Micro vascular angina

[Sylvia1990]

Good morning, I wonder if there is anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition that could give me advice on the symptoms and how they were diagnosed pleased?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Sylvia1990

Welcome to the forum.

I have lived with microvascular and vasospastic angina for 9 years.

I have temporary transient constrictions or spasms in my microvessels and coronary arteries.

I experience most of my chest pain at rest.

Mine was diagnosed by a special angiogram only available at a few centres in the UK.

The more usual cause of microvascular angina is Microvascular dysfunction. The small vessels don't work properly. They either fail to dilate or stay relaxed in response to extra demands such as exercise.

This means chest pain in exertion rather than at rest.

Microvascular dysfunction can in some cases be diagnosed by a cardiac MRI or during angiogram when they use adenosine and a guide wire to see how well the blood flows through the small blood vessels.

The BHF has this information about microvascular and vasospastic angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

This website was written from evidence based information by 4 patients living with coronary vasospasms or microvascular angina. They are supported by 25 world leading expert Cardiologists.

internationalheartspasmsall...

[Sylvia1990 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for your reply.

[Sylvia1990 in reply to Milkfairy]

I have just read the links you sent thank you so much. Particularly the international heart spasm information which I can totally relate to, I feel tearful realising that these symptoms I have been suffering for 7 months are a true condition after being told there is nothing wrong with me as my arteries are clear and to stop taking meds.

I am so happy I have joined this forum, thank you & BHF

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Sylvia1990]

Most of us living with Microvascular or vasospastic angina have had to struggle to get the correct diagnosis.

The conditions are poorly understood and often overlooked by Cardiologists.

Microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina are types of Ischaemia non obstructive coronary arteries INOCA also known as Non obstructive coronary artery disease NOCAD.

I suggest you go back to your GP and ask to be referred to a Cardiologist who has some understanding of NOCAD.

Where in the UK are you based?

There are 2 research studies taking place into Microvascular angina.

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

isrctn.com/ISRCTN94728379

[Sylvia1990 in reply to Milkfairy]

I live in Hampshire.I have researched a cardiologist in London at the Royal Brompton who I am asking to be referred to, would prefer someone more local if possible. Having said, to find a professor/consultant to give me a diagnosis and help with coping I would travel anywhere.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Sylvia1990]

I have sent you a message as the forum guidelines do not allow the naming of individual doctors.