Pain behind ear

[Gcart]

Hello newish here. Had TTS event in July after my son’s death . I was tried on Beta blocker and blood pressure tabs which didnt work for me , made things worse .

My GP put me on Diltiazem 120which seems to have been good and things settled. Unfortunately for about the last 2 weeks when doing a few housework jobs I get this awful just behind the ear . It settles within a few minutes if I stop and sit. This has been happening everyday now and today I had 3 episodes when eating breakfast and talking in the phone . I phoned gp last Thursday and he said he thought it was angina related pain snd to up my Diltiazem . I’ve done that but today that happened . I’ve not seen anyone since July as my cardiology appointment has not happened.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Small vessel angina was mentioned but seems to be suddenly getting more problematic.

Thank you

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Gcart

I am sorry to hear you are having on going problems.

I am also so sorry that you lost your son in July.

How was your Takostubo Syndrome diagnosed?

Vasospastic angina can also cause acute episodes of chest pain due to severe coronary artery vasospasms which can like Takostubo Syndrome be mistaken for a heart attack.

The cold, mental and emotional stress are common triggers for both conditions.

When I have a severe episode of coronary vasospasms I also have neurological problems such as an ice pick headache, I am very sensitive to light and sound.

I noticed you said Beta blockers made you feel worse, they are contraindicated if you have vasospastic angina as they make vasospasms worse.

bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-s...

As well as the very useful advice of keeping a diary of your symptoms which you have already been given, I would chase up your Cardiology follow up.

I suggest you ask to be seen by a Cardiologist who has some expertise in caring for patients with Microvascular and vasospastic angina.

Takostubo Syndrome and Microvascular and vasospastic angina are unfortunately under recognised and poorly understood.

It can take time to get the correct diagnosis.

My diagnosis has certainly evolved over the many years.

I hope you feel more at ease soon.

[Gcart in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for your informative reply .My son died suddenly that day , no history.

I had what seemed like a HA . I was taken to a specialist Heart Hospital. It was there that it was quickly diagnosed as Takostubo.

Prior to that I had chest pain on and off. At night I was often awakened by my heart in funny rhythms.

I would have consulted my GP but because of Covid I let it go on!

My other son is now on meds as is my young grandson. Seems there’s a problem in our family .

I wish you well with this rather tricky illness .

[Gcart]

Thank you great idea . I will definitely start one.