Could my symptoms be caused by angina ?

[Westie2012]

Brief cardiac history , I have had a pacemaker since 2020, I had pericarditis and an effusion due to post procedure complications , thankfully now recovered fully from that after many months . I keep having a very tight sensation all across my chest and central chest pain plus feeling breathless pretty much every time I walk to my daughters school which is at the top of a very steep hill , I never used to have any problems going up the hill and I’ve been walking up the hill with no issues until 2019. The symptoms get worse if I’d had a break from walking to the school if it’s the school holidays then return with a vengeance the first few days I start doing it again . I had a ct scan to check my arteries as pericarditis can affect them , scan was clear , I also had a cardiac mri but can’t remember why and that was also fine . I’ve mentioned my symptoms to gp and also been sent to ED with these symptoms , I’ve been asked if anyone has mentioned angina to me , I have been asked if I’ve got it which my gp and ED drs say don’t , I’m told that as my scans from over a year ago were clear then my symptoms can’t be angina so I’m just left to struggle with walking up the hill . I’m only 49 and not overweight so I feel I should manage the short walk of 10 minutes to the school . I’m waiting to have an exercise stress test as cardiology want to see if my symptoms are caused by cardiac or respiratory problems but I’ve no idea when that test will take place . The last couple of weeks have been quite difficult as my symptoms have got worse , I did go to ED and they did tests to rule out a blood clot then sent me home as ecg was fine which they always are in hospital as I’ve been sitting around waiting before having the ecg . If it could be angina as scans were clear should I ask my gp to arrange more tests to check this or just wait until I have the stress test ? My cardiologist thinks my heart needs a bit of rehab after having pericarditis but I can’t be referred for that until after the stress test. It’s just frustrating feeling this way , I just want to be able to do normal everyday things without feeling unwell .

[Junehope]

Hi there. Sorry to hear what a rough time.you ve had.. I had a pacemaker at 47 fitted last year due to low hr and pauses too. Trying to get fitter but feeling limited but I know that's cause of other complications ie congenital heart valve disease progressing etc.and losing fitness prior to pacemaker Doesn't stop.me trying though. Exercise easier some days than other days. You said symptoms are worsening and my cardio team always say to contact them if symptoms get worse either straight to department or cardio nurse number so from what you are saying it may be worth giving them a call and this may mean tests get prioritised.... so important to follow up including the stress test. Take care and good luck and hope you have a smoother time ahead! As a side note, following outcome there you may also want to follow.up.with GP too to rule.out anything else... even if you don't see them a telephone appt for any further advice Good luck..x

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Has anybody considered ischaemia/angina non obstructive coronary arteries INOCA/ ANOCA?Also known as non obstructive coronary artery disease, NOCAD.

Microvascular or vasospastic angina are types of ANOCA.

These types of angina are often overlooked, under diagnosed and under treated. They can be difficult to diagnose.

People with microvascular angina tend to get chest pain on exertion.

I have vasospastic angina, I can exercise however I'll get chest pain later as a result.

The BHF has some information about MVA and VSA.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...