of the blue. I'm used to pushing all my emotions to the back of my mind so that I can cope daily.

Don't feel sorry for me, I. 62 and Boris has decided I still have to work. I only can manage 10 hours weekly with my other ailments but I'm not sad. I love my life, just wish that I could see my mum now, she's in a care home doesn't know us but me and my dad miss her so much.

There will come a day and this will all be over.

Stay safe, regards Sheena 😃

[Smileyian in reply to Healthyheart1]

Oh Sheena, I most certainly did not wish to suggest you were sad.... I meant I was sad to hear the story of the pictures of the miners. Please forgive my poor choice of grammar. It is a struggle for many with multiple ailments but please do enjoy your 10 hours a week if you are able. May I send my very best wishes to you, your Mum and family. Yes, this will indeed be over one day and you will be released from the restraints of this terrible pandemic. Best wishes from Singapore.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Smileyian

My triggers for my vasospastic angina are the cold, emotional and mental stress.

I have to be very careful however I can't wrap myself up in cotton wool.

I sometimes just switch the news off and listen to music.

This week was Remberance Sunday which is very emotionally difficult for me especially the music.

I am child of a forces family.

I knew what was coming more angina.

I feel over the other day while walking my dog last week. It was a shock to my system, my pride bruised, covered in mud and an afternoon of severe chest pain followed.

I felt completely washed out for a few days.

Anyway today is another day and I have another dog walk to enjoy even if the skies are grey.

[Smileyian in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you Milkfairy. Your dogs must love you as does mine.

[Smileyian in reply to Milkfairy]

I would love to send you a long post as you are an inspiration to many on here but I am afraid I will be very boring.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Smileyian]

I have just returned from a lovely walk with Millie. The hose down with water is not her favourite thing!

The trees are just so beautiful this time of year.

Thank you for you kind words. There are many people on the forum who inspire me too. Their resilience, good humour and kind support is what makes the forum so important.

[Healthyheart1 in reply to Milkfairy]

Sorry to hear of your fall, your always in my thoughts Milkfairy, you keep us all going on here. Sending my love and best wishes ❤ Sheena x

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Healthyheart1]

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

You stay safe and take care of yourself too!

[Sunnie2day in reply to Milkfairy]

But no lasting damage, you're better now, right?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Sunnie2day]

I am fine thank you.

I was taken aback by how much it effected me physically though.

I don't bounce !

[Sunnie2day]

Sudden stress like what you describe (an unexpected disturbing event) definitely brings on an attack of my presumed (no confirmatory test yet) MVA. I find if I take an immediate hit of the GTN the attack is either stopped within seconds - if the aggravation is especially severe and the first dose doesn't quite settle it, another dose a few minutes later helps see it off.

[Sunshinebrew]

Glad you’re ok after your fall must have been a big shock sending you a hug 🤗