Microvascular Angina people! Do you ever get so cold that it feels quite painful? It can take me hours to defrost even on a warm day! Thanks

[Worvera]

Microvascular angina

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

Yes!

I have coronary vasospasms and my goodness I feel the cold🥶

The cold is one of the triggers for my angina.

I also, as you say feel cold to my bones even on a warm day.

This is what helps me:

I get in a warm bath, get the hot water bottles out, and wear lots of layers.

I am still wearing my thermals even though it's summer.

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy you are so kind to respond so quickly. I have recently experienced having to leave the supermarket. The chilling cabinets pained my skin! I couldn’t get warmed up for ages. Tonight I have been wrapped up in layers in my bed. Not looking forward to winter!!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

Haha, I nearly mentioned the chiller cabinets in the supermarket.

I get chest pain and my hands really hurt because of my Raynauds Phenomenon in supermarkets. The chiller cabinets are so cold.

I put a fleece on before walking inside a supermarket!

Air conditioning set at too low a temperature is another problem.

Hopefully there will be some warmer weather on the way soon🌞

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes I think I’ll have to be more prepared. I already carry a bag with gtn spray and water. I’ll start putting a pullover in there too 🥶😊

[Gcart in reply to Milkfairy]

I know it won’t work for everyone but the Diltiazem has all but cured my white/blue fingers that was a problem if temperature was less than about 18 c It was an unexpected bonus for me .

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Gcart]

Hi

Thanks,

Unfortunately my vasospastic angina has been a challenge to treat

I am on maximum doses of Diltiazem and other medications and still experience alot of symptoms.

I am glad the Diltiazem is working for you though.

[Gcart in reply to Milkfairy]

Thankyou Milkfairy I’m less troubled by it , the disease I mean. . Best wishes.

[Worvera in reply to Gcart]

Glad you found a solution. Refreshing to hear 😊

[monotone]

Yes. There have been a couple of occasions when I felt cold to the bone. I couldn't get warm even with hot drinks, soup and a blanket over me. I wear more layers now even around the house!

[Worvera in reply to monotone]

Thanks monotone. Sorry to hear that you experience it too. It appears to be yet another symptom that I have to learn to manage 😟

[Healthyheart1]

Hi Worvera, it's Tesco's for me, it's the only supermarket I have to put on a coat to walk round and then I can't wait to get away from the place. Regards Sheena x

[Worvera in reply to Healthyheart1]

Hi Sheena I’ve experienced this for around a year and am only diagnosed a couple of months ago. Crikey thanks for sharing! It makes sense now. 😊

[AuntyEdna]

This rings a bell for me too! I get very cold including summer time I have lots of fleeces and wear one in all supermarkets, I really detest air conditioning too. My journey: Finally - after two years- I was told I had Microvascular Angina - It took some doing the Drs really don't want to know unless you need a stent or OHS where I live. At my last consultation, after a positive stress test then six months later a four day stay in hospital with raised tropin levels the consultant suggested it was because I was unfit or going through the menopause- good job it was a phone call- I had to keep v calm . Menopause was 15years ago and I'm a busy lady within reason. It's so comforting to hear all your symptoms and experiences which are so like mine, I now feel justified keeping on at the Drs.

[Worvera in reply to AuntyEdna]

Sorry to hear about that AuntyEdna. I haven’t been well on and off for a year and have had several hospital visits culminating in CCU for five days a few weeks ago. My consultant there was amazing and I’ve had every test known to man. My attacks are largely when I’m asleep and I get woken up 2-3 times a night so am exhausted. The cold is intense when it happens. I wonder if using the gtn spray would help with it? Take good care of yourself 😊

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to AuntyEdna]

Hello,It is certainly challenging to find a Cardiologist who is knowledgeable about caring for patients with microvascular and vasospastic angina.

My diagnosis of vasospastic angina took sometime and was only really accepted after I had an angiogram with acetylcholine.

I am 9 years into my journey.

I am fortunate to now have a supportive and knowledgeable Cardiologist.

I have had some moments as you have described in the past.

Sometimes as patients we need to help educate those who are looking after us.

You might find this website helpful. It was created by 4 patients with over 50 years combined experience of living with microvascular and vasospastic angina.

The group is supported by nearly 30 world expert Cardiologists.

I refer any healthcare professional to this website to update their knowledge about our heart conditions as necessary.

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