Running with angina

I have been a runner all my life. I had no problem until a couple of years ago. Since then I have had two lots of stents fitted. If I didn’t run I wouldn’t know I had a problem. I still want to be able to run but when I do I soon get angina pain and walk until it subsides then run a bit again. Should I accept this and be thankful for what I can do or should I seek further medical advice (when this pandemic is over)

[Shar28]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I’d suggesting contacting your GP for advice because it’s important to your wellbeing and to your understanding of your condition which will help you look after yourself as best as you can. And why wait? The NHS is open for business and the briefings on the telly say to contact your doctor if you need to.

All the best.

[Hidden in reply to Shar28]

Thank you for your advice. I will contact my GP.

[Mikedabike]

Welcome to the forum. As an ex-runner I can appreciate your dilemma. Personally I would cease the running for now and perhaps do more challenging walks, say involving some hills. I would definitely recontact your cardiologist. I have friends who have had stents fitted and still maintain their active lifestyles. I also would not wait until the pandemic is over. As a heart patient your GP practice should have this on file. If you are getting angina type pain then they should (I would have thought) refer you to your cardiologist as a matter of course. Good luck in your progress.

[Hidden in reply to Mikedabike]

Thank you for your advice. I will put the wheels in motion.

[Tullymore]

I’m a swimmer and noticed I was getting breathless with a tight feeling in my throat. My family has a history of heart problems so I suspected Angina and stopped pushing myself. The pain is a warning that your heart is under strain. Get medical advise and don’t overdo it.

[Deluge]

Were you prescribed GTN spray following your stent? I found the "heart sisters" site really helpful, particularly this article; myheartsisters.org/2013/08/...

or just Google " a cardiologists advice on using this wonder drug".

[Hidden in reply to Deluge]

I do have a GTN spray. I have tried it only once before I went for a run. It maybe delayed the onset of angina but not for long. As I have said as soon as I stop, the pain disappears so I don’t feel the need for the spray. I guess most people would say “don’t run “. However I’ve always been competitive and I now do orienteering at a good level for my age and want to continue to do this.