Possible angina worries

Hi, I am totally new to this group. I’m 52 woman who for a few months now have been experiencing chest pain when walking uphill. I’m a little overweight and ex smoker so not the best. I went to the GP on Monday and had bloods, pressure and ECG all came back within normal ranges, except the pressure which was high but has always been stable and has dropped since. They suspect stable angina and I left with a bag full of meds, blood pressure monitor and appointments for more tests and x-ray. They didn’t really speak to me about change to diet, advice on meds etc and I left feeling really overwhelmed and worried. I found this group and reading some of your posts made me look a bit more about what I can do and made me feel my life is now not limited, but it’s still a real worry and I do feel like my life will never be normal again, it feels like I am a ticking time bomb. The nitrates are giving me a headache which then makes my anxiety worse which in turn makes me feel even worse. What advice would you give someone just starting on this road of angina? And does it get easier x

[Chappychap]

You raise some very good points.

Even though I have great respect and gratitude towards the NHS, I don't think their strategy for preventative medicine is as good as it could be. The best evidence I've seen suggests that about 90% of all the cases of coronary heart disease (atherosclerosis) are due to life style choices. However, you have not been given much in the way of concrete advice on how to adjust your lifestyle. But factors like exercise, weight control, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep and stress management, etc are likely to have a critical impact on how your heart disease develops in the future.

Patients who have been hospitalised with heart problems are often invited to attend a "cardio rehab" programme, a series of six or eight meetings that aim to equip the patient with the knowledge to make effective life style changes and to better understand their medication.

In these Covid times the BHF (the sponsors of this forum) have taken the cardio rehab programme on-line. It's probably less effective than face-to-face delivery, but it has the enormous benefit that it casts the net wider. I'd suggest enquiring if you can participate.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you, I have started immediately a more healthy diet, but didn’t think my diet was that bad, but since lockdown I’m less active and home alone working all day...... damn those cheese and biscuits. I have had a look at the online rehab and signed up to the 8 weeks. I have also seen the exercise videos so once I have a better idea of my condition I will defo be taking part in them.

[Dfw45 in reply to Hidden]

You seem motivated. You can probably get on diets recommended by vegan doctors such as Caldwell Esselstyn and Dean Ornish. Watch the movie Forks over Knives. Lots of good info from them on YouTube. This is only for the determined.

[madartistpink]

I really feel for you. At least you have a Gp that has listened and responded. As for the nitrates they will keep your arteries open..My little spray saved my life. I am a Therapist and my advise is to try to research as much as possible and ask ask ask. I have just had a triple by pass surgery and I would say I quit smoking and asked for for an angiogram and ct scan of heart at hospital. As for the anxiety I offer reasonable rates for the therapy and I do hope that you really take care of your self mknd body and soul. Love n light Debby xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to madartistpink]

Thanks Debby, yes I will be asking question at my clinic appointment I’m gonna try to get out in the garden now the weather has improved and try to just not dwell on the what ifs but it is very hard not to worry.

[Nettekin]

Hi Turndolph. Sorry to hear you are struggling with your new diagnosis. Has your GP suggested why you have angina and are you having any cardio follow ups? I'm the meantime you seem to be heading on the right road already. Stopping smoking is great - well done. Also a healthy diet and exercise are other weapons in your armoury of heart health. Your life may not be quite the same, but it doesn't have to be worse either. Many of us are healthier and fitter than before, looking on a heart event as a wake up call. Anxiety is normal - don't be anxious about being anxious! One other piece of advice I would give, is become your own health advocate. Collect information, follow up test results and ask as many questions as you need to. With all best wishes x