Thoughts please ...

[Laurab101]

Hi EveryoneIn no small part due to the advice and knowledge found here, after much to do & tests finally got a 'unofficial' diagnosis of suspected variospastic angina and since April have been taking calcium blockers and statins - all going well until yesterday...

Had what I can only describe as a 'turn' at work. Not doing anything stressful - but was rather tired. Talking to a customer and had a sudden onset of almighty 'indigestion' around my entire chest which squeezed up into my throat. It released a little only to repeat a number of times whilst I was put into the first aid room and checked out by a paramedic.

Blood pressure was high but nitrate spray and aspirin calmed things down enough for me to decide to go home for rest rather than a&e. My heart was now in that well known state of feeling 'bruised' after one of these incidents. Today I am tired and still a little sore but that's better than I have experienced in the past.

Tests to date have shown everything clear - arteries, valves - no blockages.

Heart team signed me off back in March.

Having been getting on so well over the last few months, this episode has come as a bit of a shock. What, if anything, can I, should I do, to stop this happening again - or is this just how it is?

My husband thinks I should speak to my GP but to what purpose?

Thoughts on this situation would be welcomed as I am at a loss what to do and/or who to speak to.

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to hear of your potential diagnosis.

This turn at work that you mention, was it triggered by anything? I know my spasms increase under my triggers such as stress and the cold.

You could keep a log of how often these episodes are happening as it will help you and your cardiologist work out a pattern.

As the GTN spray provided you with relief, I suggest you use this next time you find yourself in a similar position. Using the GTN spray can prevent spasms triggering more major complications such as a heart attack in some cases.

The thing with spasms I find is that they can surprise you, or catch you off guard as they cause your arteries to spontaneously constrict. This has, and does continue to happen with me. Mine are for brief moments however, but the bruising sensation you describe is there all the time in my chest.

I would say that if you’re particularly concerned, then contact your GP.

There are a few other members with a similar diagnosis so I hope they will offer their experiences too.

All the best and I hope you’re feeling better soon.

Tos

[devonian186]

It could be indigestion but such a pain is also indicative of something heart related. I would make an urgent appointment with my GP. 'Indigestion' such as you describe needs to be checked out and not ignored.

[VickyHK72]

I do think talking to your GP might be helpful - they may have a chest pain clinic they can refer you to which may help? I recently read a really good book called ‘a woman’s guide to living with heart disease’ by Carolyn Thomas. Although she’s Canadian there is still useful information in the book.

This lady suffers from vasospastic angina and some of her strategies might be useful for you. She writes in a really straightforward way and includes some good practical tips.