I have 2 stents in heart arteries for plaques. How should I have the health of my vascular system assessed in general.

[Mindseye49]

I want to know about future risk and how to deal with it.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hi and welcome! 😊 I am replying in general terms as you have given no indication of age or cardiac history, e.g. what lead up to the stents. In general, invasive tests like an angiogram are best avoided if you are symptomless as they always carry a small risk. The same can be said of MRI and CT scans as there is always a risk from the dye that is injected.

So what tests could be done. For the heart the simplest one is a stress ECG on, for instance, an exercise bike. A number of other arteries can be checked ultrasonically. Typically this would be the aortic (carried out automatically in the UK at 65), the carotid arteries and those in the legs (or standard Doppler test to detect problems).

The best way to reduce future risks is to eat a healthy diet, maintain a BMI of 25 or below (not below 21), NOT smoke or take recreational drugs, drink in moderation and exercise as appropriate. Your cholesterol levels and BP should also be checked regularly. Personally, I also recommend a SR 1000mg Vitamin C tablet. This reduces the risk of irritation of the arterial walls and subsequent plaque build-up.

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Mindseye49,

If you want to have an assessment of your cardiovascular health risk then you should discuss what tests are available to you with your doctor. They would normally only consider a CT angiogram if you were experiencing angina type symptoms which indicated further coronary heart disease.

You should have your risk factors assessed including your blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol level (if there are any concerns it may be elevated). Many medications you should have been started on will reduce your risk of further cardiovascular disease. It is extremely important to keep your heart healthy through a healthy diet and regular exercise which also reduce your risk factors.

Take care,

Emily

[gal4God]

Ur doctor will kno uve had the stents but listen and take on board their advice for self care as well as their care they work together