Not sure and nervous about using GTN spray

[Bluetimes]

I had my heart attack on 26th and stent fitted. Surprisingly feel absolutely fine , but occasionally get a ‘gentle’ discomfort in the middle of my chest which doesn’t immediately go and am not sure whether to use GTN or not. Any advice on who it is best to ask regarding this as it’s a bank holiday ?

[Hidden]

Hello

Sorry to hear what you went through and I take it that it was Boxing day this year which was only a few days ago

Having a stent in will leave you for a short while with a few aches and pains as the heart does not take very kindly to been tampered with till it all settles down again which it will

However about the spray it will not harm you and maybe you do not need it and it is just everything settling down but if you try it and it makes no difference then you know you do not need it because if you did you would get some relief

If you feel anything is getting any worse do not hesitate to call 111 or an ambulance but hopefully this will not be needed and it will improve

If you try the spray let us know if it helps x

[Bluetimes in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply , all very new and as I have low blood pressure and on beta blockers as well and know that the spray can drop it even more am just a little nervous of using it ; as you say it’s early on and no muscle likes to be pulled about ! Just had a short walk and made no difference one way or the other so think it’s just mending discomfort

[Hidden in reply to Bluetimes]

Hello

The chances are I expect it will be it just settling down

If your BP is low and you need to use it then make sure you are sat down it would come back up again

Tomorrow everything is back open and the BHF Nurses are great you could give them a call and they would talk to you

I will pop the number on incase you decide to x

Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

[Bluetimes in reply to Hidden]

thank you saves me having to try to find that x

[HeartyJames in reply to Bluetimes]

Hi I had/have same issues with low BP . It will not do you harm and best to take it when you feel you need it. Have someone in the house and sit down. It will likely give a brief headache that is normal. It it helps any discomfort then it was needed.

[Goldfish7 in reply to Bluetimes]

I only use mine in places where I can sit down due to its blood pressure lowering effects which can leave me feeling faint. In an absolute emergency I guess I may try it not seated but would worry about the consequences.

[Blackknight57 in reply to Hidden]

if you can get to A&E at this present time, aka if you have someone to drive you, you would be better off . Ambulances are currently running at up yo 15hours wait.

[Hidden in reply to Blackknight57]

Hello

I have heard this can be the case especially on days they are on Strike in my area otherwise they are still ok I suppose it depends where you live

Failing having someone to drive you there if needed it would have to be a taxi

Hope you are keeping well x

[Blackknight57 in reply to Hidden]

my area isn't on strike. So this is a direct slowness of the service in general.

[Hidden in reply to Blackknight57]

x

[Mlinde in reply to Hidden]

Yes, you will have some weird aches and pains every now and then, take a Paracetamol and I'm surprised the hospital didn't give you box before leaving. The GTN spray is really for any real constriction you feel (angina) and you'll know it if you experience it! But it won't do more than give you a headache for a short while.

[Hidden in reply to Mlinde]

Hello

Not sure you meant this reply for me but you are right in what you say x

[Mlinde in reply to Hidden]

Sorry, the GTN spray might give you a headache for a short time but it ain't dangerous, all it does is expand the arteries which relieves any pain you might be suffering. Does this explain it?

[Hidden in reply to Mlinde]

Hello

I did not do this post , I am not the poster

But I understand what you are saying about the spray you need to click under the posters name so they see your reply to them x

[Mlinde in reply to Hidden]

Bekind28, but it was you who said you didn't understand, that's why I responded to you.

[Hidden in reply to Mlinde]

I am sorry I cannot see where I have said I do not understand ?

Maybe you will be kind enough to copy where I have said this , I must be losing the plot this year already x

[Mlinde in reply to Hidden]

Whoops, sorry, I misread what you wrote, please ignore my reply.

[Hidden in reply to Mlinde]

It is ok x

[Deeb1764]

I am undiagnosed at the moment but was given a GTN spray but at one point felt using too much then got put on medication as well for heart. So I called BHF helpline and spoke to a cardiac nurse who said if discomfort there take a spray and see if goes away and then if following the protocol and need 3 sprays then call 999.

As she said it’s there to be used and keep Discomfort or pain away. I now feel more at ease using it but worth calling them tomorrow to discuss as well.

At one point i was doing 6 sprays through the day but now twice a week or after/before activity

Hope this helps

[Bluetimes in reply to Deeb1764]

thanks for the sharing the advice you are given that is very helpful - will give them a call tomorrow .

[Samazeuilh2]

If you use the spray and the the pain is alleviated, that would point to it being angina. Conversely, if the pain isn’t alleviated that would suggest it is a non-angina pain. It is not dangerous to use the spray in either case. If you keep a record of the effect (or non-effect) of the spray that might be useful diagnostically for your doctor.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Samazeuilh2]

Chest pain caused by microvascular angina doesn't always respond well to GTN/ nitrates.

Not responding to GTN spray may indicate unstable angina which requires immediate medical attention.

[Hidden in reply to Samazeuilh2]

Hi Samazeuilh2, just a reminder that content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and your doctor. Please avoid advising others to make changes to their lifestyle or medication. Many thanks

[Sljp0000]

You're right to be nervous about GTN if you have low blood pressure. I suggest you go for a walk where there are plenty of places to sit down if you need to use it especially the first few times.

My BP dropped massively when I had a bad Angina attack once. I was sitting down when I had it but foolishly jumped up and rusjed around and then collapsed in the kitchen. BP was 60/30 amd pulse dropped to 30. Of course this is extreme and quite unusual. Just make sure you stay sitting down for a while after using it. I've learnt the hard way. I'm fine using it now, even standing up on a walk, I've just learnt now to move, be calm and take in my surroundings for a few minutes before carrying on gently.

Take care and look after yourself

Susie

[Hidden]

that was the scariest thing for me after my heart attack, the after pain it felt like I was having another attack , also the bubbling sensation across the chest as well , after about three months it did calm down I didn’t use the spray for it though , I found sleeping terrifying because of that pain I constantly thought I’d never wake up again if I closed my eyes . You shall get through it , it’s a new and difficult path you’re on now .

[Cookie2020]

the main thing is not to panic as it maybe nothing

But when I had my HA I had the same worries you are having now.

If you are not sure when to use your GTN spray

ring your cardio team or 111 and tell them what’s going on with you and they will advise you what to do next this should take some off the pressure off.

Good luck

Andy 👍