The Doc Replies

Can I drink when I have angina?

Provided that you are not on any medication that would interact with alcohol, then it’s not necessary to stop drinking entirely. Obviously, as with everyone, you should stick within the daily and weekly limits – less than 14 units per week and no more than two to three units in a day. By cutting down on alcohol you can actually improve your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. This will have a positive impact on your condition and will reduce the risk of going on to develop other problems.

I have bone spurs in my neck and I’m not sure what they are. Can you help?

The best advice I can give is to visit your GP. I am not sure if you mean the bone spurs have been diagnosed by an x-ray or whether it is something you can feel. Bone spurs can sometimes occur as a result of wear and tear or arthritis in the neck, but further information is needed to give more advice.

What is Raynaud’s syndrome? I’ve been told I have it.

Raynaud’s syndrome is when the tiny blood vessels, usually in our hands and feet, get smaller, and this can lead to exceptionally cold hands and feet. It can also lead to pain and a numb feeling and often colour changes in the extremities. Hands and feet may go exceptionally white and pale or, in some cases, even red or purple. It is actually quite a common phenomenon in Scotland. I always recommend to my patients who this affects to keep their houses warm in winter and also wear good warm socks and gloves when out and about. Raynaud’s can be made worse by smoking, so I advise avoiding this.