Is this (presumably angina) pain normal - am taking Isosorbide Mononitrate, Apixiban and Atorvastatin

[Rostom]

I began taking Isosorbide Mononitrate 30mg (half a tablet) two years ago after a constant squeezing pain in my upper left arm, later diagnosed as angina.

I have since had an angiogram and pressure wire test which did not show any great narrowing of arteries.

I am now having the same squeezing pain in my upper left arm, as before, but this is spasmodic - it seems to come and go.

Should I ring my GP? I realise it is a bit of a daft question as I probably should contact my doctor but this is quite recent and I wonder if it will just settle down again, given time. Or not!

Many thanks.

[elliebath]

I would see a doctor if I were you. For four years Ive had occasional angina with breathing difficulty but only when exerting, or in severe cold or heat. Previous investigation included an angiogram which showed only very minor plaque in one area, and consultant said no intervention needed but recommended a statin and aspirin, nothing more.

Roll forward to last month and I had a worrying squeezing pain in my left upper arm. It came 2 or 3 times a day for several days. I was worried but couldn't get hold of a GP, so went to A&E. After an ECG and full blood tests they found nothing wrong. That was a month ago and it has not since recurred.

[Sunrise_]

I second elliebath's advice as someone who is waiting for a diagnoses. in addition, contact cardio nurse on 0300 330332. I found it very helpful to help me understand my current situation.Good luck! 🙂

[Rostom]

Thanks, both ellibath and Sunrise.

I have taken your advice and spoken to a lovely helpful BHF nurse.

As my pain is intermittent I should be OK (i e. it's not constant) but have promised to contact my GP on Monday if it continues.

Thank you for your comments: very kind of you.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Before my bypass I had quite severe angina. I personally found Diltiazem (a CCI - Calcium Channel Inhibitor) far more effective at preventing angina that Isosorbide Mononitrate.

Definitely talk with your GP.

[dunestar]

I agree that it needs investigating if your pain continues. Was anything said to you about your angina diagnosis after your angio which revealed that your main arteries were not greatly narrowed? I'm just wondering if it's possible that your angina arises from the microvascular end of things rather than your main coronary arteries. The BHF has an information sheet on microvascular angina bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Rostom in reply to dunestar]

Hi Dunestar

Thank you for posting re. my squeezy arm pain. It did settle down but your suggestion of microvascular angina sums me up pretty well!

When I see the cardiologists next time, I will certainly mention this to them.

Apologies for my late response and thank you again.

Keep well.

Regards

Rostom