The rule of 3

[annpavitt250448]

Ended up in A&E yesterday afternoon after an episode of angina which wasn't resolved by taking G.N.T spray. As per usual, if I have been there with my angina, e.c.g was normal as we're blood tests. Felt I was wasting their time but doc said when he worked in cardiac there was The rule of 3 . Take your spray, wait 5 mins if it's not resolved , repeat, again, if still not resolved repeat and then if angina not gone call 999. Which is what I did. Thank.goodness I am.ok.this morning, but just going to take it easy today, I know one thing I am going to leave taking up the leaves in the garden to hubby from now on. It's annoying as I have been angina free for months, been able to do a couple of aqua aerobic sessions a week with no.problems, and walk without getting angina since I had my LAD stented last september.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I think I know what it’s like having an angina episode, after things seemed to be settling down. And very wise to leave hard work like the leaves, till you are more sure why it happened.

I am a great believer in analysing whether I did something that caused it. Too fast, too hard, too long. after food…..

As to calling 999. The three strikes is v good advice. …. do take it!

[bee_bear]

I am so sorry you had to go through that, it's such a difficult experience. Glad it wasn't a heart attack but you were absolutely right to get to a&e to make sure it wasn't. Better safe than sorry.

I'm still in a bit of denial that I've had a heart attack and now live with angina. So I leave taking my GTN till the pain is bad. The last time I had angina, I waited till the pain was bad before using my spray a few times, then when that didn't work I resisted going to A&E for a few hours because I hate the feeling that I'm wasting everyone's time & causing family worry, when it's likely to 'just be angina'.

Finally, my friend dragged me to a&e as my symptoms got even worse. Everyone was surprised I wasn't having a heart attack. That episode lasted for at least 10 hours and was the worst I've had so far, worse than my actual heart attack! I had no idea 'just angina' could be so bad, I felt very poorly.

That experience has taught me a valuable lesson though - the rule of 3 is something I need drumming into my head!

[annpavitt250448 in reply to bee_bear]

I know how you feel. I am lucky hadn't had a heart attack, although I found my LAD was totally occluded last year when I had my angiography. The Ambulance rapid triage bay was packed and I believe there were 10 ambulances lined up outside and sister in charge was having to triage patients in ambulance. at one time. Goodness knows what it's going to be like when winter sets in. Felt sorry for paramedics as obviously whilst they were waiting to hand over they couldn't attend any other patients. I waited an hour before I got into RATs bay. I just felt I was taking up a bed, but got assured by doc I did right thing.

[Tos92]

I’m happy to hear your tests came back ok at the hospital. As a rule of thumb, it is one to two GTN sprays under the tongue every 5 minutes for up to 15 minutes. If your symptoms have not subsided on the third attempt, it is a call to 999. I usually wait until my angina is severe to use the spray which is something I am not recommending that anyone else does. I usually have side effects to GTN which is why I avoid using it. This is a throbbing headache, tachycardia (high heart rate) and dizziness. When using the spray, make sure you are sitting or lying down as it can drop your BP.

I hope you enjoy your day relaxing today.

All the best.

Tos

[annpavitt250448 in reply to Tos92]

Thanks will do. Usually do aqua aerobics today, but giving that a miss. Like you I am reluctant to use the spray. I haven't had many angina attacks since last September thank goodness. Fell fine today