Hello my lovely friends
Sorry to ask more questions.
Had a successful cardioversion in June which was my first after being in AF for 9 months.
My cardiologist recommended that I have an angiogram which came through for end of this month.
I am really concerned that this might put me back into Af, does anyone know if this is likely.
I am a very anxious person, so I apologise for bothering you all again.
Many thanks
Deb
Deb it never did for me. I have had two in the last twenty years with no issues. The only possible problem may be if you are allergic to the contrast they use. Bottom line is that you need this test to make sure that your arteries are fine and your heart structure is good so what will be will be and the alternative may not be so great. It will help them decide what treatmetn is appropriate.
Not sure if this will help Deb, but most of us are aware that a cardioversion is not a cure for AF. However, if successful it is an important marker should AF ever return because you are more likely to have a successful outcome with other treatment such as an ablation. So I would take comfort from BobD’s advice in the knowledge that the procedure is unlikely to cause a problem. Should the situation change at some time in the future, you are likely to be well placed for a good result. Good luck with the angiogram.......
Is there a reason you waited 9 months. Were other treatments tried first?
I am also a very anxious individual, too - it's no fun, is it? And yet, I always welcome investigations that will help me to be healthier, such as the one you're being offered. An angiogram will really help your doctor to know how best to look after your heart.
More commonly, these days, you'll be given a stress cardiac MRI (CMR) rather than a traditional angiogram. This is something that I'd ask about if I were you. Here's a good study that explains why the MRI is a better choice for many patients (but not all - your doctor will know best, of course):
tctmd.com/news/cardiac-mri-...
Steve
Thank you ppiman
I have had a stress test and they wanted me to have mri but I am claustrophobic and there is no way I could have that
Poor you. That’s a shame. The noisy tunnel and the time involved aren’t wonderful but I gather that the test is the absolute gold standard for checking every aspect the heart and, that article suggests, also rather safer than a traditional CT angiogram.
A CT scan uses a tunnel, too, but it is far quicker to carry out. Can’t you ask for mild sedation maybe?
Steve
I did ask for sedation but they said no.
I really struggled with CT scan, got through it only by them letting my husband hold my hand.
I know it sounds stupid but fear is irrational 😥
I think humans are all “irrational”; it’s just that we’ve come up with the idea that being “rational” is somehow better, even though only machines like computers are actually rational.
I also suspect that many people feel the fear; it’s how much they feel and what they do with it that makes anxious people different.
I was thinking that sedation wouldn’t work as they need to see your heart working quite hard and also you need to hold your breath at various times while they scan you.
It’s a great shame for you that you can’t find a way around this as your future, in a way, is in your hands inasmuch as the quality of information the doctors can get about your heart will determine how well they can treat you, if treatment is needed. And a stress MRI is the gold standard of providing that information.
I’m a sufferer from anxiety, too, but for some reason, I’m more anxious about being ill than being examined. Mind you, the last two scans I had, I feared so very much that bad news was coming my way. My fears truly made me almost ill, but in the end proved groundless.
Steve
Hi Deb, I did have an angiogram and it didn't put me into AF...of course, as we are all different you may consult your cardiologist about your concerns...or ask your GP and then relax...good luck...you will be OK
I had a CT angiogram to make sure I was able to start the drug Fleconide with no problem with my AF and I also have anxiety problems. It was fine so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Good luck.
Have had five angiograms and two angioplasty procedures, and it never once affected my af. All the best for the future.
I had a CT Angiogram just a few weeks ago. They injected me with a short acting beta blocker to slow my heart rate which they assured me was a common procedure prior to injecting the marker dye as I was suffering paroxysmal AFib at the time. It was fine and a couple of weeks later my cardiologist used the Angiogram to adjust my medication and give me feedback on the condition of my heart - which was much better than I had anticipated. Like you I was anxious but the outcome of this procedure has been positive and I would reassure you it’s worth having it done. I understand exactly how you feel and sympathise but would reassure there’s nothing to worry about in terms of this procedure. Best wishes.
I had an angiogram about 9 months ago. Like you I was worried about AF. It was no problem at all. In fact I was in A.flutter when they did an ecg prior to the angiogram and SR afterwards. Don’t worry they will look after you. Best wishes ☘️
Great CV results for being persistent for nine months.
You must be young. I can't see an old heart working that well. I was 3 months persistent , and my cardioversion lasted only three days. But, I was 74 at the time.
Not young 55
I was warned that it might not work but thankfully it did
At least I now know other treatments may be Possible
For someone who is 22 years older, 55 is young. If it was possible for me, it is definitely possible for you. Because you were persistent, your doctors may discuss ablation with you, hopefully. AF begets AF, the more you will have the more you will get. So, do watch (be on top of your treatment) when the arrhythmia returns because a CV is a bandaid. Wishing you the best.
Alternatives to angiogram
Where to Next - after Angiogram & Echo
A question about angiogram/ablation
AF
