Angina or asthma

[Rollo1]

I have recently been diagnosed with coronary heart disease and also have severe asthma. I regularly get chest pains but I don't know if it's an asthma attack or angina. How can I tell which medication to take? I am so confused and concerned I get it right, I told my specialist and she just told me the pain radiates across your chest I know this but the asthma pain goes across my chest too. Can anyone help?

[Hidden]

Talk to your GP, who will be able to better understand your personal medical situation in more detail than anyone on here. Your GP should also rule in or out the possibility of gastro problems which often cause chest discomfort, as I know from personal experience

[Rollo1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I plan to book an appointment to talk my GP I also have acid reflux which is controlled at the moment.

[Hidden in reply to Rollo1]

I assume by controlled you mean taking a PPI. I take a PPI for gastro problems and have done for many years but it still doesn't stop the occasional flare up, usually caused by something I've eaten. So I suggest you try a really bland diet including no alcohol for a few days to give your insides a chance to heal if they have been affected, to see if it makes any difference. A few days 'rest' usually works for me after a flare up.

[Bluebell67]

Hi Rollo1, I had the same conversation when I had to have my asthma check. Like you I have both asthma and CAD. In the beginning I couldn’t tell the difference between what pain was caused by what. It’s still difficult to know whether the breathlessness of caused by asthma or the CAD. Sorry I can’t help any further but you’re not alone in wanting to know what pain is caused by which illness. Your question has prompted me to ask my cardiologist when I see him next.

Hope you can get some clarity from your doctor soon.

[Rollo1 in reply to Bluebell67]

Thanks, nice to know I'm not the only one confused. How do you medicate if you are not sure? Will you please let me know if your cardiologist gives you any useful help? Thank you.

[Bluebell67 in reply to Rollo1]

Hi Rollo1. Difficult to know if I’m meditating myself correctly or not to be honest. Hoping the consultant will provide the right answers. I will certainly let you know what he comes up, if anything.

[SmokeAKipper]

Have same all I can suggest is yes speak to cardiologist.But also keep on top of asthma and CHD.

Tightness, is difficult but print out side affects of medication.

Keep fit plenty of fresh air but diet is key, make sure to check not prediabetic... check insulin resistance.... not over weight... check out the iceman on YouTube Kim hoff I think, his advice is brilliant best I’ve seen... best thing in our situation is

Inflammation learn about this!

[Cyprus12]

Hi Rollo1. It's a difficult one! I was diagnosed with asthma at 19. As a very sporty person, I began struggling in my late teens. At 53 I had an attack, chest pains, collapsed, blurred vision. I was exercising at the time. I had had an angina attack and told to stop all activity while they investigated. I had a useless aorta (aoric stenosis) and had a valve replacement! It was hereditary and since my heart op I have never used an inhaler again.Therefore, I conclude I have never had asthma, but heart disease instead!!! I was very lucky not to have had a heart attack that day! Some of my family have not beencso lucky! Please have a good chat with your cardiologist and tell him your concerns. Good luck.

[Rollo1 in reply to Cyprus12]

Thanks for your answer.

[Brokenheart19]

I completely get it Rollo1 as a severe asthmatic and heart attack survivor. On speaking to my cardiologist he says the pain is very similar and radiates in the same way. I had what I thought was an asthma attack and it transpires it was a heart attack found three days later as it grumbled on. (Context - had done very fast walking 5k late evening in May. Pollen sky high and pushing myself for good 5k time. 54yo woman fit (gym 5x week, hiit boot camp etc. )I thought the tightness was asthma and treated accordingly. No real effect. It grumbled on for two more days culminating in being violently sick and waking feeling anxious and unable to settle. (Again put down to personal circumstances of daughters wedding/ofsted inspection looming and husband in Afghanistan) On discussion with cardiologist he was reassuring but said no real difference. I know the difference now because it subsides with inhalers. If in doubt inhalers and if there’s anything else go to a and e. The panic/stress does subside and life goes on.

[Rollo1 in reply to Brokenheart19]

Thank you that's really helpful.

[Juksey]

Rollo1 ,

I was only diagnosed late last year and most important thing i noticed was that with an Asthma attack i had the usual Pressure and raspy wheezy breathing.

but the Angina although feeling the same Pressure in shoulder I could breathe deeply and cleanly.. albeit with conscious effort.

take your Inhaler before you exercise,, and then take you GTN if necessary,

you will soon notice the difference.

my 1st set of stents really improved my health,, i didnt realise how much pressure/pain i was in from my Angina until it lifted.