Testing

[Collectone]

Hi.Ive was diagnosed with Micro vascular Angina (suspected).Meds haven't helped.I have been referred for Inter Coronary Testing to ser if I have spasms .Has anyone had this test .Its similar to angiogram which I had 2 years ago but apparently a substance is used to encourage spasms to aid diagnosis.Not looking forward to that !

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum.

I have lived with vasospastic angina for 11 years.

My coronary vasospasms were confirmed by a functional angiogram in 2014.

Normal functioning blood vessels usually dilate in response to the chemical acetylcholine.

If the blood vessels constrict, ECG changes are seen and the person experiences their usual chest pain, coronary vasospasms, vasospastic angina can be diagnosed.

Other assessments are carried out to assess how the blood flows through the microvessels, using guide wires and adenosine.

If a person's coronary flow reserve is low or there is a resistance to blood flowing through the small vessels, then microvascular dysfunction, microvascular angina can be diagnosed.

The treatment options for microvascular and vasospastic angina are different.

Hopefully the specialised angiogram you are being offered will help guide the Cardiologists to tailor your medication for you as a individual better.

During my functional angiogram I experienced spontaneous and acetylcholine induced coronary vasospasms, I had ST elevations and depressions accompanied by chestpain.

I was given morphine.

My coronary flow reserve is normal, so I don't have microvascular dysfunction.

I am glad I had the testing done as it's meant my care has improved and I am monitored closely by a Cardiologist.

The BHF has this information about microvascular and vasospastic angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It's good to hear that your Cardiology team are offering you further testing which until recently was difficult to obtain.

There are other forum members who have also had this type of angiogram and hopefully they will be along to share their experiences with you too.

Another resource you may find helpful is this website created by four patients with over 50 years, experience of living with microvascular and vasospastic angina.

They are supported by 30 expert Cardiologists.

internationalheartspasmsall...

[Collectone in reply to Milkfairy]

Thankyou so much for this information