Angiogram clear, what next? Microvascular?

[CC62]

Firstly thank you to everyone who responded to my last post regarding going for my angiogram on Monday, all your input helped!

I did question beforehand if I needed the procedure which was interpreted as a 'reluctance' to have it done and spoke to 2 consultants about it along with a nurse! Anyway, after having to wait for a couple of hours due to miscommunication within the hospital/department, the procedure went without a hitch and I have been told my arteries are clear, so that news along with the results from ECG, x-ray and echo saying my heart is healthy (apart from a minor leaky valve a lot of us apparently have and isn't a concern) it's a big yay!

Now although I have read about microvascular angina beforehand, at the time it just didn't cross my mind but reading about it since I don't think my symptoms point to it being that, but I'm not sure. The consultant said as I don't have angina, when I get my pain - it's a burning sensation when going uphill but haven't had it for months - I could try and just push through it, hmm, think I may just go slow as I have been! He also said to have check-ups/tests to make sure things stay as they are but obviously that will be arranged through my doctor's surgery.

He has said I can stop my angina meds which is basically just the aspirin as I was already on the beta blockers as a migraine preventative and I haven't needed to use the GTN spray. I'll still stay on the statins for my cholesterol until I speak to a doctor about another blood test to check levels.

So I guess I wait for 7-10 days for the results to filter through to the doctors and then phone to see what happens next.

I am curious about what symptoms people with microvascular angina have and if there are any other thoughts on what could be causing the burning I've had - the consultant did suggest indigestions but I don't think so!

Would love to know other people's thoughts on what I've been told though and what you think I need to do now.

As for the after effects, my arm aches less today and the incision only twinges now and then, so far I can't see any bruising and thankfully my 'fat fingers' seem to be shrinking back to normal size! Trying to do things one handed is quite an experience even with my good arm being my dominant one! I was very tired yesterday but so far today feel better but of course I'll still milk it and get waited on by hubby!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

Good to hear everything went well for you.

Microvascular dysfunction which causes most types of microvascular angina can be diagnosed during a routine angiogram by measuring your coronary flow reserve ,CFR and index of microvascular resistance IMR. If these were measured and found to be normal it's unlikely that you have microvascular angina.

If measured the results should be written in your follow up letter.

I suggest you keep a diary of your symptoms and activities and see if there are any common triggers. I suggest you discuss with your GP your symptom diary especially if your symptoms become worse.

The usual treatment for microvascular dysfunction is a beta blocker.

You are on a statin already.

If you would like some more information about Microvascular angina you may find this link helpful.

internationalheartspasmsall...

Unfortunately the knowledge about microvascular and vasospastic angina is not widespread amongst Cardiologists, Cardiac nurses and GPs.

[CC62 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi Milkfairy.

Thanks for all that info and the link. As I figured was the case I shall wait until my doctors surgery has the info from the cardiologist and see what it says but good to know to ask about what tests were performed during the procedure.

A diary is a good idea as although I don't really get any symptoms - the only one I had was pain on going uphill but as I take hills very slowly I don't get that now - it would be useful to write down other things that I've always assumed are 'nothing' but may be something.

I'm already on a beta blocker for my migraine prevention so I guess even if I did have it, I'm covered!

I had read that there was a lack of knowledge beyond 'regular' angina which I find difficult to grasp, you'd think that cardiologists would be constantly up-to-date with findings etc, Maybe I need to speak to my dog's vet who has a good understanding of his heart condition!

😂Thanks again. Debbie