Minoca diagnosis

[Heaney4]

Hello i was diagnosed with minoca in nov 24 it was a shock id like to hear from people with this condition and get some advice thanku

[Caballocubano]

I was diagnosed with the same October 28th last year despite very healthy life style. Still no explanation medically. Just taking preventative meds and building up exercise levels slowly even though I feel totally well!I think it's a 'shot across the bows' and just something we have to live with and keep an eye on ...usually after a year we will feel freer! Some of the stories here much worse.

Stay strong. You'll be fine ... just follow advice. Good luck 👍🏽

[Heaney4 in reply to Caballocubano]

Thankyou im a very positive person but this has shaken me

[Caballocubano in reply to Heaney4]

Yes of course...perfectly normal..but you're not alone. Stay the positive person you have identified...I think that's half the battle. It's not only the physical It's the psychological and we have to fight that and we WILL get through this.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum.

A Myocardial Infarction non obstructive coronary arteries MINOCA is a type of heart attack. MINOCAs are thought to cause about 10% of heart attacks affecting women more than men.

There are various causes such as microvascular dysfunction, coronary vasospasms, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a small blood clot or a small piece plaque blocking a coronary artery.

This type of heart attack has only recently been recognised.

I was admitted to hospital over 10 years ago with a suspected heart attack and told incorrectly that I couldn't have angina or a heart attack.

I was later diagnosed with vasospastic angina following a specialised functional angiogram.

Have you been offered any futher tests?

A cardiac MRI is usually recommended.

It's important to know why you had your heart attack so you can receive the correct treatment.

I am on medication to help prevent my severe episodes of coronary vasospasms damaging my heart as well as trying to relieve my angina.

Unfortunately there is still very little information available about MINOCAs.

Heart Research UK has some information.

heartresearch.org.uk/heart-...

You'll find more details from this patient group's website.

internationalheartspasmsall...

[Caballocubano in reply to Milkfairy]

This is very well explained, thank you.

I indeed had an MRI yesterday and hope it will provide some answers as currently just have a question mark over my head!😀

Most important point is it is now medically recognised which was not the case before as you identify.

Even more importantly we're all still here!!

[Headache1001]

Hi! Same here (MINOCA NOV 24) so no advice I’m afraid. All tests so far have been fine. Still awaiting MRI. How are you feeling?

[Heaney4 in reply to Headache1001]

Taking heart meds few side effects scared abt how this ends

[Headache1001]

I know what you mean. It’s hard not knowing what has caused it as no one can then fix it! I was advised by cardiac nurse to get back to normal and the meds will prevent it happening again, but I’m still sometimes getting chest pain/ pressure and getting tired, also frequently lose my voice on exertion (can’t find a pattern or trigger for when any of it happens 🤷🏻‍♀️). Not been back to A&E as my pain has not been as bad as when I had my heart attack and the 8 night stay in hospital has put me off going anywhere near that place unless I absolutely have to! Stay positive and take care.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Headache1001]

Have you got a follow-up appointment with a Cardiologist?

[Heaney4 in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes but not till july at the moment im in heart failure clinic every 2 wks doing bloods ecg and checking how im doing on meds

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Heaney4]

I hope you make a good recovery.

[Headache1001]

Glad to see you have support in place. I still have no appointments. Have tried phoning cardiology secretaries again but the response is the same- wait for MRI but medication will stay the same whatever the cause, which I’m not convinced about.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Headache1001]

That's disappointing and frustrating.

The treatment is definitely not the same whatever the cause.

Eg beta blockers are contraindicated if you have coronary vasospasms, vasospastic angina. I ended up in hospital with unstable angina after being prescribed beta blockers, before my diagnosis of vasospastic angina was confirmed.

Vasospastic angina is a common cause of MINOCA.

[Headache1001 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks, I’m just not sure where to go from here. I have a gp appointment (mid Feb!) so hoping they can do something?!

[Heaney4]

Can anybody tell me how long can u live normally after minoca diagnosis ive been told the heart meds can stabilize condition but for how long and i have no idea what happens when drugs no longer work

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Heaney4]

My Cardiologist says with the appropriate treatment for the confirmed underlying cause of your MINOCA, that your prognosis is good.

I have lived with severe coronary vasospasms for nearly 13 years. I am still here!

[Heaney4 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thankyou its great to be able to talk with other people about this