Angina

[Skykitty1]

Hi,

I have angina since I had my heart attack about 18 months ago. This heat is making the angina worse and I also have insomnia.

I had a hospital report from my cardiac MRI and will need further hospital tests in the next few weeks.

I cope with GTN spray and Amlodipine as the heat affects my blood pressure leading to chest pains.

I use a fan and ice packs for migraines as well as painkillers. Any other advice will be greatly appreciated as I’m struggling with insomnia and anxiety.

Thanks in advance.

Skykitty1

[Tos92]

Hi  Skykitty1

I’m an insomniac too and have not been sleeping at all in this weather. I keep my curtains shut in the day to avoid the sunlight coming in and keep a fan on with the hope that it will be cooler in the night. Last night was awful. I left my bedroom windows open and the fan going at the same time. I find that cotton pjs and bedding are better to sleep in during this weather. I keep a jug of water next to me and my GTN spray. I keep my hair tied up, I find sleeping with it open makes me feel even more hotter. I eliminate the amount of things I have on my bed, such as pillows and cushions and try to stick to a blanket only. Washing/splashing my face with cold water before bed can also help.

I hope others come by with more tips.

All the best.

Tos

[Hidden in reply to Tos92]

Hi

I've had increasing insomnia for years as did my late Mum, my current recent diagnosis hasn't helped and now the weather on top,

Some nights, like last I give up and end up wandering about the house and garden making cups of herbal tea, nibbling a plain biscuit or fruit, reading or watching Iplayer on tablet or listening to podcast until eventually I can drift off, this past week has been made worse due to heat, our RAF Station neighbours practising their helicopter training ready for deployment overseas till 2am, AND the local waste digester plant which smells in hot weather, ever thought of moving lol yes we have but we like our village ha ha

It's just begun a thunderstorm so things must be better tonight

sleep well

[Tos92 in reply to Hidden]

I was wandering around my apartment last night too after giving up. It’s so frustrating as I find that I dose off in the morning when it’s a bit cooler again which is not the most appropriate time to feel tired due to work and other commitments.

Yes, we’ve had a bit of a thunderstorm here today too so keeping my fingers crossed for a better night’s sleep. To be fair, I’d be happy with even 3 hours sleep at this rate.

Here’s hoping we both get some much needed rest tonight!

[Hidden in reply to Tos92]

Sweet dreams we hope

[Cee-Cee1]

I can't really add anything to what Tos92 has already said, Skykitty unfortunately. When I feel really overwhelmed with the heat I find that running cold water over my wrists for as long as I can will help a little. We're just not used to all this heat!

[bludnut]

Hi Skytty1, Like you, and I expect many more hearty's, the heat makes my angina worse. I love having an hour or two in my back garden of an afternoon, just pottering about in the greenhouse and looking after my outdoor plants. However, this last week has not helped at all, in fact on two afternoons, I just sat in our extension watching the birds, or catching up with the Peaky Blinders on Netflix. I tried to cut our very small lawn using my non powered push mower earlier in the week, but it took me THREE attempts to finally finish it. I could buy a small electric mower, but I use the push mower to try and help me to get more exercise which pleased my heart surgeon when I told her. Us brits moan when it is cold and again when it's hot and even more so when it rains, there's just no pleasing us is there. In the end all we need is to keep healthy and enjoy life to the best of our ability.

bludnut

[SheffieldJohn]

Remember not all medications suit everyone. It took me 2 years to control my blood pressure. Amlodipine was not best for me. I returned to my GP many times and apologised for return visits but she was very helpful and determined to regulate my blood pressure. I now take 3 different medications specifically for blood pressure. Medics wont want you to experience pain so don’t be afraid to discuss changing your medication.

If you don’t work don’t worry about not sleeping. Sleep when you can. Worrying won’t help your blood pressure. (It’s a viscous cycle!) Over time you can regulate your sleep and consider relaxation exercises which may work for you.