Any cardiologists about? (Undiagnosed Angina attack abroad ??)

[ToastedBunny]

Quick bit of advice needed please

Currently in Spain -arrived yesterday.

2 days ago had what I now believe was my first ever angina attack back in the UK . Went to A &E had blood test, ECG and chest X-ray and given the all clear . Deemed fit to travel.

Arrived in Spain last night and have had an hour long episode just now.

Can I ask what would happen in uk for suspected angina? Would I get the spray (glycerine something or other) to try at this stage or more tests? And would this drug be harmful to try if it’s actually not angina?

Am going to local clinic but would like to know what would happen next in the UK if investigating this- and if it’s potentially serious if untreated during my two week holiday.

Thank you so much for any advice

I'm so sorry to hear this I'm not a cardiologist but used to do admin for them
My advice would be to see a doctor over there ASAP and see what's what as they can possibly prescribe GTN spray or anything else you may need - phone your holiday insurance people and ask them for contacts of local private cardiologists perhaps and ring your UK GP surgery and ask their advice maybe too.
If your well enough to fly I'd be heading home so I was back in the UK I think - less stressful all round

Did the UK doctors rule out angina, did they give you any advice about what to do if you got the pain again or book you in for any tests like an angiogram or stress test, did they refer you to a rapid chest pain clinic if they had one. Like pp says I would see a doctor in Spain, see what they say and get in touch with your insurers to see a cardiologist if it is your heart.

I work in cardiology. Why do you think it’s angina? Do you have any risk factors for angina? Usually in the UK if they suspect angina (from symptoms and risk factors) they refer to a rapid access chest pain clinic, they usually offer GTN spray and a stress test or angiogram to confirm the diagnosis and assess need for treatment.

You would be given a range of tests and prescribed GTN spray and an angiogram organised. If the angiogram showed blockages they would usually put a stent in to open the artery. I would be concerned if you are having unstable angina attacks abroad as they can be the lead up to a heart attack. Keep your holiday low key and keep well hydrated if you have to stay.

There is no chance of a cardiologist giving you advice on MN. The GMC and medical defence organisations take a dim view of it. Unsurprisingly.

And even if they could, it wouldn’t be a “quick bit of advice”

Hi thank you all
At clinic- just had another ecg and blood test! Twice in three days! i just felt that it might angina due to symptoms ( just the dull ache) but dr in uk didn’t mention it. Hospital dr in uk said see gp for risk screening. Gp said no further referral unless he had more difficulty… Btw I’m 50, active non smoker size 10-12, drink very little alcohol

Btw had had acid indigestion for the last week- unusual for me

apologies for awful phone typing

Wait and see what your tests show, hope you are ok.

I will wait and see- thank you. my OP was written before I knew what tests they would do here.

Have you been checked for gallstones? People often mistake the pain for heart pain.

I don’t have symptoms indicating gallstones I don’t think

Have you ever had constachondritis? (I think that's how it's spelled). I was convinced I was having angina attacks and that was the cause.

can i ask what your symptoms were plz and for how long