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Vasospastic angina or anxiety? 24 y old female
After days of angina- like pain and tachycardias (110-120) that happen randomly at rest or after activity, 3 ekgs, an echocardiogram and a stress test with no imaging, my cardiologist said im perfect.
But the symptoms are random and continue. Huh. He said i should go to a psychiatrist.
I did today. I was prescripted alprazolam and sertraline. The pain is still there, in my jaw, my chest.
Im so scared to die. I know im young, but now everyday it feels like ill get a heart attack. What do you think i should do while i wait for the psychiatric medicine to work (in case thats the issue)? Should i ask my cardiologist to run the tests again? Ask for more tests? Or find another cardiologist?
I wouldnt be in such a rush if i didnt feel ill die. I havent fainted. But im scared it will only get worse. I also have scoliosis. I was mentioned i coule have stenosis or something. Im so lost.
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I have had coronary vasospasms for a couple of years now and it can be tough. One of the problems is that its a condition that is not well understood and so many Dr's have no clue what they are talking about. I have had many tests including heart cath and they all were normal with no other problems. I have no heart disease, 0 calcium score, no blocks or anything else. However I had constant chest pain/angina.
I have talked with many others with this condition and I can say with absolute certainty that angina can be different for all with this condition. You can go through horrible periods where its daily for weeks or months even. So anyone trying to say it only lasts for minutes or some time period does not understand this condition and its cycles. I have talked with folks that have had this for 10, 20, and even +30 years which really helped me to understand better my own symptoms and that I was not alone. You will also hear that its mostly women that have this and that is true however plenty of men have it also. I have talked to many.. It seems the UK is way more advanced in this area and lots of people to chat with. (British heart foundation forum/healthunlocked) Cant post the direct link here.
I am on a bunch of meds that help and reduced the intensity and frequency of angina. It takes a while to find what works for you as there is no "one size fits all". I have had to change and play with the dosages lots working with my cardiologist. It can and does get better so dont think that you have to live this way forever with daily agony. I understand the fear and anxiety as I have had it and get it still sometimes when the symptoms come one stronger. I take nitro when I need it and you should not be afraid to take whenever you need as it helps.
One thing I have learned is the difference between vasospasm and micros-vascular dysfunction is that the first condition typically still permits physical activity and generally angina has nothing to do with exertion. However the later is usually driven by exertion and can have shortness of breath with all the rest of the symptoms. The challenge is that some have both conditions and there is a way to definitively get a diagnosis which is coronary angiography, where they inject a substance like acetylcholine. This will cause vasospasm in people that have this condition and is the standard to diagnose. However, it seems many places in the US dont do this and basically rule everything else out first and diagnose that way.
Anyway, I can so relate to your feelings and I know it can be tough to go through. You must get to another cardiologist that understands this condition and can diagnose you so that you can be treated with the proper meds. You then will be on the journey to find the ones that work for you with the right dosages. It can and does get better but it is a fight in the beginning to find a good Dr and the right treatment. Also one other fact. People of all ages have this so dont feel like you are unique in that way. I am 53 but have seen folks in 20s-30s and up to 70-80s with this. I know it is tough to be so young with this thing but YOU ARE NOT ALONE. God bless!