Angina

[Duvetdays15]

I had 1 stent fitted in 2021 following a mild heart attack. In June last year I had chest pain, went to A&E and after tests was told angina and had I been using my Gtn spray? I hadn't as had not felt the need other than this 1 episode. Since then I had pain once again, overnight, at rest, used the gtn spray and pain went.

My question is how often should use be using the gtn spray? How do you know when it's angina and not a heart attack? How do you know it's angina and not just gas!! Is it angina?

An appointment was referred to angina clinic but I haven't received one yet!

[Happyrosie]

I’m amazed that you have not had advice from the cardiac team at the hospital.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Happyrosie]

At this rate I'm thinking of going privately to see a cardiologist just for peace of mind. My discharge papers when I went to A&E just say angina, has not been using gtn spray.

[autumnlass]

I had a mild MI last December and was in hospital for a week. I get pain in my left arm and the BHF nurse in hospital told me to use the GTn when pain in chest, but I frequently get arm pain. I still am not sure what to to. Advice would be welcome please. 🙂

[Heather1957]

If in doubt as to whether you are having a heart attack or not call an ambulance or go to the hospital. If you think it could be gas use the spray. It won't hurt to use the spray whether you are having Angina or not.

If you are using the spray on a regular basis then you should speak to your GP as you may need another stent or even a bypass.

Sometimes people have Angina which cannot be resolved with a stent or by pass and have to manage with either a spray or in medication form.

I am far from being an expert and this is only information I have picked up along the way so ideally you need to speak to your GP or cardiac nurse.

I will repeat though, don't be afraid to use the spray, it won't hurt you to do so, if you suffer a headache afterwards take a couple of pain killers.

[WardijaWardija in reply to Heather1957]

Exactly what my comments would have said too. 👍

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I would be chasing up the angina clinic not waiting for a letter to arrive, and in the meantime be talking to my GP, especially if the frequency of angina attacks is increasing.