Cold Weather & Angina

[GoldfishPond]

Hi, this is my first winter (UK) with diagnosed Angina and I am aware of a link between cold weather bringing on an attack. My question is how cold does it have to be? It was about -1 when I went out this morning, and I had clothes on, but ever since I have been getting some nasty symptoms. Does it stop when you warm back up? I'm not sure how this works. Thanks in advance.Terry

[Tos92]

Hi GoldfishPond,

The cold weather is a vasoconstrictor and therefore, induces angina. I avoid going out in temperatures below 5-8 degrees where I can help it as it causes angina for me. If you have a GTN spray, you can use this to relieve your symptoms. The GTN spray can also be used as a preventative measure if you know there is a certain activity that will bring on the angina. However, if using it as a preventative measure, it should be used with caution as you may become tolerant to it and find that it is not very effective anymore.

You might also find relief if you wrap a scarf around your mouth and nose to help keep some of the cold air out. I sometimes wear a mask if I feel the scarf isn’t helping.

I hope the angina settles soon. Any worsening symptoms of chest pain should be followed up with 111 or A&E.

All the best.

Tos

[Fanfab1]

there is definitely a link and whether it’s cold enough that’s an individual thing as we all feel the cold differently. But there is a link, so wrapping up warm by layering and covering your nose and mouth can help. It should recover once you warm up but if symptoms not clearing then it’s not the cold and you may need medical assistance.

try not to experience sudden changes of temperature.

Definitely layer up! Good set of thermals will help.

👍

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Yes, as others have said cold is our enemy.

Sublingual GTN is short acting so doesn't stay in your blood stream for long. You don't usually build up a tolerance to short acting nitrates, but lots of sprays can lower your blood pressure.

Lots and lots of thermal layers are essential.

I am about to walk my dog so waited until it's above freezing.

I wear a snood, hat and hood.

Gloves with liners, fleece liners in my boots.

I have thermal thigts, leggings and thick thousers on. A pair of thick wool socks.

3 thermal long sleeved vests, a fleece, jumper and down jacket.

The tricky bit is trying to stop my glasses steaming up.

Take it easy ar first and learn your individual limitations and triggers.

I have lived with angina for over 11 years and prolonged cold is one of my main triggers. I usually end up in hospital with unstable angina in the winter.

[Fanfab1 in reply to Milkfairy]

Fingers crossed all those precautions do the trick of keeping you out of hospital. 🤞

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

Do you feel exhausted too Milkfairy? I avoid going out at all which isn’t good but I feel drained all the time 🙄

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Worvera]

Oh my goodness yes!I could cry I am so tired 😫

When I am unable to walk my dog it's time to go into hospital.

My walking buddy

[Worvera in reply to Milkfairy]

How gorgeous. I should get a wee dog to encourage me to get out more! ….. currently in fleece clothes from top to bottom and under a fleece electric blanket with a Sherpa over cover on 🥶

[Worvera]

I have to wear multiple layers and use hot water bottles and electric blankets. I avoid going outside in this weather if I can. Not easy if you’re working!! Getting heated up usually helps with pain but use gtn spray and if in doubt phone NHS for advice. I sometimes take paracetamol for the bruised feeling post spasm. Hope this helps.

[GoldfishPond]

Replying to this thread....I wasn't expecting the severity of people's experiences. I will dig out a scarf and wrap up warmer and not just toss it off. Thank you