Microvascular Angina

[Finnbert]

On Friday I had an appointment with a different Cardiologist. During COVID I was hospitalised three times. First time diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction; second time atrial fibrillation; third time microvascular angina. Consequently I take quite a number of tablets. Having answered his many questions he told me that he doubted I had microvascular angina (albeit in hospital I had many tests with heart monitors and an angiogram but not with acetylcholine (when asked why not I was told that would be dangerous).

I also have a degenerative spine due to psoriatic arthritis so having been told I would have an appointment for a stress test am wondering if I can do that with a walking stick😊

I have read the paper that Milkfairy mentioned and it has been useful to highlight that 77.8% of people like myself have been told that their symptoms are not cardiac. I have blacked out twice and an ambulance taken me to A&E where when asked if they are aware of microvascular angina they are not.

Against my principles I will see privately a Consultant at Papworth who is knowledgeable about microvascular angina.

Thank you for allowing me to rant😊

[Gilldy]

Hi - I think you do right to go to Papworth. Nothing is more important than your health and its difficult to get the right medication without a definite diagnosis. I think your stress test is likely to include an injection to speed your heart up I refused this and insisted on doing it through exercise. Didn't go down well!I've just had my 2nd taketsubo event in 16 years wm. Apparently it might be microvascular angina . I'm waiting for a cardiac mri to hopefully be sure either way.

[fishonabike in reply to Gilldy]

are you aware that there is a Takotsubo Support Group on Facebook? it is a private group, like this one - it is well moderated and a very safe space - also lots of experience of Takotsubo, its potential long-term consequences and current info on progress with this poorly understood condition

there are a number of members who also have or suspect they have underlying INOCA, which is increasingly being linked with Takotsubo

[Silvertail]

I've just had a checkup with my cardiologist. He is a senior cardiologist with partners in a private practice as well as taking a bulk billing clinic at our local heart-lung hospital. I told him a cardiologist raised his eyebrows when I mentioned MVD. He said it is definitely a diagnosis.