I was diagnosed in 2018 after 7 years of symptoms. It was always unpredictable, but triggers appeared to be changes in temperature and stress. I was medically retired because of it in 2020 because my employer wouldn't offer the reasonable adjustments I needed (no lone working basically).
I realised the other day that I have not had even a twinge since at least April of this year. Is this usual?
I'm not on any medication other than GTN as required.
Thanks
There are some patients who do have periods of no or fewer symptoms of vasospastic angina.
Taking ill health retirement helped me to manage my stress levels better. The warm weather helps me too.
However despite being on high doses of medication I am rarely without symptoms.
How was your Vasospastic angina diagnosed by symptoms or confirmed by an angiogram with acetylcholine ?
Have you been reviewed by a Cardiologist who has an understanding of vasospastic angina?
Enjoy your respite 😊
Diagnosis of exclusion. Myocardial perfusion scan clear. Discharged. Had to fight for re-referral. Ten minutes with a cardiologist, given the diagnosis and discharged to the 'care' of my GPs.
Have you considered asking to be referred to a Cardiologist who understands microvascular and vasospastic angina?
They are serious heart conditions.
Usually outside the expertise of a GP.
There are a couple of research studies into the conditions in the UK taking place.
Are you able to travel?
I'm able to travel. I am otherwise fit and well and would be interested in getting involved with research.
GP has done nothing from the start. I have GTN on repeat, but have never been reviewed or monitored in any way.
I asked to go back to Cardiology 2 years ago when I was on high dose steroids and having daily issues. They wanted me on Diltiazem but wanted GP to do 24 hour BP monitoring first as my BP is usually so low. GP refused.
Here are the details of the research studies.
One is at St Thomas's Hospital in London, you can contact thhe researchers yourself. The details are at the end of the link.
The other study is about a possible new treatment.
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...
In both cases you can ask your GP to refer you.
If the GP refuses you can complain to the Practice manager.
Thanks, that's brilliant.
Ansteynomad are you also on the Thyroid UK Forum? I ask because your symptoms and journey are similar to my own.
Yes I am. Symptoms started about 2 years before I started Levo.
Ok. Have we communicated before do you think? I recognise your online name so maybe we have talked before. I was so excited to find the thyroid forum when I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I have been on my own for over 25 years with ‘coronary spasm’ which is now called vasospastic angina. Having been on my own for so long I have been a keen (perhaps overly keen) contributor to the forum. Maybe we should compare notes by PM? I just don’t want to bore anyone who does not have the combined aspect of these conditions because it clearly only affects very few people.
Be my guest
Just to add that I have still had no further symptoms, certainly since 1 May 2022 and almost certainly for longer. One of my other diagnoses turned out to be false, after a lot of trauma and worry, and I'm wondering now whether I should query this one.
I've now got through that awful cold spell, when I was out every day and then three weeks of respiratory infections, with not even a twinge.
Should I be querying my diagnosis?
Probably not.Some people go into a quiet phase of vasospastic angina.
Celebrate it may mean for you the medication is helping!
Wishing you a Happy New Year.
I'm not taking any medication. I have GTN, but I haven't used it in at least eight months
I truly hope you continue to be symptom free.Enjoy!
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