uncontrolled hypertension

[Eddie64]

I had my angiogram on Thursday and I’m told I have 25 to 30% blockages in my arteries and one of my stents as a narrowing.I have to stents by the way one in left one in right from my ha 2 years ago.I’m told I also have hypertension could anyone that as this please tell me what symptoms you have and could someone please explain also the symptoms they get with angina as I need to find out what the hell is happening to me thank you

[Chappychap]

Hello Eddie.

"Hypertension" is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the key risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. The good news is that there's quite a lot that can be done to reduce our blood pressure.

Firstly there's a wide range of medication that will lower blood pressure (so if one type gives you unnaceptable side effects then discuss it with your GP, because there are plenty of alternative options).

Secondly life style changes are often really effective in reducing blood pressure. Losing weight, regular exercise, and reducing the amount of salt in your diet can all make a significant difference.

You asked about angina symptoms. Stable angina normally presents itself as chest pain and/or a shortness of breath during moderate exertion. The key thing is that when the exertion stops the symptoms should fade away within a few minutes. If they don't seek medical help. Unstable angina is the same symptoms, but without the trigger of exertion. Both types need addressing, but the unstable version is more urgent.

The BHF (who sponsor this forum) have lots of great information on angina,

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Hope that helped. Good luck!

[Chappychap in reply to Chappychap]

One last thing. 25-30% arterial blockage might sound bad, but it's actually very common. Most men in their 50's, and most women a few years after menopause, will show at least that level of blockage.

Take it seriously, but don't be unduly alarmed.

[Eddie64 in reply to Chappychap]

thank you for that chappychap i have just had my angiogram,and the hypertension is what’s on my results.Which is totally wrong because I have never had high blood pressure only low blood pressure,so no idea how he came up with that idea.The problem I’m having for the last four months is,serious chest pain,pain between my shoulder blades, pain around my kidney area in my back,down my left arm and both my left and right side hurts when I breathe in ,also when I get these attacks I also get sweaty.All this happens usually when I’m resting and only a few times when I’m running or walking.I’ve been to ae 17 times while it’s been happening and every single test comes back ok.Was really hoping that the angiogram would have found the problem but to no avail.absolutely lost as to what’s causing it ,oh forgot to mention I m also having throbbing continuously in my chest

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Eddie64]

Anybody considered non obstructive coronary artery disease eg Vasospastic angina?

Vasospastic angina is a rare type of angina. Often overlooked and undiagnosed. It requires a special angiogram to diagnose.

My vasospastic angina was confirmed by an angiogram with acetylcholine which induced coronary vasospasms. Coronary vasospasms are transient constrictions of the coronary arteries causing a lack of blood supply to the heart

I experience most of my chest at rest especially during the night.

I can usually exercise however I will experience chest pain afterwards, a delayed response.

The BHF has this information.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Eddie64 in reply to Milkfairy]

thank you milkfairy could I ask what you do to combat against it please

[Eddie64 in reply to Eddie64]

hi milkfairy I have just read the article it was very interesting and does sound very much the same as what I’m going through .Apart from the things you should do to combat it as I already do all these.Since my ha 2 years ago and 2 stents fitted I never touched a cigarette again nor any alcohol , I’ve taken my medication religiously,I’ve run 6 miles a night or fast walked it ,I’ve basically lived on fruit,fish and vegetables and felt the best I ever have for 17 months,and then this December,BANG just like that this began,and as never let up since

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Eddie64]

The treatment for vasospastic angina is by medication to help prevent coronary vasospasms.

Medications that are offered are calcium channel blockers such as Diltiazem, Verapamil or Amlodipine.

Long acting nitrates such as isosorbide mononitrate or patches

Short acting nitrates such as sublingual GTN spray.

Nicorandil.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) or Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are another options.

Statins and antiplatelets such as clopidogrel rather than aspirin are often prescribed too.

Beta blockers are contraindicated as they can make coronary vasospasms worse.

Keeping a diary and spotting any possible triggers can help.

Common triggers are the cold, emotional, mental and physical stress.

Caffeine, artificial sweetners and adrenaline can be a problem.

Also pseudoephedrine in over the counter cold remedies.

I take lots of medication, exercise as much as possible and manage my stress by practicing Tai Chi, yoga and walking my dog everyday.

I use the same breathing and relaxation techniques I used when I was in labour to help keep calm during severe episodes.

It can be trial and error to find the right combination of medication that will work best for you.

There is a growing awareness of vasospastic angina. I suggest you ask your Cardiology team to consider whether Vasospastic angina or possibly microvascular dysfunction maybe a cause of your ongoing chest pain.

This article maybe helpful.

acc.org/latest-in-cardiolog....