Vasospastic angina

[Pilchard2]

Hi. This is my first time posting. I have had trouble with chest pain and breathing issues since 2017. I was diagnosed with a pericardial cyst but my consultant said it shouldn't actually cause any symptoms .After a year the cyst had completely gone. I was fighting with GP to get a stress test as alot of my issues were at exercise but no one would refer me for one. Anyway I managed to see the consultant to check the cyst hadn't come back which it hadn't. He then wrote to my GP saying I needed the stress test!!!! Forward to 2019. Had stress test which showed I needed an angiogram. Angiogram showed mild coronary angina. Given tablets sent away but good after care nurses. When I got the letter about the angiogram diagnosis it also said 'possible' small vessel issues. So I did some research as I was still not right. GP wasn't helpful so I found a private consultant who dealt with this kind of angina and he was like a breath of fresh air. Had a special MRI scan and was diagnosed with vasospastic angina. I've had to fight every step of the way to get the help I needed but the consultant I have now will see me on the NHS. This is the short version of what I went through.The moral of my story is to never give up. You know your body. Be persistent but kind.😊

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Pilchard2

Welcome to the forum,

I agree that you have to be persistent when seeking support and a diagnosis if you live with angina non obstructive coronary arteries ANOCA. Microvascular or vasospastic angina.

I have lived with vasospastic angina for 10 years. I too had a struggle to get a correct diagnosis.

I had a specialised angiogram in 2014 through the NHS.

My understanding is that coronary vasospasms causing vasospastic angina can only be confirmed by an invasive angiogram when acetylcholine is injected into the coronary arteries.

Acetylcholine will induce coronary vasospasms when someone has vasospastic angina.

A cardiac perfusion MRI is useful to diagnose microvascular dysfunction causing microvascular angina.

I suggest you ask for the appropriate testing to confirm your diagnosis.

You might be interested in this research taking place in St Thomas's Hospital London were they are investigating how to diagnose ANOCA.

isrctn.com/ISRCTN94728379

The BHF has this information about vasospastic angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo....

You may find the information on this website helpful too.

internationalheartspasmsall...

[Pilchard2 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for your reply. I'm seeing my consultant next week so I can discuss with him what you told me. It's so nice to be able chat about things like this.Thanks

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Pilchard2]

I hope you get the answers

I was incorrectly diagnosed with microvascular angina and prescribed beta blockers.

I ended up in hospital with worse chest pain. I now know beta blockers are contraindicated if you have vasospastic angina as they can make vasospasms worse.

I would also suggest you ask your Cardiologist if they are aware of the latest consensus document from the joint BHF -NIHR ( National Institute for Healthcare Research) Microvascular dysfunction working group?

heart.bmj.com/content/early...

These recommendations will hopefully lead to patients being able to access the appropriate diagnosis and treatment more quickly, rather than having to struggle like we had to.

[Pilchard2]

Thanks for your kind words. I will always keep fighting!

[Poppy451]

How's is it I have these 2 conditions and I am not fine and fine.

[Poppy451]

I already have been diagnosed years ago with microvascular angina and spasm . It's not getting better it's getting worse. I will see the doctor soon to see if he can tweak my meds but have little hope. But I do hope they can fix you soon , they can do miracles these days.

[Hidden]

Hello thank you for sharing and the words of encouragement as I have such “dark” days and you feel like giving up and just living with it. Thank you too Milkfairy for continued encouraging words. Today is a brighter day, even if pain still same each day. 😊

[Poppy451]

I have recently bought some magnesium oil ( magnesium chloride) I spray it over my chest I think it helps a bit.