Morning symptoms

[Pinky20J]

Hi

I am waiting for an angiogram to confirm micro vascular angina. I have been taking 30mg isosorbide mono nitrate every morning. Last few weeks when getting up I have felt like I could tell I needed the tablet. It’s hard to explain symptoms but an awareness that I don’t feel quite right until I do. I think it may all be in my head, but on the off chance I’m not mad has anyone experienced the same? 😂

[Tos92]

Hi Pinky,

I don’t think it’s in your head. Could it be that you are noticing a difference on the medication and therefore, feel much better for taking it? If so, that is good news as it shows that it is helping you with your symptoms and providing you with relief. I am due to start the same tablet in due course for coronary artery spasms and MVA. I too hope to experience a difference on the medication.

I hope you continue to improve on your medications.

All the best.

Tos

[Pinky20J in reply to Tos92]

Hi Tos92 that’s very true. Thank you.

I have been taking it for about 8 months so maybe it takes that much time before you notice you’re better off with it?!

[Tos92 in reply to Pinky20J]

What differences have you noticed when you do and don’t take it if you don’t mind me asking? 8 months is a long time however, have you had the dose gradually increased? That may be contributing to the difference you feel.

[Pinky20J in reply to Tos92]

Before I take it I feel palpitations and slight chest pressure. I tried increasing the dose but the headaches were too much to bear.

[Tos92 in reply to Pinky20J]

Well it’s definitely good news that it is helping to keep those symptoms at bay. I really hope you continue to do well on it.

[Jako999]

It’s not in your head I have MVA as well. It took sometime for them to come to this conclusion following HT and quad CABG, I take Ranolazine slow release morning and evening and it definitely helps, it’s just like taking your GTN spray but all day long.

Let us know how you get on.

[Pinky20J in reply to Jako999]

Jako999 thank you so much. I am beginning to think it’s all in my head but can’t wait for angiogram to find out for sure. What tests did you have that confirmed diagnosis?

[Jako999 in reply to Pinky20J]

I don’t really think there was a single test, I had scans and stress test and all sorts. I think it was more of a case of no large vessel problem was found and because they knew the meds helped they diagnosed it that way.

Thanks

[Jpb523 in reply to Jako999]

Similar experience to yours Jako 999

[Gaz22]

Hi I also was having pains in my chest, My doctor says my heart arteries are going into spasms, I have LVH and minor heart attack and two Stents in seven years ago was ok for three years and these pains started again. Doctor but me on isosorbide mononitrate 10mg and feel 100% better now waiting for cardiology appointment and 72 hour ecg

[Gaz22]

All the best let us know how you get on with your angiogram.

[Sljp0000]

I take Isosorbide Mononitrate twice a day. Before my 4pm one I usually feel ready for it, especially if I've been busy shopping, clea ing, walking etc. My chest feels right, like a band round it and I just feel generally uncomfortable. I'm sure it helps.

[Silversquirrel]

I also take isosorbide mononitrate in the morning and on 2 occassions have forgotten to take the tablets. As a result I experienced chest pressure. I take the tablets in bed before I get up. I too am waiting to be diagnosed.

[jerry12953]

I'm told I "probably" have stable MVA. The GTN spray doesn't seem to be effective in my case so I doubt whether I would be prescribed nitrate tablets. The consultant i eventually saw said that anecdotal evidence he had seen suggested that the max dose of diltiazem could help my symptoms so that's what I take (300gm daily). I don't know how effective that is either as they have discouraged me from reducing the dose. But I get by. Sometimes I can do a good sharp uphill walk without getting any pain, at other times it can come on on a barely sloping gradient.

[sullana]

I'm taking some medicine and dosis, and it helped me a lot. Don't be anxious or worried. Most of the time, a medicine needs we trust in its good effectiveness. Blessings.

[Kdkc]

Hi PinkyA year ago, mid Jan, I had similar tightening in chest in cold weather. Then eventually slight tightness and heavy chest on waking up around 6 am and ignored it. After few days, same time I had chest pain and called ambulance. ECG not good and admitted to hospital. After a weeks observation and angiography I was discharged with coronary artery spasm and MVA with medication and GTN spray.

For over 2 weeks, the same feeling was there in the early mornings, and I had to take GTN spray. I was prescribed than with 30mg monoxide nitrate. Since than I haven't had any symptoms. I missed it 2 days and had to take GTN spray. I also take diltiazem and ASPRIN. I keep warm with heated jacket as my spasms normally happens in cold weather and on waking up when my BP is high. I hope this helps you.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

You are not mad, you aren't imaging your symptoms.

Unfortunately there is a lack of knowledge about microvascular and vasospastic angina amongst healthcare professionals.

I am still surprising my very experienced Cardiology Prof with my symptoms.

I have lived with vasospastic angina for many years.

I can't be late taking my medication, I start getting more chest pain when my Diltiazem and isosorbide mononitrate are due.

I still have an alarm on my phone though as an extra reminder.

I take my Diltiazem 240mgs twice a day, my isosorbide mononitrate 60mgs at 6pm and 90mgs at11pm, with 20mgs of GTN patches as I experience most of my chest at rest in the evening and at nights

I am on several other medications too. Clopidogrel rather than aspirin as aspirin can trigger coronary vasospasms

I hope you are able to work with your Cardiologist to find the best combination of medication that will work best for you.

[bee_bear]

I recognise that feeling! I don't think you're mad, you're hearing your body.

My partner says he can see when I'm feeling that way. I go quiet and get a kind of quizzical, deep thought look. That's me trying to work out what it is that I'm feeling and if I need to take something.

If I ignore it, 9 times out of 10 I end up with chest pain or other symptoms of angina. If I take my GTN spray at that point, 9 times out of 10 it goes nowhere.

I wish I could tolerate isosorbide mononitrate, but the severe headaches wouldn't stop after 2wks, so I'm hoping to try another kind of nitrate tablet.

All the best with it all

[Pinky20J]

thank you all for your responses. Really appreciated. I am going to speak to my gp about medication whilst I wait for the angiogram. Sending healing vibes to you all x

[dunestar]

I also take 30 mg of isosorbide mononitrate extended release each morning. It has been very helpful for me in coping with MVD. Its effects only last 8 - 12 hours so by the next morning it should have all left your body. This might explain why you have this feeling of needing the tablet. My understanding is the gap in effect is important as the drug can stop stop working otherwise. Having said that I've come across a few people who take it twice a day.

[Pinky20J in reply to dunestar]

Thank you yes that makes sense

[Stent2024]

I always felt heavy chested first thing in the morning . Felt better hour or so after taking isosorbide , unfortunately I was found to have blocked rca and had stent fitted 3 weeks ago , so don’t take the iso anymore

[Bellissim0]

Hello, I take 60mg in morning and 60mg at noon a couple hours after and they help, they keep your arteries open wide.

I’m also on 10mg bisoprolol, 5mg morning and 5mg about 5pm also a major tablet that helps massively.

In time youl realise what tablets really help, never settle for having constant chest pain 👍