angina

[Maltise]

Anyone has more info on vasospastic angina ? Tried Cardizem and nitro patch and did not tolerate both .I had another long attack with several spasms lasting 2hours and 2 puffs of nitro spray did not help .I went to er . Everything was negative,but I am still on no meds and have daily spasms and tightness .Thanks

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello

I am sorry you are still experiencing problems.

I suggest you read through the information I provided in my previous response to your queries.

Vasospastic angina is a challenging condition to live with compounded by the lack of researched based knowledge about how to treat Vasospastic angina.

I live with daily and nightly episodes of chest pain despite being on very high doses of medication.

There are some self help measures you could perhaps try?

I am in the middle of a flare of my coronary vasospasms.

I spoke to my Cardiologist this morning.

We have tweeked my medication.

I have my TENS machine on, 2 hotwater bottles and I am listening to calm relaxing music.

I use breathing and relaxation techniques as well as self hypnosis. The same techniques I used when I was in labour.

I also use various techniques taught to me by a Clinical Psychologist who specialised in Pain Management .

Have you been offered nitrate patches?

You may be able to tolerate these better than the spray.

I would also consider taking up your Cardiologist's offer of testing to determine whether you have microvascular dysfunction or vasospastic angina.

The symptoms can overlap however the treatment options are different.

Without an accurate diagnosis your Cardiologist is ' shooting in the dark'.

I hope you can find the support you need and are able to explore self help ways to manage your symptoms.

[Maltise in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks . I really appreciate your help. I tried the nitro patches and couldn't tolerate them either . I use meditation , breathing exercises and hot pads also !!I read the info you sent . Very helpful,but like you suggested I was looking for other people's experiences and what helped them as well .I also attended the webinar which was interesting and promises some help from research in the future . Nothing for now and quite inaccessible for me as it is in the US .

[Hidden in reply to Maltise]

I’m on Isorobide Mononitrate. Did have excruciating headaches when i first started on it. Like the worst. But was told they would reduce and potentially disappear after two weeks and that is what happened. I stuck with them because the chest pain was impacting my life massively. Anyway, started on 10mg twice daily. Now on 20mg twice daily. I also take 120mg Diltziem in the evening and that stopped problems i was experienced around 3-5am in the morning. I was being woken up by niggles. They originally put me on Bisoprolol whilst trying to work out what my problem was, but they did not work. Apparently Calcium Blockers are better for our condition. Hope this helps, hope they get the mix of meds right for you soon. I know how debilitating this condition can be x

[Sunnysummerdays]

Hi Maltose,I too have angina,can't tolerate nitrates,or beta blockers, I can just about manage 1 spray of gtn and rest for abit or paracetamol,I'm going back to GP this week to see if they have other suggestions.I tried isosbide 25 mgs and my BP dropped first day to 92 over 54, heart rate to 46 BPM,pain in back of neck, very scary,so I'm abit sceptical about trying anymore nitrates.hopefuly you get sorted,new meds can be difficult to get used to 👍