Arthur

Arthur

A real patient story

My name is Arthur. I am a Scot but have lived in London for nearly forty years.

In 2014, I had my first heart attack. In the following six years, I went to A&E at least twice a year. Every time, I was sent home and was told it was reflux.

My own doctor in about 2015/16 put me on half an angina pill. When I was in hospital, I was told by the cardiology doctors that I did not need it as I never had angina at all.

At the start, I was in and out of hospitals 40 plus times. Some side effects were extremely bad. For example, nausea and dizziness, etc. I had more than 28 blue light trips and three severe nose bleeds needing hospitalisation. In the end, after many months, I asked to get a second opinion, being fed up being called a conundrum. Coronary vasospasm was the answer.

The vasospastic angina has had a tremendous effect on me in more ways than one.

I was told in the middle of last year, I had cardiac vasospasm which was extremely rare. At that time, I was told only the right combination of medication would bring it under control and have had three allergic reactions to pills which they gave me.

What do I think now? I am still having some issues, though at moment, not as bad as before. It has left me disillusioned, angry and very down, at times. I would like to say the cardiac nurses were dedicated and so supportive, most time doctors were, too.

I am fourteen plus months down the road, which seems never ending. I do feel slightly better than I did, but the quality of my life is still not good. I am lucky I have had terrific support from my wife, cardiac nurses, and cardio rehab.


Arthur, aged 70

  United Kingdom

Get Informed

Learn all about the symptoms, causes and triggers of these heart conditions.

Educate. Inform. Enlighten.

Click to access the login or register cheese