I was once a practicing GP, dedicated to the health and well-being of my patients. However, that all changed when I began experiencing unexplained chest pain. Despite my medical background, my symptoms went undiagnosed by the NHS in my local hospital , forcing me to turn to private healthcare. I was not offered the tests that are needed to diagnose INOCA on the NHS  locally,only standard tests that are known to rule out obstructive coronary artery disease.Because I saw a microvascular cardiologist privately , I was finally diagnosed with Ischaemic Heart Disease, specifically INOCA – ischaemia without coronary heart obstruction ,using the gold standard testing of angiogram with coronary physiology testing  at a NHS teaching hospital .This tests the function of the cardiovascular system and the ability of the microvasculature  to open up under stress or exertion .

This condition is alarmingly more prevalent in women, yet, due to a significant oversight in the it is not adequately recognized in the chest pain pathways of all NHS hospitals. If I had remained under NHS care, locally ,I would have been discharged undiagnosed, potentially leading to severe health implications or even life-threatening situations. I am now retired because my condition prohibits me from continuing my practice, and countless others remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to this gap in the system.

Statistics indicate that ischaemic heart disease is a leading cause of death among women globally, and nuanced conditions like INOCA contribute significantly to this figure. The absence of structured protocols and pathways within the whole of the NHS to diagnose and treat such conditions means a large portion of the female population is at risk.  The British Cardiology Society is a member of the European Society of Cardiology and supports its guidance and the NHS getting it Right First Time  does include the guidance to test for INOCA in patients who despite medical management have  ongoing symptoms of angina .More than 50% of women suffering from heart attacks have symptoms that differ from the standardized heart disease profiles, resulting in higher rates of misdiagnosis.

Including INOCA and similar conditions in the chest pain pathway protocols of  all UK hospitals can save lives. With early diagnosis and appropriate care, patients can manage their conditions effectively, reducing hospital admissions and improving overall health outcomes.

I implore the relevant healthcare authorities to update their protocols to include a broader spectrum of ischaemic heart diseases like INOCA, similar to the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines which have a whole chapter on chronic cardiac syndromes ,thereby ensuring adequate care for at-risk groups, particularly women. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and effective healthcare system, preventing unnecessary suffering and saving countless lives. Please sign this petition to advocate for change and guarantee the health and safety of all women experiencing heart disease symptoms.