MVd and coronary artery spasm frequent attacks

[Abergele]

My condition seems to be getting worse wake in early hours with heart pounding, on list to see cardiologist, my GP doctor doubled my meds, that made me really ill head aches permanently not sleeping, signed me off work with chest pains and anxiety , I have said put me back on normal dosage and if I cannot control attack will ring 999.

I now find my heart aches more regularly, I am on waiting list but cannot stay off work until I manage to see cardiogist, should I retire early, age 64.5 years only supposed to retire at 66. This is also a worry? They say stay calm and don't stress, easy words. Living with time bomb!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Abergele,

I am sorry you are having such a tough time too!

I am now in my 10th year of living with coronary vasospastic angina. I have always been under the care of a Cardiologist during this time.

Microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina are complex conditions and you need to see a Cardiologist who understands the conditions.

It does sound as though you need a review of your medication.

Do you have an appointment at all?

I suggest you keep a diary of your symptoms. If you continue to experience chest pain at rest at night, which lasts longer, is more frequent and severe, then ring 111 for advice.

You may well need to go to A&E.

Have you had any tests to confirm whether your symptoms are caused by microvascular dysfunction or vasospastic angina?

It's important as the treatment is different.

I was originally assumed to have microvascular dysfunction until I had a specialised angiogram which confirmed I have coronary vasospasms.

I was given the incorrect treatment which made my vasospasms worse.

I am unfortunately badly effected. I still woken frequently in the night with angina, especially as the weather has changed.

I managed to walk my dog this morning then fell asleep this afternoon as I was so tired.

I had to take ill health retirement in my early 50's. I couldn't carrying on in my physically and emotionally demanding profession.

I have a long wait for my state pension.

There is this website written by patients with microvascular dysfunction or vasospastic angina, they list some coping strategies.

internationalheartspasmsall...

I hope it helps.

[Abergele in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for reply, I started with problems in 2006 emotional stress the cause I am told these last 3 years got worse, had 3 angiograms last one 3 years ago then told 50 blockage LAD and it is your veins of your heart, medication seemed to settle it now it is back I am waiting list to see cardiologist but because of backlog it could be a wait.I wanted to continue working thinking it would take my mind away, but I know I am unable, don’t know how long work will put up with sick notes this is now 4 weeks .

Worrying about heart, not sleeping, worrying about work not helping, I feel like a coiled spring I need to get my head straight. Thanks again .

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Abergele]

You sound as though you are between a rock and hard place.

I and still do end up in hospital on IV GTN so my decision to retire early was made for me.

Anxiety and stress are not good for us, however it can be challenging to manage them.

Do you have an Occupational Health Department? Perhaps talk to them.

I worked part time and in a less stressful area for a while.

I would push your GP for an earlier appointment or go to A&E if necessary.

[Abergele in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you, good to talk to some that understands

[arTistapple in reply to Milkfairy]

Milk fairy I think you will find a bit from me now on a couple links on HealthUnlocked. When my spasm and heart attack occurred, The British Heart Foundation did not have any real info on the condition. I am ‘heartened’ that they are now in a position to supply some info. One certainly does not get it from doctors. Just in case it was not you I replied to before. After suffering for about forty years with it and a heart attack in 2002; I have recently been diagnosed as hypothyroid. No pain (virtually) for the last year. It’s no coincidence and extremely cheap to treat. (Well that is another story) but doctors and consultants and certainly the British Heart Foundation knew nothing about this at the time. There is research available but my computer skills are not great. Japan seems to have been one of the first. They also have done the Broken-heart syndrome stuff too. I could go on but a really cheap process for your docs to check - if you can get them to challenge their own fixed ideas.