Angina

[ed34]

Ok partly good and partly bad news. Had my annual echo a month or so ago and met with my cardiologist in the week. My echo looks fine, EF still around 70% and no leaking valves etc. I mentioned the pains I am getting in my legs now, they only hurt when I walk and climbing stairs causes a lot of pain. The pain very quickly goes if I sit down. I had mentioned this to my local Doctor who said "oh I don't have a clue what that is". My cardiologist said I have angina of the legs and need to be scanned. He added, blockages are only ballooned using a drug eluting balloon. I am waiting for my scan now and can't wait for the results but I will keep you all informed. Oh and just to add, I am now officially a grandad to a healthy little girl (Lexey) :)

[ed34]

The cardiologist basically said that the legs carry all our weight which is correct. So if you imagine that you get the right amount of blood for them resting (sitting down) then you stand up and they need more, then you are screwed. If you then want to really work them hard, such as climbing stairs, then you are even more screwed. I remember when I had real bad angina in 2007, I was perfectly fine sitting down, but as soon as I stood up I felt chest discomfort. The pain is hard to describe, but I'm sure you've been in a situation where your legs ache? It feels like that but when I walk up a hill or stairs, that ache becomes so intense I have to stop and relax or I will be in tears. I hope he is right because I can't think of anything else. I have stopped all my meds for one month and no difference. Thank you for your comments about grandpas :)

[ed34]

Absolutely, you can get artery disease anywhere in the body. I think leg artery disease is far more common than you think. I did a search on youtube and found some patients having treatment. Thank you, I'm going to give my granddaughter more cuddles today :)

[Ger57]

Hi Ed,

sorry to hear about your leg pain.
Do you mean pain while climbing stairs for one floor? Could oxygen shortage cause so much pain in such a short time?

Anyway, you will have to wait for the scan and results.
Lets hope that a local blockage is the cause and that it can be quickly solved.

Congratulations with the birth of your grandchild. Welcome to the club of grandpas and enjoy!

[jeanette1952]

Is angina of the legs somehow related to PAD?  I never heard of that before (angina in the legs) but when you think about it it makes a lot of sense. The pain stops when you sit down...the same with "heart" angina. Very interesting. It must be very difficult for you with daily activities. Good luck with your scan.

Oh, and congratulations on your new granddaughter!