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I have been reading the mayoclinic site, and was interested to find an article on small vessel disease. Since my chest pains usually occur during rest, and I have been diagnosed with having several small arteries that are blocked and can't be stented this may explain why it is that my angina or unstable angina does occur during rest, or while I am sleeping. Although I have had two stents, this makes sense... any information would be wonderful.
Exercise Heart disease Cardizem Verapamil Anxiety Angina Stent Isosorbide mononitrate
Dear Clematis...I also have been diagnosed with small vessel disease and I am on 0.8 nitro patches with nitro pills (sublingual) as needed. I am glad that your doctors take this seriously...so many don't, and refer to it as a nuisance. Those of us who have it know better :)
Here is an excellent link that may give you more information.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511164612.htm
(I believe this was in our latest Womenheart newsletter.)
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, or just compare symptoms. It is nice to know you are not alone.
Carolyn
Carolyn,
Thanks for the note, but I haven't been diagnosed although time and again have had the discussion that yes, I have these small artery blockages and no I don't know why you have these symtoms. Currently, I suggested taking 10 mg of isosorbide mononitrate prior to bed, which I have been on for 1.5 weeks and it is helping the early waking angina. In addition to nitro when needed. Most of these symptoms came after my last stent procedure 3.5 weeks ago.
thanks for the link, I will check it out and maybe send a hard copy to my current cardiologists, although speculate that a change is needed!
Careh, Thank you for calling my attention to the article. It is very interesting and informative. I just printed it out for my ever growing file on " micro cardio vascular disease". I too was diagnosed 2 years ago .... I forced myself to drop 20 pounds and change my eating habits....NOT EASY....also exercise every e day....and that helps....but now I am dealing with intermittment chest pains...sometimes for days and then none for weeks....guess I need to get myself on some type of nitro...which I am not! Thanks again!
Dear kmps....You're welcome! I have to admit that in my case, we (my cardiologist and I) are only guessing that my angina (I get it several times a day, some days worse than others), is still related to the micro vascular problems...I am in deep medical debt (uninsurable and 40,000 in debt to collection agencies), and have not had any tests but "irregular" EKG's since February 2004. I am afraid that I can't do much with exercise due to severe symptoms, but I do try to walk when ever possible (even though I get out of breath, chest tightness, and nauseated immediately). It is better on the patch though. I am just so thankful that nitro helps me cope.
I hope you can find relief with it as well!
(I have found that cuddling with my cat helps a lot :>)
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, just to bring you up to date. I took a copy of this article to my Dr who was very interested in the content. I asked about the test for endothial disfunction and he told me I had not had it done but that my cardiologist assumes that this is what is causing my condition. Also that it's a very specialised test. Truth is that the NHS (National Heath Service) in the UK won't pay for it and I can't afford to pay for it myself. Wouldn't it be great if Dr's told their patients what is happening to them. Keep well xSheila
Would an angioplasty not show these "small blockages"? I will look at the website and see if there are any answers. It is difficult to understand why I feel chest discomfort when I'm resting rather than when I'm doing things or after doing things. It seems that there really is a difference between male's heart problems and women's.
My Cardiologists told me about the small blockages and narrowing but never used the diagnosis, and continues to be perplexed on why I have "chest pains," only during rest. He still won't call them angina...but I know and that is really more important for me, especially since I have to live and deal with it
It is frustrating. One cardiologist told me I had angina and would need nitro for good. Another one told me that after the angioplasty and having the stent put in, I didn't need nitro. Who do I believe? My cardiologist gives it to me, maybe to help with anxiety, I don't know. However, I tend to get the pains when I'm resting more than if I'm "active". I hope you find a solution - hope we both find a solution.
Nitro for anxiety? That is a new one. We are the keepers of our bodies, so listen to your body, that is where we gain our strength during our times of healing while living with heart disease.
I too have been dealing with small vessel disease for several years. My PCP had me taking Verapamil ER 240 mg. for quite awhile. Recently, I started going to my husband's cardiologist and he switched me to Cardizem 240 mg. He said that medication works better on opening the small arteries, which will help more than the Verapamil. I have only been on the new medication for 2 days, so I don't know yet if it is doing the trick yet, but I will keep you posted. This cardiologist seems very knowledgeable, so I am hoping it will work.
Myra
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