24 hr tape will it pick up Micro vascular angina?

[Paisleygg]

Hi just got a 24 hr tape on was last thing cardiologist has done to find out what is causing my angina like pains. His Registrar seemed to think it might be MVA but cardiologist seems to think I am suffering from musculoskeletal pain!! I have some mild coronary disease and on the statins.

I do believe at times am I going mad ! Am I really experiencing the tightness in my chest, pain along left arm and in neck and pain through to my back. Echocardiogram was clear and angiogram as I said picked up the mild coronary disease.

Just want answers as I was a fit 54 yr old female up until beginning of year when this all started and now not able to do the things I enjoy like hill walking and going to the gym. I’m still out walking every day for at least 35/40 mins to keep up my exercise but really been hampered with all this.

So wondering if tape might pick up anything??

Thanks in advance for any replies

[richard_jw]

I'm not a doctor, but I don't think MVA is picked up on a tape. Neither is it picked up on a normal angiogram.Milk Fairy might be able to enlighten you more than me.

[Paisleygg in reply to richard_jw]

Thanks Richard I have been on Milk Fairy’s posts and followed the links and my symptoms are classic MVA and when reading about another women’s story on BHF it’s like reading my own story.

[elliebath]

I don't know the answer but just offering support, as I too was a fit lady until I started getting breathlessness and occasional pain in chest or upper arm . Like you, the ct scan showed minimal calcification , no intervention needed, just take statin, aspirin and ramipril for BP. I walk most days, otherwise in good health, healthy weight, just can't do hills. However its made me nervous of going abroad as I'm always on my guard. Just wish I could be more relaxed about it...

[Paisleygg in reply to elliebath]

Thanks Elliebath for your support. I am just back a cruise and took out extra insurance and had a lovely time away and definitely was needed !! Although at times had a few episodes but we have got to live our lives !!

[elliebath in reply to Paisleygg]

Out of interest, who did your travel insurance?

[Paisleygg in reply to elliebath]

Was put in touch with Just Travel Cover and they were excellent and reasonable. Was covered for 10 days and a 7 day cruise. For £228 just to give you an idea . Hope it helps

[elliebath in reply to Paisleygg]

Thank you, will make a note of it.

[bantam12]

A 24 hour recording is usually pretty useless as it's not long enough to pick up intermittent problems. I had several which showed nothing much then had one for 7 days which luckily did !

[Paisleygg in reply to bantam12]

Glad they eventually were able to pick things up for you. It’s just the time it takes to get a diagnosis

[bantam12 in reply to Paisleygg]

Yep it took 6 years of back and forth and numerous tests !

[Paisleygg in reply to bantam12]

Wow that is some journey !! I’m just at the start in those terms !

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Paisleygg,

A 24 hour ECG will not be usually able to pick up microvascular angina, unless you have significant episodes of chest pain.

Microvascular angina caused by the inability of the blood vessels to dilate in response to exercise can be detected by a perfusion MRI.

The other way is during an angiogram by measuring the coronary flow reserve CFR and index of microvascular resistance IMR.

Was your CFR measured during your angiogram?

Microvascular dysfunction is diagnosed if the CFR is less than 2.5

There is still a lack of knowledge about microvascular and vasospastic angina and some Cardiologists just don't have the appropriate skills to diagnose the conditions.

I suggest you ask to be referred to a centre that is taking part in the PRIZE trial, which is a study into a possible new treatment for microvascular angina.

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

[Paisleygg in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks MilkFairy that’s great. I will look into getting referred. Don’t think my Cardiologist thinks it could be MVA so think will need to go down the private route!! I can hopefully access a Cardiologist in Glasgow that is doing research into MVANo don’t think CFR was measured.

Your info very much appreciated and thank you ☺️

[Worvera]

I was diagnosed with MVA after a series of tests culminating in an MRI where an angina attack was induced. Milk Fairy's posts informed me way more than my GP prior to this. My life has changed with lots of meds and very low energy but over time I don't seem to be getting as many attacks and I'm hoping that my energy will eventually get better. Take care

[Paisleygg in reply to Worvera]

Yes her info proving invaluable 👍🏼 It’s a long road but I hope it gets better for you ☺️

[Worvera]

You too!