GTS Alternative?

[MrPrognosis]

Hi Everyone

I have moderate aortic valve stenosis and until recently was asymptomatic. Was told by GP that i have developed mild angina after some discomfort in the chest when walking briskly. He issued me with a Glyceryl Trinitrate spray which i haven't used yet as i have just backed off with the pace of my walking. I don't usually read the leaflets that come with medicines as they can cause uncertainty but after some slight discomfort at home i read the GTS one only to find that you are not supposed to use this medication if you have aortic valve stenosis! I have since found that other drugs such as many of the blood thinning medicines are also not recommended for those of us with heart valve disease. It would seem that we are really compromised.

I would be interested in the views of anyone out there.

[Blackcatsooty]

I have had my aortic valve replaced. Wonderful operation, gave me my life back. Fabulous cardiology staff.

I was mild stenosis for a few years, then moderate stenosis for less than one year then severe stenosis and op was then very urgent. I took clopidogrel blood thinner throughout. Kept migraines and headaches at bay. Otherwise I just accept the tablets prescribed. I have options of asking my pharmacy for advice and my small GP has a specialist who advises on medications. I take the professionals advice.

I always try to consider that its ailments cause the problems not the medication.

I only listen to BHF or NHS.

So don’t pay too much attention to me !

Best wishes

Sooty

[MrPrognosis in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Hi Sooty

Thank you very much for your response. I was diagnosed with mild stenosis in 2019/20 and now moderate. Only symptoms have been what seemed like mild angina at full walking pace and chest spasms (not pain). GP said probably time for a valve replacement but cardio specialist said no.....come back in a year for another echocardiogram. I waited months to see him but no other tests were carried out. He said spasms nothing to do with heart. I am 73 years old and i do believe that if i were 50 the response may have been different. I hope i am wrong as i love my family and would like to be around for awhile!

I'm glad you are doing so well. A positive outlook always helps.

[Blackcatsooty in reply to MrPrognosis]

I was given an annual scan at local hospital. Once the stenosis went to severe then the op took place. It is best to wait until the op is essential, partly because your new valve has a limited life span so the later the better. I had the op aged 73 and didn’t notice any ageism. The staff were simply fabulous.

Sooty

[MrPrognosis in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Thank you. That gives me a lot more confidence that i will get the treatment that i need when the time comes.

Take care.

[Noodlesalad]

I'm with you on the never reading the leaflet that comes with medication, good job you read the gtn spray one. Hopefully your GP can recommend an alternative.

[MrPrognosis in reply to Noodlesalad]

Thanks for your reply. I was very lucky last week as the young lady doctor i saw, who is usually in a hurry to get you out of the surgery happened to have a trainee in with her so she couldn't do enough to help me. She has written to the hospital in order to get me some further tests. However, she didn't know that apparently GT spray should not be used if you have aortic valve stenosis. I look forward to finding out what the alternative is!

Thanks again and take care.