CAS / Prinzmetal

[Pammie45]

In May 2020, I was fitted with a pacemaker and two stents and although they were successful, I have been loosely diagnosed with CAS / Prinzmetal angina - coronary artery spasms. I call it a nocturnal angina - it wakes me up at night and I use GTN medication. Is anyone on here who has been diagnosed with this or think they have this chronic condition, I would like to discuss what cardiologist they’ve seen and their treatment please? I live in South Wales.

I can walk quickly and run and I am fine, but the angina I have at night gives me nausea, sweaty palms, heavy arms, discomfort in the chest. I am on a CAS FB group and believe me there are people suffering far worse than me.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to hearing from you. Pam

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

I have lived with vasospastic angina, the term now more commonly used rather than Prinzmetal angina or coronary artery spasms for 10 years.

Mine was diagnosed by a specialised angiogram.

Have you had any formal testing?

Vasospastic angina along with microvascular angina are still poorly understood conditions.

However there is increasing awareness of these types of angina non obstructive coronary arteries, ANOCA.

A good way to get to see a Cardiologist who understands ANOCA is to take part in research.

Here are some links to research studies taking place in the UK.

You will probably have to travel.

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

isrctn.com/ISRCTN94728379

The BHF has this information about vasospastic and microvascular angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Poppy451]

Hi

I have microvascular angina with spasm. I get chest pain anytime of day and night. I do get triggered by excercise also smoking cocaine and coffee. I am trying to give up coffee , I had one today and remember why I am trying to give it up . Double expresso shot is a killer.

[Poppy451 in reply to Poppy451]

Also I did the provocation test awhile ago but it only showed mild spasm , however they did inject me with nitroglycerine before the provocation agent so I think it was bogus. I am not willing to go through another angiogram.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Poppy451]

Then why drink coffee or take cocaine?

[Poppy451 in reply to Milkfairy]

I dont take cocaine anymore or smoke (although I did start smoking for a bit a few months ago then stopped again) but coffee I sometimes think its not so bad until I drink it again and am reminded . I am getting into green tea now.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Poppy451]

I took a risk and asked for decaffeinated coffee in a restaurant a few months ago.

Never again. I had such severe chest pain, I vomited and became unresponsive.

Scared my poor husband to death.

[Poppy451 in reply to Milkfairy]

Oh my god that is a severe reaction!now you know. I do drink decaff thinking a little moderation but it doesnt taste the same I think I will quit it alltogether.