After an attack

[Worvera]

Sorry for bombarding with questions but I haven’t been given much info. What should you do after you settle after an angina attack? I had to use my spray twice a couple of hours ago. I feel really tired

[Worvera]

Ok thank you for responding and reassuring me. 😊

[RufusScamp]

I was told not to worry unless you needed to use it more than twice. Are there any instructions with it? I can't be more helpful as i have, so far, never needed to use mine!

Tiredness could be due to any other meds you are on, or as wbiC says, it could be a nervous reaction, which most of us suffer from in the early stages.

[Worvera in reply to RufusScamp]

Yes I can’t deny that I’m anxious whenever I experience an angina episode. My bp goes really high. It took me to take 2 puffs of the spray twice to settle this afternoon after which I was exhausted. I really appreciate your reaching out 😊 Keep well

[Garto1]

At one point I was using my spray 7 or 8 times a day so GP put me on angina medication, I now only need spray before exercise or walking . The nurse said hopefully that’s just short term as they work to get the angina medication right. Personally I think the stress of the worry takes it out of you. Speak to cardiac nurse or GP for reassurance and advice . Don’t worry how many times you ask a question or explain your symptoms they would rather that so they can help you. Good luck

[Worvera in reply to Garto1]

Thank you. Yeah I was prescribed a mononitrate tablet (which is giving me terrible headaches) alongside the spray and aspirin. When I had an angina episode yesterday I was exhausted for hours later. I’ve yet to see cardiology and have only had a brief telephone consultation with my GP which is why I feel so lost and vulnerable. I really do appreciate the help from this site 👍

[Garto1 in reply to Worvera]

Awe it’s so difficult not seeing someone face to face . I now attend cardiac clinic which makes it a bit easier than on the phone. Take care and I’m sure it won’t be too long until you feel better and supported .

[Worvera in reply to Garto1]

Thank you 🤗❤️

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I’ve been using a spray on and off for years, needing it v little now, as the meds seem to be suiting me and my angina v well, at last. The med juggling can take quite a while.I used to feel completely wiped out after two sprays. And often a bad head. I usually rested or snoozed for a couple of hours. You do get more used to it, if it’s used regularly.

Cons told me she doesn’t want me to get angina, it shows the heart is stressed, so use the spray whenever it’s needed.

[Worvera in reply to Kristin1812]

Thanks for your support. I’m so glad you’ve got your meds sorted. It gives me hope that things might return to something more like normal. I rested for a few hours after my attack yesterday and that did help. 😊

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

Your rest times might well reduce from a couple of hours, as you get used to the sprat.

[Hidden]

Rest.. I find sometimes recovering takes a few minutes and other times it can be a day or longer.

[LBCdance]

Honestly nobody on this site minds questions. As long as we bear in mind that we aren't doctors it is good to share experiences and information and get advice from people who understand. I find it all very helpful

[Worvera in reply to LBCdance]

Yes thank you I already feel not so alone! I truly appreciate all the advice as I don’t seem to be getting much from any other source. I have to admit though I’d been experiencing pain on exercise from time to time but didn’t want to bother the doctor in these busy times 🙂

[alheart]

Rest and relaxGive your heart a chance to recover

[Worvera in reply to alheart]

❤️ thank you

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Do you have angina?

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes! Diagnosed just last week 😕

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

Hi Worvera,

My question was for wibC. I am not sure that he actually lives with angina.

If you look by the person's name you'll see alittle arrow pointing to who the question is for.

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Oh ha ha apologies I’m a bit of a dinosaur 😄

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Worvera,

Whenever I have had an episode of angina it makes me very tired and exhausted.

I have learned to rest and pace my activities.

If I feel tired I will have a nap in the afternoon.

Have you been referred to a Cardiologist for a review and further tests?

Perhaps give the BHF helpline a call and speak to one of the Cardiac nurses.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Oh I didn’t realise I could phone a Cardiac Nurse. That’s really useful thank you. I have had so much more help from this forum than anywhere else. It’s reassuring to realise that exhaustion is common post attack! 🙂

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

Here's some information about the different types of angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks so much 😀

[Peajaya]

Its a little difficult to answer your question as there are many different types of angina. I have Prinzmetal angina ( there is also another name for it but I keep forgetting it) and after any of those attacks I do feel tired so take it easy for a couple of hours or even less. The worse thing you can do is worry about it. Try and accept it as part of your life from nw on now, that is if you have the same type as me. I hope someone else will relate their story to you after this short note, and you have explained what type of angina you have. Take care, dont worry and stay safe.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Peajaya]

Vasospastic angina is the term now being used Peajaya 😊

[richard_jw]

Hi looking at your posts it seems like you have quite significant angina. 2 puffs in a short time in addition to taking nitrate pills seems a lot.Have you seen a cardiologist? Had any tests done e.g. an angiogram?

I think you need a referral ASAP.

[Worvera in reply to richard_jw]

I am still waiting for the A&E consultant to write to my GP in order to get referred Richard. That was 9 days ago and waiting! I understand how busy they are but I may phone my GP back to see what’s happening 😕

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

Your GP should have been sent a copy of your discharge summary from A&E.

Did you get a copy of the summary?

If so ask your GP to refer you to the Rapid Chest Pain Clinic. They try to see you within 2 weeks.

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you. I am going to pursue it tomorrow. My summary just said ‘angina’ and a note of the 3 prescriptions for aspirin, the spray and the trinitrate tablet. I don’t think my GP was too impressed! Is the Rapid Chest Pain Clinic just in England? I live inGlasgow.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

I believe there are Rapid Chest Pain clinics in Scotland too.

However maybe one of the forum members who lives in Scotland can confirm this for you.

@Sunnie2day @gilried

[Truckerclark in reply to Worvera]

Glasgow royal infirmary have a rapid chest clinic , if your having to use GTN spray too much and it’s not helping your pain ,,,then call 111 they will tell you to go to hospital or arrange ambulance for you ,,,, I’ve got angina live in East Kilbride use my spray when needed , if you need it use it ,,,,

[Worvera in reply to Truckerclark]

Great information thanks. I’m in Blantyre so Glasgow would be for me too. I hope you keep well 😊

[Truckerclark in reply to Worvera]

In that case hairmyres hospital East Kilbride ,that’s were I go ,,,your doctor should give you a note and go straight up if need be ,,,

[Truckerclark in reply to Worvera]

I should also add if you’ve been referred to a consultant ,do you know which hospital they are from ,,,,, if so call them up ask fir his / her secretary they will,answer your question on when you’ll be seen ,,,but like others say if you feel it’s urgent A&E ,,,don’t take chances ,

[Worvera in reply to Truckerclark]

The consultant is in Wishaw General. I called the secretary and she could see the referral but not where I am on the list or how long my appointment would take. I will take your heed 😊

[Cookie2020]

If things don’t feel right at anytime please Dial 999 it maybe nothing but let the paramedics do their magic at your house and let them decide what needs doing 👍

The main thing is not to panic there’s a lot off professional people out there who are always glad to help.

Cheers Andy

[Worvera in reply to Cookie2020]

Thanks 🙏 X

[Brad08]

I had mild chest pain and was told I have angina and had a small HA, I had 4 stents put in and I am on loads of meds, I was told to use the spray and rest, if I did not need to phone 999 then to carry on. Thankfully I have only had mild pain which fades if I rest. I am waiting for Cardio Rehad to run a test and tell me what exercises I can do but until then I have been told to do very little, have you been in touch with Re hab at all? I would suggest you call 111 if you have pain or are worried at all, do not leave it, they really dont mind if you call and they might send a none urgent ambulance to make sure. BUT at least you will be checked over.

[Worvera in reply to Brad08]

Thanks for responding Brad08. I’m so sorry you’ve had such a tough time. I’ve not had contact with anyone since my diagnosis last week which is why I feel so in the dark about my condition and what to do. I appreciate everyone’s input on here. Take good care of yourself 😊

[Arty56]

Hi,After an attack, depending on how bad it was, listen to your body, you may feel tired, have a headache, feel shaky or anxious,I usually rest, have a drink and I sometimes nod off, each time I feel grateful the spray worked and I didn't have to go to hospital this time and the pain has subsided, it's relief tbh, I feel sleepy and drained, so I rest. hope this helps you to find out what someone else does in the same situation.

Best regards

Yvonne

[Worvera in reply to Arty56]

Thanks so much Yvonne. Yes I feel quite exhausted afterwards. I’ve been referred to cardiology but no idea what the waiting list is like. I get much more information from this site than anywhere else! 😕

[Arty56 in reply to Worvera]

That's OK no probs, I see you have prescribed aspirin, gtn spray and tabs. The thing is angina is a symptom not the actual illness, mine is coronary artery disease, they should have told you what is actually wrong with you, also I'm on diff meds for my cad and angina, BP and cholesterol ie ranolazine, bisoprolol and statins, aspirin and pain meds. Have you had all the tests ie. Echocardigram, angiogram, stress tests plus others, I didn't have to have the stress test though, as doc said no point he knew what was wrong. Nothings quick, I was shocked how long it took, quite nonchalant and matter of fact, they told me the news over the phone, lovely...i have one letter that says what's wrong exactly, which arteries and segments, intervals, qt's load of gibberish never had an explanation. I just think if it was seriously bad I'd have an op, I hope... Its been 2 years not been checked again, so just carry on, been in hosp a few times overnight with it, I'm hoping you get your diagnosis and they explain it properly and your looked after, I do feel somewhat abandoned, but I don't make a fuss I just do day by day, walking difficult, breathless very tired. Don't be like me though.... See your doc whenever you need to, I must go soon, its so overdue tbh.

Doesn't seem right though, just to get angina meds, there must be something causing it... I'm hoping the attacks are mild?

Maybe someone on here knows if it's normal to just get angina meds, maybe it's just to start you off for now, stay strong

Good luck Yvonne

[Worvera in reply to Arty56]

Jeez you’ve been through the mill Yvonne 😕 I haven’t had the tests yet but did phone cardiology who said I was on the system but no appointment yet. It’s really surprising how long it’s taken for you. I admire your ability to keep calm and carry on! I was woken up twice last night with chest and arm pain and had to take the spray on both occasions. I don’t know how to describe the intensity except that it was not something that I could have ignored. The spray worked well on both occasions. I feel a bit stuck at the moment without a diagnosis. Due to retire next February and it can’t come quick enough 😕

[Hidden]

I need my spray 2-3 times a week. Always very tired after attack and spray. The spray gives me headaches as well. I should use it more but do not like it at all. I was told that if two sprays does not help then go to a&e.

[Worvera in reply to Hidden]

It’s definitely helping! I wake up most nights with pain and take it. I am quite tired but it could be the disturbed sleep. I hope you manage your headache as it does put me off too. Mine are settling down now as my system gets used to the meds. I wish you well 😊

[Hidden in reply to Worvera]

Have had the spray a few years and still get headaches. Just not as bad. Side effects. My nicorandil as well with nausea.