Stents

[Treeclimber62]

Hi all how long do stents remain effective for i had 2 in 10 years ago after heart attack .I ask because on a couple of occasions I have had twinges during exercise ,quite vigorous, I'm 65 by the way any advice would be welcome

[bobaxford]

I would follow up with GP

[Treeclimber62 in reply to bobaxford]

Thanks have already seen cardiovascular depart at local hospital they gave Me tablets to take think its just the tablet version of gtn spray I dont really want to take more medication

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Treeclimber62]

Hello

Have they prescribed isosorbide mononitrate?

This is a medication to help relax your blood vessels this makes them wider allowing the blood to flow better through your coronary arteries.

I suggest you discuss your reluctance to take the medication prescribed with your GP and if necessary ask to be seen again by a Cardiologist.

[Treeclimber62 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for reply yes it is it may seem stupid but I dont really want more medication I was kind of.hoping for angiography to makeep sure my artery is OK. Mabe they will if Meds donthe work the thing is I had very few sympoms pior to the heart attack in fact I was out working I'm a tree surgeon and my ticker just fluttered that.was the only symptoms I had once again thanks for reply

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Treeclimber62]

An angiogram is an intervention that probably has more risks than taking your medication.

There are alternative non invasive tests such as CT angiogram.

The isosorbide mononitrate is a common medication that is used to treat stable angina.

Some people don't feel the 'classic' crushing chest pain of the TV depiction of a heart attack.

I have met someone who just had a tight feeling in their right wrist.

A word of caution when you start taking nitrates....the 'nitrate head.'

You can have a horrible headache for a week or more feel sick and light headed.

I got through it because it improved my angina pain.

Have a chat with your GP and Cardiologist about your feelings and they should take the time to explain why they recommend taking the medication.

[Treeclimber62 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thats really useful it confirms what.I thought its nice to hear another view I dont get the pain very often mabe once a month and I am physically active most of the time also had a liver transplant 2 years ago so I know I'm very.lucky life is precious thanks for reply

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

A friend's lasted over twenty years until he needed a bypass. However, shortly before he had a kidney transplant so it is an unknown how much that affected things. A stress ECG might be appropriate.

[Treeclimber62 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for reply just before I had the transplant they gave me a pretty thorough health check to make sure I'd survive the op but it was 2 years ago and things change I guess there is no guarantee

[Ianc2 in reply to Treeclimber62]

CT scan, sometimes called a CAC scan, will give you feedback on how your arteries are getting on. If you want it done quickly you can get it done privately. Doesn't cost a fortune but should give you an indication of what is going on. If your arteries are clogging up again it may be worth considering a fairly radical change in your diet?

[Treeclimber62 in reply to Ianc2]

Thanks for that it sounds inteesting like you say may be worth going private regarding diet,mine is pretty good ,but always room for improvement have you got any one in mind? Id be very grateful for any advice BTW are you from Lancashire? As I am thanks for reply

[Ianc2 in reply to Treeclimber62]

I assume you are fairly nimble, if you are running up and down trees all day. A lot of folks on this site follow the Mediterranean diet, others try and avoid cakes, biscuits, white bread, beer, anything containing added sugar, basically a low carb diet, Some say low fat is the key to long life.

I believe that Milkfairy follows the Mediterranean diet, perhaps she can advise you on the benefits with regard to your particular condition.

Lancashire? Ah , close, but from the land where the sun always shines in splendour along your eastern boundary.

[Treeclimber62 in reply to Ianc2]

Ha ha thanks for that I thought you might be like me a Lancashire man ,nimble? Well I suppose I must be for a 65 yeare old will look into diet but I thought a certain amount of fat was now good according to the papers I can never keep up with the ever changing news

[Ianc2 in reply to Treeclimber62]

Fergusthegreat has an interesting post running at the moment. Milkfairy has a great ability to look at more complex heart problems and related diet. I try and stick to a low carb/Mediterranean diet with no added sugar.keeping your arteries clear is the name of the game.

[Treeclimber62 in reply to Ianc2]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions I will check out the posts you recommend