Myocardial Bridge

[Shazna]

Hi. I recently had a CT heart san where the report said I have short segment of bridging mid LAD. (Myocardial bridge), I have been discharged by the cardiologist. I still have chest pain and my heart rate is on the high side, I’m not sure if I should find a private cardiologist, I’m so worried. The Gp said the chest pain I’m having is anxiety.

[Tos92]

Hi Shazna,

I also have an MB (myocardial bridge) which I had a heart attack from last year after it was triggered by a spasm. My MB is primarily the reason why I joined this forum as it’s believed to be the reason for my vasospastic angina. There are some specific types of tests that need to be carried out to determine how the MB is affecting you. Unfortunately, due to it being considered a benign condition, it is under diagnosed and the symptoms which arise from it poorly misunderstood. My chest pain was dismissed as anxiety and long c*vid for a year and a half before the heart attack and the diagnosis of the bridge.

I am currently being treated with calcium channel blockers and GTN. My symptoms are daily chest pain, which radiate to my back, and arms. I also experience episodes of a high heart rate on occasion, which can last up to a week.

You would benefit from making a note of your symptoms and heart rate. A holter monitor can help identify if you are experiencing an abnormal heart rate. I had a high heart rate before being diagnosed with my bridge.

There is a private cardiologist based in London which carries out the specific testing required for MBs. I can send you a PM if you like.

In the meantime, you may benefit from joining the following Facebook support group for myocardial bridging. There is a lot of good information on there from others with the same congenital heart defect as ours, including recommendations for cardiologists who specialise in MBs.

m.facebook.com/groups/Myoca...

All the best.

Tos

[Shazna in reply to Tos92]

Hi. Thank yo so much for your advice, it really helped. I have pain down my arms , neck, back too sometimes but I’m not sure if it’s because of MB. the cardiologist has discarded, the reports doesn’t say much about the MB apart prom short segment of bridging mid LAD. Could you send me the details of the doctor. Thank you

[Tos92 in reply to Shazna]

I have sent you a PM :).

[LSCE in reply to Tos92]

HI Tos92, I hope you don't mind me contacting you. Does your cardiologist deal with vasospasm without MB? My cariologist is dismissive about establishing a cause for my heart attacks and ongoing angina. I have considered seeing a cardiologist privately but want a specialist who deals with vasospasm. Would appreciate his detailsif you don't mind. LCSC

[fishonabike in reply to LSCE]

you might want to ask Milkfairy about this and look up the International Heart Spasm Alliance website and INOCA International site

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to LSCE]

I have lived with vasospastic angina for over 11 years.My Vasospastic angina was confirmed by an angiogram using acetylcholine in 2014.

I have messagedTos92 in the past with the names of the leading Cardiologists who are knowledgeable about microvascular and vasospastic angina.

I have been seen by world leading specialists into microvascular and vasospastic angina over the years through the NHS.

I have a fantastic Cardiologist at my local hospital. My vasospastic angina sadly is poorly managed by medication. I have just returned home from my latest 10 day hospital stay.

There is a study taking place into diagnosing microvascular and vasospastic angina which you maybe interested in.

Where in the UK are you based?

[LSCE in reply to Milkfairy]

HI Milkfairy, sorry to hear you've been in hospital again. Thank you for making contact, you have directed me to this study before. My GP and cardiologist where not willing to refer me. Microvascular studies where carried out within my own healthcare trust after I asked about referral (I'm in Birmingham) but unfortunately not a test for vasospasm which I didn't realise at the time and they won't do. Told I'm on the right treatment and managed so no need.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to LSCE]

I am sorry this is disappointing to hear.

You do have the right to ask for a second opinion and your doctor has to give a very good reason not to refer you.

There is a Cardiologist in Wolverhampton taking part in the trial.

Healthcare professionals are obliged professionally to allow you access to research studies.

You could contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Service PALS of the hospital and raise your concerns about not being allowed to access research studies.

Over the years I have had to raise the concerns I have had about my care. As a result I have a written agreed careplan to guide the staff how to care for me when I am in hospital.

My diagnosis has never been disputed by the acknowledged experts which are listed on the various websites.

It can take time unfortunately to find a Cardiologist who you can support you.

We are hampered as patients as so few Cardiologists really understand vasospastic angina.

During my latest admission, my second this year, I encountered an on call Cardiologist who was dismissive and hadn't read my care plan. He was incredibly unprofessional and rude. My husband's remark was

' why are you gaslighted like that!'

I have raised the issue with my Cardiologist who is Head of Department.

The International Heart Spasms Alliance website also has a least of Cardiologists.

internationalheartspasmsall...

The very best Cardiologist is very difficult to see, he only carries put one clinic a month and doesn't see patients privately.

I was able to have my care reviewed by him before he got totally absorbed by his research.

[LSCE in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you Milkfairy very informative and helpful as always.

[Tos92 in reply to LSCE]

Hi LSCE

I don’t mind at all. There is a website, INOCA International, which has a list of INOCA specialists on it. You will find a list of cardiologists and physicians under the patients tab.

inocainternational.com

I have been recommended cardiologists on here by other forum members when I initially joined for vasospastic angina however, I have found that some can still be dismissive about my symptoms despite being INOCA specialists which is disappointing. It is important to find a specialist that is proactive in your care.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions or want further info. There are other forum members with vasospastic and microvascular angina on here too and I believe most have had to wait a long time before getting a diagnosis sadly.

[LSCE in reply to Tos92]

Thank you Tos 92, so helpful.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Tos92]

The added problem is even with a confirmed diagnosis following a functional angiogram, some Cardiologists still don't believe that microvascular dysfunction or coronary vasospasms exist, or if they do they are not serious.

There is even a specialist on the website you have linked that tells his patients that microvascular angina is harmless and just nuisance of a condition.

I know this, because this is what he told me 10 years ago and is still saying it to his patients.

[Green_pink]

hello, I also have been diagnosed with an MB which was found when investigating the AF that I have. I have had chest pain in the past which they thought was due to the MB but I actually think it was to do with anxiety in my case as I don’t have it any more. I have recently had an ablation for the AF. I’m not receiving any treatment for the MB. Would love to receive the doctors info in case I do start getting symptoms. Many thanks

[Tos92 in reply to Green_pink]

I will send you a PM :).

[pjw17]

I too have been diagnosed with MB.The cardiologists I've spoken to don't recognise the condition , indeed when my angiogram was complete and I was still on the table ? the cardiologist explained what it was , I had it from birth and it wasn't causing my problems!

In the UK it doesn't seem to get much sympathy from the experts!

I am on isosorbide monotitrate 10mg x 2 a day ...it doesn't really help.

As Tos above recommenda join the FB site loads of info on there.

Good luck.

[Shazna in reply to pjw17]

Sorry to hear this.