Triggers & Coping Strategies

Self Help and Self-Awareness

The following are prevention and coping strategies that some people have found helpful in managing their coronary vasospasms. Please discuss these strategies with your Cardiology team to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you to adopt. Some supplements and herbs can interact with the conventional medications you are already prescribed. They may also be expensive with varied concentrations and quality control of the contents.

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Trigger Reduction – Know your triggers!

Stress reduction & management
Meditation
Yoga
Tai Chi
Mindfulness mediation
Breathing and relaxation techniques including self-hypnosis
Exercise – Explore nature!
Develop an artful skill such as drawing, cooking, or knitting
Volunteer
Adopt pacing techniques such as the Spoon theory
Listen to your body and don’t overdo it!
Avoid stress whenever possible
Ask for help from a professional to receive counseling
Talk with your support network and doctor
Reduce Risks of Getting Cold
- Layer up with clothing to stay warm.
- Bring a jacket and gloves.
- Keep warm by wearing many light layers of thermal base layers.
- Line your shoes and boots with fleece liners
- Keep your nose and mouth covered when walking out in the cold weather
- Wear Silver threaded lining gloves

Reducing Inflammation

Acupuncture (note: if you are on antiplatelet treatment or taking aspirin, acupuncture maybe contraindicated)
Turmeric
CoQ10
Exercise
Cutting excess sugar out of your diet

Sleep, glorious sleep!

Ensure a good nights sleep
If you are able, exercise! It assists adequate sleep patterns
Relaxation exercises – these promote healthy sleeping habits

Consider the influence of hormones

Monitor your period (Clue is a great free app for your phone for tracking your cycle!)
Ensure hemoglobin is in normal range
An Intrauterine system (IUS) or Hormonal coil can help reduce anemia and avoid a hysterectomy
Oral Contraceptive Pill – discuss with your Cardiologist
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – discuss with your Cardiologist and Menopause specialist

Oxidative Stress & Free Radical Reduction

This can be achieved with the use of Antioxidants such as:

Vitamin E
Vitamin C
CoQ10 (Co-Enzyme Q10)
N-AC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Avoidance of other possible triggers

Cease smoking and avoid second hand smoke
Avoid any medications or substances that may provoke a vasospasm (e.g. beta blockers)
Artificial sweeteners
Reduce or avoid caffeine intake
Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption – it may deplete magnesium
Avoid extreme weather conditions
Stay out of humidity or excessive heat

Pain Management

Attend a Pain Management course
Engage in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Access support from a Pain/Cardiac psychologist
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine
- If you have a Pacemaker, using a TENS machine may also be contraindicated

Coping strategies during Angina episodes

Use prescribed Short acting sublingual spray or tablets rescue nitrate/GTN as instructed by your cardiologist
Take a very warm shower or bath
Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle on chest and areas of discomfort
Consume a warm drink
Rest by taking regular naps
Apply a cold cloth behind neck on humid day
TENS machine if medically able
Use breathing and relaxation techniques
Self-hypnosis
Listen to relaxing music
Have an agreed Admission Protocol arranged with your Cardiologist and hospital to manage your inpatient episodes

Get Informed

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

CORONARY VASOSPASM MICROVASCULAR ANGINA

Educate. Inform. Enlighten.