Micro vascular angina and vasospasm update

[Sunshinebrew]

Hello

I just wanted to share my story which may be beneficial to others on here with similar issues.

I initially was diagnosed with asthma but saw a doctor while suffering a breathless episode who did an ECG and sent me to A and E where I had more ECG and blood tests which were inconclusive not bad enough for a heart attack but slightly raised and my symptoms had settled so was sent home with an outpatient follow up.

My symptoms were breathlessness with chest tightness but not pain and palpitations with ectopic beats.

I had lots of tests over the next year including a couple of A and E visits, before having an angiogram which showed I needed 3 stents in my LAD after having this done I was put on Beta blocker aspirin and atorvastatin.

Unfortunately though my symptoms of breathlessness and exhaustion continued and I would also get chest tightness and upper back pain with nausea so had numerous trips to A and E and 3 further angiograms done and echocardiogram which showed heart function ok and stents ok.

I have since been diagnosed with possible micro vascular angina and vasospasm and seen a few cardiologists on the NHS my symptoms have continued off and on and now 5 years after my first trip to A and E I am feeling really good

My meds have been altered and I’ve stopped the beta blocker and now take adizem ranolazine and nitrates which seem to be working for me

Have not had any chest pain for at least 2 months now am able to exercise feel full of energy and have finally got my life back.

I’ve received much support and information from this site which has helped me enormously thanks to milk fairy in particular.

I hope my story proves helpful to others there is light at the end of the tunnel and more awareness growing of MVA and how to treat it.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Sunshinebrew,

It is fantastic to read your uplifting story.

It is lovely to hear that you have managed to improve your quality of life with the medication that suits you best.

Long may you be symptom free😊

[Sunshinebrew in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes thank you I’m hoping it lasts see what the winter brings I hope you are ok and thanks for your support and knowledge which has been very helpful to me

[berlyrash]

Dear Sunshinebrew, thank you for sharing your experience. Have you been able to get back to fully normal physical activity - i'm in the midst of diagnosis. Currently my physical strength and endurance is about 20-25% of what it used to be 2 years ago. Wondering how long it will take to get back to full on cycling, swimming, running...

[Sunshinebrew in reply to berlyrash]

I am still doing well and am able to most of what I want but if I overdo it I will get very tired and have to rest.

There is a big difference for me in as much as I am able to walk for up to an hour everyday gardening cooking shopping socialising etc whereas a year ago I found it difficult on some days to get up and shower and spent a lot of days resting now it’s just the occasional day resting.

I have more energy and am a bit fitter as a result and no significant chest pain in months now, if I start to get the tight heaviness in my chest I rest and it eases without getting worse or needing the spray.

I wouldn’t say I’m cured but for me the condition is much more manageable and I have much better quality of life.

I wish you well