Regular episodes of unstable angina

[Lfcsupporrer]

Hi, I had an MI in 2018 which required a stent; up until a few months ago things were pretty good however since April I have had to attend a/e for chest pains and told it is unstable angina. My ecg, bloods and another angiogram do not show a new heart attack (which I am really pleased with) but I am getting really frustrated having episodes of unrelieved pains that I have had to go to hospital even though my meds have been changed and increased. The past 2 episodes the doctor has said I need to see my cardiologist as nothing else can be done at a/e or if I’m admitted as it’s probably unstable angina. Is anyone else having similar problems? It’s getting to the point that I feel that a/e are marking me as a ‘regular’ and just wasting time although they tell me that I have done the right thing if my gtn doesn’t work!! I’m so upset that nobody believes me just because tests come back ok and also that they are saying that I need reassurance that my heart is ok with my medications

Sorry for the rant

[Hidden]

Sorry you are going through such a rough time. I can totally empathise as I am in similar situation. My heart has recovered exceptionally well for LAD STEMI end of last year and stenting. However chest pains since January have increased etc. Diagnosed with micro vascular angina (challenge test during 4th angiogram in 8 weeks- 3 of which resulted in angioplasty) but it usually occurred during night and on waking. Like you I was making good progress. Now pain occurs at random times of day and fir first time can be brought on with even mild exercise. Some breathlessness has returned and energy levels have dropped. Was doing 10000 steps a day beginning of year now find it hard to do half that. Does this sound like you? My last admission was end of March after horrendous pain but bloods did not show heart attack - good but you then feel a fraud and the pains continue. Lots of changes to meds and increases. Last week cardiologist increased them again and says angina has become unstable. I do think it’s about getting meds right to control this and it’s a difficult task. I feel I am getting there so maybe you should keep letting them know it’s not improving. The constant Med changes can be challenging but hopefully they can find right combination. Keep at them. Don’t be fobbed off. I know how difficult it is and wish you the very best

[Treeclimber62]

I know how you feel I had 2 stents 10 years ago r a d no problems up till a couple of weeks ago and now quite severe angina 2 trips to a and e no heart attack doctor put me on isosorbide slightly better but I dont feel confident to work as I have a fairly active job I'm a tree surgeon and landscape gardener I had a angiogram last year followed by a stress echocardiogram all ok they said just moderate plaque so cardiologist is going to send me for another angiogram I should add that the angiogram was done last year with very mild angina so I suppose things could of changed since then anyway I hope you get sorted but it's very frustrating

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello

I live with Vasospastic angina another type of Non obstructive coronary artery disease.

Luisbrady has mentioned the other type Microvascular angina.

Both these conditions are often overlooked and under recognised causes of chest pain. Patients are often being falsely reassured that their chest pain is not heart related.

Vasospastic and microvascular angina are challenging to live with and treat. It takes time and patience to get the right combination of medication that will help you best.

I suggest you ask your GP to refer you back to see a Cardiologist, if possible by the Rapid Chest Pain Clinic.