I have been referred for an angiogram by my new cardiologist on the strength of a nuclear stress test
I had a very difficult recovery from bypass with several serious complications. I am terrified of further invasive surgery. Any advice? I am 71 years old and female. Smikra
An angiogram isn't an invasive surgery your awake and I know that some hospitals may give you sedation but your awake during the whole process... It's more like discomfort... but if you have any worries speak to your cardiologist... ♥️
I take it that your "Nuclear Stress Test" was a Myocardal Profusion Scan this test gives a really good view of your heart, it kind of takes pictures in slices ( that's how it was described to me )
I was also called back for a further angiogram after having an MPS and this showed some further ischemia which the Cardiologist believes he can sort by opening a blocked artery which wasn't possible when I had by pass surgery
In my case I will have the artery opened in the Cath Lab not the Operating Theatre ( like you I wouldn't fancy that again) my EF has improved now around 37% so it was worth having the surgery.
Hello there - sorry to hear you're anxious about having an angiogram. I can certainly understand that once you've had complications from surgery before you're always more cautious when you need tests and treatments again.
The good news is that angiograms are incredibly safe and common tests, that usually take quite a short amount of time to do and usually with little risk. There's some more information and a video on our website in case that's useful for you: bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tes...
I hope this helps.
Take care,
Chris
I have to admit while so many others are quite blaze about the angiogram and are probably right based on their experiences I would be more afraid of having one again than the bypass surgery.
4 days after having my angiogram I had a 'turn' and although not spotted by paramedics I was eventually admitted to the hospital and an MRI check showed I had had a stroke.
Luckily I have to horrible lasting damage it has made me very afraid to have a second one.
The % of problems are small so I am sure you will be fine but it is only natural to be concerned.
I have read about strokes after angiograms. That's why one starts Plavis or Warfarin. Thanks.
Hi Smikra, we often over think these procedures and focus on our fears, this leads to stress at the point of treatment which is really a complication. Strokes do happen after angioplasty in a few cases - that isn't the norm.
Drawing on the experience of others eases the process because you eliminate the unknown and recognize that others have benefited.
I was reluctant to join this forum for many reasons but a friend said quite clearly to me that all the contributors have one thing in common - they survived! They live with the outcome and share the positive experience.
An angiogram and angioplasty has a risk but the greater risk is doing nothing.
Thank you MarkT60. My GP emailed me a copy of my stress test which I've studied along with a lot of research. I'm beginning to see this as an opportunity. My GP is great and that helps. Part of my problem was being treated like a mushroom. Cardiologist nurse would only say very abnormal stress test. Turns out I had a panic attack when she called me. My GP has given me meds for that. Much better. I will try to talk to my cardiologist about stents, and then make an appointment. I don't know why he is rushing me.though. Smikta
I had my angiogram which was much easier than I feared. The cath lab surgeon kept praising the work of the doctor who did my bypass and said all of the grafts were clear. No intervention was needed. I'm to see cardiologist in 2 weeks. Its been two days and I feel a little tired but fine. I guess it was a false positive on the nuclear stress test. Weird. One thing that is strange. I started sneezing, nose running during recovery., and it is continuing. my friend who was with me tthough one of the nurses was wearing perfume. I'm allergic. Thanks to everyone who helped with my fear. Has anyone else had the sneezing thing?
I have had quite a few Angiograms more than 10 some for a leaking AVM in my Brain others for my Heart. I can only say it's Risk v Reward and from what I understand the Risk v the Reward is very carefully considered before any procedure. I believe the Risk from an Angiogram is around 1% ( 1 in a 100 ) not sure if it is slightly higher from a Stent ?? Personally I would take the Risk from a Angiogram rather than not knowing if a Heart Attack was on the horizon !!!
With regards to the Myocardial Profusion Scan I don't think it is possible to be wrongly analysed. I know mine was passed around a couple of Cardiologists to see if they thought it was viable to open a totally Occluded Artery RCA, and the answer was Technically they thought it possible, the technique will involve " antegrade or retrograde dissection re-entry technique" with approximately double around 2% major complication rate of angioplasty, to a simply narrowed artery. I have been told around 70 % chance of success at the 1st attempt and it may give a slight improvement to my SOB symptom, but from Angina rather than my Heart Failure.
The reason I have gone into this explanation is to show how in depth. an Angiogram and MPS scan can open up a total view of how your Heart is working.
One other aspect of Risk v Reward before the CABG the surgeon wanted to be sure that the AVM had healed so he wrote to the Consultant Neurosurgeon to check. This involved an MRA scan which The Neurosurgeon wrote back to say " No Worrying Features so you can proceed with " anti platelet therapy " and full dose heparinzation for his surgery.so they do Risk and Reward investigations.
ps I have opted for the PCI to open the Artery currently on the waiting list !! Risk v Reward
regards
Frank W
Thank you Frank. I did have the angiogram and one graft from my quad CABG had failed. The doctor recommended cardio rehab which I'm now attending. He also wanted an Echo cardiogram which I had Wednesday. I am waiting to hear the results. The angiogram was much easier than I expected.
Great that you have had the Angiogram, sorry to hear a graft wasn't successful I believe it sometimes happens. Stay positive it really helps.
Best Regards
Frank W
update post quad bypass. and valve
Quad bypass and aortic valve replacement
nerve pain and numbness months after heart bypass operation 
Angiogram after effects 
Angiogram after CT Scan
