I had an Echo this evening: Hi all... - British Heart Fou...

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I had an Echo this evening

lynne0_0 profile image
6 Replies

Hi all, just an update. I am getting used to taking 30mg monomil and side effects are now minimal. I haven't needed to use the gtn spray for over a week now! I had the echo this evening and the guy performing it said that all looked OK. He said it was to look at the Chambers and valves. It wouldn't pick up microvascular angina, which has been mentioned. I am due to have a 24hr monitor soon too. I guess my cardiac nurse will be in touch soon to go over the report soon.

Any ideas what I should expect next or indeed what I should be asking for.

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lynne0_0
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BeKind28- profile image
BeKind28-

Hello :-)

I have no idea what will happen next hopefully others will but just wanted to say what you have had done so far I am pleased everything seems to be positive and it is excellent that you have not had to use your spray now for a week !

Let us know how you get on when you have the monitor on and how that goes :-) x

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star

Hello,It's good to hear that you have got through the nitrate headache.

I take 60mgs of Isosorbide mononitrate nitrate twice a day plus 20mgs of GTN patches.

I suggest you ask for further tests to determine whether microvascular angina is causing your symptoms.

There are tests available that can help to diagnose microvascular angina such a stress echo or a cardiac Perfusion MRI.

Some centres offer specialised functional angiograms too.

lynne0_0 profile image
lynne0_0 in reply toMilkfairy

Wow that seems like an awful lot if the nitrate. But whatever get you through.Thank you for the advice regarding next tests. I will note this. You have already been so helpful to me in the past. I find I am rather overwhelmed and ignorant about all this. I have followed the links you have previously sent to me and find them useful. Though must confess so fo right Iver.my head.

Thanks again x

Tos92 profile image
Tos92

The 24 hour monitor is a nice and easy test. They will attach a device to you and you will be expected to wear it for 24 hours. You should be able to do most everyday activities with it on, a part from showering.

I was recently diagnosed with microvascular angina (MVA). If you are suspected to have MVA, you may find the below links helpful.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

inocainternational.com/info...

An MRI or a stress perfusion scan using adenosine is one way in which MVA can be diagnosed, and seems to be a popular method.

I would keep a diary of your symptoms and any triggers that you may have that bring on the angina.

It is also helpful to speak to a specialist cardiologist in INOCA (ischaemia in non-obstructed arteries). I paid to see an INOCA specialist privately where I was able to obtain a diagnosis for both vasospastic angina (VSA) and MVA. I am now being referred through the NHS with no further costs for my medical treatment.

There are a list of specialists in the link below which you might find helpful. Alternatively, if you cannot go private, you can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist on the NHS however, you might find that it is a long wait.

inocainternational.com/doct...

I dislike using my GTN spray due to the side effects. It gives me a headache, tachycardia, and lowers my BP however, I have found that I’m recently using it more due to my angina so I hope you will utilise yours if you need it. Luckily, my side effects seem to disappear 20-30 mins after using it.

All the best.

Tos

lynne0_0 profile image
lynne0_0 in reply toTos92

Thank you for your advice and links, which I will take my time and look over. Thanks again x

lynne0_0 profile image
lynne0_0

Yes its all.feeling positive, though I know I must have further investigations to rule out or indeed to confirm the microvascular angina.Thank you for your kind words x

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