Angina after bypass?

[Samazeuilh2]

I had a quadruple bypass almost exactly a year ago following angina symptoms, mostly noticeable when out walking or cycling. I was told by the cardiologist, who has now discharged me, that the bypass usually fixes the problem for at least 5-10 years, but the angina can recur. I was also told it’s unlikely to recur during the first year. However, I noticed some mild chest pain on the left side when out cycling particularly since the weather has turned a bit colder. Today I noticed a mild pain following a 20 minute walk. It stopped when I got home. I wondered if anyone knew what the actual probability of recurrence of angina is in the first year after a bypass. Or if they have experience of this sort of thing. Certainly, if it is recurring already that is not good news.

[Tos92]

Hello,

It sounds like activity and movement are a trigger for your chest pain. I don’t think it’s impossible to develop angina in your first year after having a bypass, although I appreciate it’s worrying and not ideal if you’ve been told otherwise. Having angina doesn’t necessarily mean you have blocked arteries again however, it is crucial that you touch base with your doctor for more testing as it could be something else causing it as well.

The cold weather is a trigger for my angina so I try to cover my face with a scarf when I go out to prevent breathing the cold air in as much as I can.

I hope others with experience of a bypass will be by to share their stories.

All the best.

Tos

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to Tos92]

Before I had the bypass I thought for a long time (as did the GPs) that the angina was a non-cardiac pain as it was relatively mild and I had no breathing difficulties or suchlike. However, it turned out that I had three very major blockages- hence I’m a bit jumpy about it. The pain I’ve had recently has been inconsistent - I went for a few longish walks last week without problems, but a short period of cycling induced it. I’m going to keep a diary to see if I can spot patterns, triggers etc.. Hopefully you will be able to avoid a bypass! Thanks for your reply.

[Tos92 in reply to Samazeuilh2]

I was also told for a good while that my chest pain was also non-cardiac until my heart attack last year. I would like to think that they have cleared most of your blockages and there is nothing to worry about now however, I know it’s easier said than done. Good idea to keep a log of your symptoms and triggers which is something that I do with my angina as well.

If your symptoms get worse, please don’t hesitate to seek medical opinion.

[Jcdg]

Good morning Samazeuilh2,I had double bypass in June and the last month have been getting Angina again ! Not as severe as before op , I ended up in A+E , all very puzzling , they put me back on isosorbide mono nitrate and of course the spray , so taking it easy which helps and waiting to see what happens next !

Sorry I can’t help with any answers why this is happening all I was told is sometimes this happens

Wishing you well and take carec

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to Jcdg]

It must be very disheartening to be told it’s come back after the ordeal of the bypass. I don’t know for sure what my situation is yet. I feel guilty because I have not adhered as tightly to the dietary instructions (too many biscuits) as I should have although I have stopped drinking alcohol and am barely overweight.

[devonian186]

Weather plays a huge part with heart conditions-ideally we need Goldilocks weather neither too hot or too cold too wet or too dry. High humidity makes the heart work harder and we have had a lot of rain recently. Windy weather will also have an impact.

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to devonian186]

Yes, I first noticed the symptoms in November 2021 when the weather changed, although was not really cold.

[jwd52]

HiI had a double bypass in 2020 but 9 months after I started to get Angina. Had to wait 15 months for an angiogram (Don't think the cardiologist believed me) but the angiogram showed the bypass had failed and had to have 3 stents.

Of course I am not saying this might be your situation but advising that you get checked just in case.

Best wishes

Jill

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to jwd52]

I’ll monitor the situation carefully for a week then see the GP if it’s still there. It’s all very discouraging.

[LSCE]

Hi, I haven't had any heart surgery but 2 heart attacks. Medical management. The weather conditions have a impact on my heart. No Angina when I exercise indoors but can occur when walking outside. As other have suggested best to let cardiologist know.

[Sljp0000]

Hi, sorry tonhear you're getting pains again. I suggest when you do get the pains you see if GTN helps straight away? If it does its Angina. I have experience from this. I had a triple bypass last September followed by a massive Saddle PE so was in recovery for a while. As soon as I started walking round the block again I had Angina pains. 2 months later, an Angiogram showed non of my bypass grafts were working amd my native LAD artery was 100% blocked. I had 4 stents.

So, yes, my grafts failed straight away so it can happen. I think its very unlikely, I was in the 'less than 1%' brigade.

If I were you I would insist on an Angiogram and definitely try using GTN to see the impact.

All the best

Susie

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to Sljp0000]

Thanks. I cycled to meet some friends and had some neck “tension” and very mild chest “fullness” . On the way back I had the same thing. I trued a puff of the GTN spray and waited to see if it would improve things. There was a slight improvement of the very mild chest discomfort but it returned within 20 mins. It’s always very mild. Verdict:inconclusive.

[El-Tel1990]

Try warming up before doing any form of exercise. Stretching the muscles that you intend to use should help.

Take care