Odd angina

Lenaraelee · 06-02-2006, 03:31 PM

Hi!
I've had angina for about 15 years. Finally 1.5 years ago, a cardiologist found that I had blockages in two vessels. They stented one of the vessels (the other only had about a 65% blockage) and he put me on a beta blocker, lipitor & isosorbide. I noticed a major lessening of the angina (Yaaay!). However in recent months I've noticed the same angina under a very different & specific circumstance. At night when I get ready to go to sleep, it takes me a minute or two (laying on my side) to adjust my pillows/legs/arms. Maybe 50 percent of the time, after I get all *snuggled* in, I have an episode of angina. A couple of times it was severe enough to put a nitrog tablet under my tongue.

It's the same kind of angina that I've had forever (chest heaviness, aching left shoulder, neck, jaw, arm), that I used to get with walking or exercising (which I don't have anymore, or not often).

I have a regular appt. with my cardio guy in a couple of weeks - and I will tell him about it. But, I'm just wondering if anyone has had this kind of angina, or heard about it. Or if anyone has any idea why this is ocurring.

Thanks!
Lena

confused32 · 06-02-2006, 05:36 PM

I also have the aching left shoulder, arm, neck and jaw pain off and on. It comes at rest and with being active. I have more jaw pain than the others though, is that a sign of angina? I have been to the ER 4 times in the last 3 months with these pains and they all say my heart is fine and that its anxiety. I thought angina was always just chest pain.

Lenaraelee · 06-02-2006, 06:32 PM

Actually, I *think* angina is commonly chest pain & referred pain to the left arm, shoulder, neck & jaw. At least, that's what my cardio guy said. Unfortuately, I also think there are many things that can cause pains or aches in those same locations.

What kind of tests did they do in the ER?

confused32 · 06-02-2006, 10:52 PM

Ive had several chest xrays, blood work a few times, nuclear stress test, and an echo all within the last 2 months and all show my heart is fine. I wish i believed all their testing but i dont and im anxious about it everyday all day. I was just worried that maybe a sign of angina was just jaw pain, i dont usually have chest pains, the only time i do is when my stomache is really gassy.

heartcreature · 06-04-2006, 12:03 AM

Lena do you also have the angina when you are exerting yourself or is it just when you lie down? Either way I would be concerned that maybe that 65% narrowing has increased or that you have other blockage somewhere else. Afterall heart disease is a progressive disease and even on medication and with healthy lifestyle changes it can progress further along and affect other arteries or even block in the areas that have been treated. I hope I'm not correct and it's just something that soon goes away.

Just a note:I had angina with taking isosorbide. I know it's suppose to help with angina but mine got worse on it and I finally stopped taking it and felt 100 percent better. I'm not suggesting you stop taking it just merely stating a fact about myself.