Non-Obstructive CAD

[Ceorl]

So today, after diagnosis in Jan I had my angiogram and the news is good. Basically I have non-obstructive CAD, RCA is mildly blocked and the LAD has moderate blockage with two lesions- the consultant was not concerned about their location.

In short I was told the latter is borderline but they don’t feel stenting is needed and going forward all that is required is an increase of atorvastatin from 20mg to 80mg, alongside aspirin of course.

Naturally I am relieved, but strangely it feels a bit anti-climactic! I have felt pretty rough at times in the last three months and was expecting that stenting would relieve the symptoms I had, leading to my health getting back on keel as I am eating more healthily, being more active etc and trying to live well.

As it stands, I’ve not been given any extra meds to tackle the symptoms I have (other than a GTN spray from the get-go) so I am wondering, will I begin to feel better as the statins do their thing and I stick to the lifestyle changes? Or am I just going to have to accept that I will feel rough like that sometimes going forward? Is anyone else in the same boat?

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Ceorl,

To be honest I'm not sure the increase in dosage for your statin will alleviate your symptoms, they will or should lower your cholesterol, which in turn should help the blockages becoming larger, but they are not a cure. Also make sure you bug your GP for regular liver function tests, keep an eye on your own body and mind as well please.

Were you prescribed aspirin before this latest consultation? If not this will thin the blood helping it get past the blockages. If yes, then I would push for another appointment in order to discuss treatment going forwards.

It sounds as if you are doing your part, change to diet, exercise etc. all of which will help.

take care

Mark

[Ceorl in reply to skid112]

Thanks Skid, yes I was prescribed aspirin shortly after my initial diagnosis.

I will definitely be pushing for regular tests as I am aware of some of the potential impacts of statin use, I had one recently and the results should be in by now.

Everything was great yesterday in terms of the result, but I was pretty much ushered out of the door as soon as they were happy the arterial incision had stopped bleeding!

I was expecting some kind of ‘debrief’ from the consultant or a member of the cath-lab staff, so it feels like I’ve been left at a bit of a loose end.I still have a form of CAD, so I’m not out of the woods yet!

Anyway, I have an appointment with my GP today to get the new-dose statins so I will discuss next steps with him.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to Ceorl]

Agreed, I never cease to be amazed at the idea that we know instantly without being offered an explanation.

Good luck at the doctors,