Angiogram

[DIBBER14]

Hi everyone. I am due an angiogram this coming Monday and not really sure why. Maybe someone could advise. My cardiologist originally had me down with inherited high cholesterol yet my gp says its only 3.6. I have no chest pain. The inky thing i have suffered is occasionally high pulse rate which can reach up to 108 bpm but then settles back down. Am taking 2.5 bisoporil twice a day. Have also had cardio MRI some months ago which apparently was all ok. Should i be asking more questions re the need for angiogram.

[Numberone1]

Hi. I can’t help you because I have a similar situation albeit for different reasons. I have to have open heart surgery due to an inherited heart valve problem. I’m not even on a waiting list yet because I am meant to be discussed by a MDT. I saw the surgeon in January, queried why I still haven’t been discussed. Told it was a clerical error but here’s an angiogram for you. I know an angiogram needs doing before an op but as I said I’m not even on a list yet. Might be up to a year before I do even. So I think this is all premature.

[jimmyq]

I would ask your GP why an angiogram is necessary.

[alheart]

Hi Dibber14,

They should be explaining as to why they are giving you this!

I had something similar back in 2013 then it was to check on how my heart arteries and valves were doing.

Found it easy to relax and only felt the dye being injected to see if anything was blocked- a warm feeling that felt a bit like needing the loo!

The pressure "bandage" after was the sorest bit for about two hours and then uncomfortable for another 2, then off home!

It is your body and they have to explain what is going to happen and what they are looking for.

let me know how things go

take care

[DIBBER14 in reply to alheart]

Hi alheart. Thankyou for taking the time to reply. I can only think they are checking on the electrical activity as occasionally get fast HR. I will ask them on the day and let you know the outcome

[alheart]

Hi,

I would agree with Jo.

An Angiogram

BHF website bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tes...

The test is done in a cath lab. You can expect the test to last half an hour, although it can sometimes take longer.

Your hospital will ask you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before your angiogram.

You’ll be given a local anaesthetic in the arm or groin, where a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be passed into the artery.

Using an x-ray, the catheter will be directed through your blood vessels and into your heart.

A special dye will then be passed through the catheter and a series of x-rays will be taken. You might feel a hot, flushing sensation from the dye. The dye will show up any narrowed areas or blockages in the artery on the x-ray.

During your procedure, you’ll be monitored by a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm, but if you feel unwell or uncomfortable at any time, you should tell a member of the hospital staff.

I had this in 2015, the discovery led to further care which I am so greatful to the NHS for

Hope this helps

A

[DIBBER14 in reply to alheart]

Alheart thanks for your informative reply. I always dread the worst. Its just the way I'm made. I have several other long standing health problems, one of them undiagnosed. A vary severe sitting pain of 3 years. Plus i have Fascio scapula humeral dystrophy. Muscle wasting disease. Not exactly common. Only about 2000 in whole of uk.

[alheart]

Just relax and let the professionals look after you.

We do have very good medics in this country.

I relaxed and trusted them and worked with them during my treatment and took the attitude that things would not go away and would only get worse if I didn't!

That said, I did ask them questions (many), and took the attitude that there is no such thing as a stupid question just a bad answer!

Good luck

[DIBBER14 in reply to alheart]

Alheart. Thank you for advice. Procedure now compleat and as you said let the professionals do their job. Being the worlds worst worrier I can truly say to anyone else here worrying over an angiogram, dont, because it really is a very quick simple procedure. Apart from a small scratch from the local in the wrist i thought i would feel the tube going to the heart but felt nothing. In fact the dye was being injected before i knew it. All over and done with in 15 minutes and back in recovery ward for couple of hours then discharged. Results thankfully appear fine with just some minor plaque and irregularities but main arteries clear. Thank you once again to all on this site.