Unstable angina

[Cesca64]

Hi I had heart attack in February 2023 and had a stent fitted which came out of the blue I recovered from that and was doing well until recently .about 4 weeks ago I had another incident and was diagnosed with unstable angina and now I'm struggling as I don't know what I can or cannot do

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

im afraid unstable angina is harder to predict, and take avoiding action, Hence the name!

Over the years, I’ve got so much better at avoiding stable angina episodes, by learning the triggers, pacing myself and stopping whatever I’m doing, at the first twinges.

But for the unstable stuff its different.

It can happen at night, and wake me up..,….no apparent triggers. This is common, and, i think is diagnostic. I have learned that unstable episodes are more frequent when Im generally stressed……we've been house buying and selling recently!

As you learn more about the pattern of your very own angina, you will get better at recognising the earliest signs, and relaxing early (which can help, sometimes) or reaching for your spray. If they become more frequent the GP is always concerned and will juggle the meds or refer on.

[Merlin22]

hi Cesca,

I too have unstable angina, I have gtn sprays in pockets in coats, in car, in bedside table etc… never knowing when they’re gonna attack or where is a worry in itself.

I was diagnosed 9 years ago… I’m still here.

I found having GTN sprays around me gave me some idea of “safety” however when it does “attack” that overwhelmed safety fell away and I thought the worst…. I get by with trying to calm myself … finding a safe spot and… saying to myself it’s OK … it hasn’t killed you in 9 years.

Unfortunately anyone who hasn’t experienced “the fear of mortality” unfortunately doesn’t understand the stress.

Ask politely “anyone who’s giving you a little pressure” to read up on the seriousness of the condition.

Above all and it’s so hard is to try and find a calm place… and a phone and chat to a friend who understands.

I hope it settles down soon.

God Bless

T