angina

I had an ICD installed about 3 weeks ago. Since that time my angina has increase 3 fold. I walk 2-3 blocks and take a nitro.
Before, I could always walk 9-10 blocks before any pain and sometimes I didn't have any at all.  They prescribed 60mg of Imdur and that don't help.

Could the installation of the ICD be causing this? Don't see how I could get this much worse in 2 days.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Gopher2003,

Thanks for the post.

It is possible that the ICD installation has lead to increasing angina.  Two possible mechanisms might include (1) cessation of aspirin prior to the procedure, and (2) pacing of the heart from the new ICD.  The latter explanation is more likely.  Depending on how your ICD is programmed, your heart may now be in a paced rhythm, which can be less efficient than your body's natural rhythm.

Another explanation (perhaps the most likely) is that the two events are unrelated.

Talk to your doctor, and good luck.