Medication after stent a year ago

[metalclay1]

Hey, I'm Michele. Last year I had multiple mild heart attacks and when I eventually went to the GP I was sent to the hospital and now have a stent in place. It was fitted on 1st Oct 2018. I was told at my release that some of the medications would only need to be used for one year. I'm still taking all of them and have not heard from my GP/Hospital/BHF to do any different. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Nathan53]

Hi Michele - it's usual to stop any antiplatelet drug 12 months after last stent procedure, this would usually be ticagrelor or clopidogrel. Having said that there is different guidance for people who have an ongoing higher risk of heart attack and antiplatelets for those people are often continued for up to 5 years sometimes longer. I would revisit GP to ask for advice. Link attached on ticagrelor beyond 12 months bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/ticagr...

Maybe ask GP for a full review of your medications

[metalclay1 in reply to Nathan53]

That's really helpful and a super quick reply. Ticagrelor is possibly the one that was ringing some bells regarding the one year thing. I'm possibly higher risk but after your advice I'll TRY to contact my GP. Many thanks.

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi metalclay1. Nothing more to add to Nathan’s reply. I stopped my Ticagrelor after 12 months and dropped statin dose after 24 months. I’m surprised that you didn’t have an appointment with your GP when you were discharged and then have a further appointment a year after. They should be keeping an eye on your cholesterol and blood sugar and probably liver and kidney function (depending on the meds your taking) and BP/heart rate/weight etc. I’d support asking for an appointment. My surgery has a system of a regular appointment in my birthday month every year with tests and an appointment with the practice nurse. I had my heart attack + stent 3 years ago now and seem to be doing OK. At least that’s what the Doc tells me. Good luck!

[metalclay1 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thank you. I live in North Cornwall and sadly my GP doesn’t seem great at any aftercare for anything.... I’ll get an appointment and give him a ‘nag’. Thanks again.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to metalclay1]

Could also be an idea to get in touch with the hospital/cardiologist/cardio nurses where you had your stent. I imagine they’ll be shocked that you haven’t had any follow up and might be willing to give the practice a call. When I had my HA the cardio nurses said they would chivvy people among for after care if needed. Good luck.

[metalclay1 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

That’s probably a good idea. The cardio nurses were very thorough after my discharge from hosp. I’ll do it.

[Khonkaen in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thats very good news losing the Ticagrelor, I think I will too, along with the Pantoprazol, a lower statin dose would be gtreat too. I can check my blood here and a cholesterol check in Portugal is just Eur 9, so would have that done every month at the beginning. They have two labs in Tabua open 6 days a week. Something to look forward to.

[Khonkaen]

I am 8 months after a HA + a couple of stents and take a blood thinner, stomach tablet, statin and aspirin and was led to believe I would lose the first two after a year. Yes you need to speak to your cardio now your year is up.

Did you really have a few heart attacks before you saw a GP?

[metalclay1 in reply to Khonkaen]

I had several mild heart attacks. I only went to the GP because the last two made me vomit. When I saw the doctor she sent me straight to the hospital. They were not major attacks, ie not cardiac arrest.

[Khonkaen in reply to metalclay1]

Wow! I had a barely noticeable HA but went along to hospital anyway. They found:-

LAD distal 90%, stenosis mid 70% stenosis;

RCA proximal PDA 90% stenosis and

LCX mid OM1 40-50% stenosis (intermediate lesion).

I was shocked but they said I had an hour to decide, or I would die. Had two procedures for the 3 stenosis.

[Maisie2014]

Hello Michele. I’m on Ticagrelor and have been told to continue taking it but at a lower dose. This information was written in my discharge summary to ensure it was done. Check your discharge summary.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi Michelle

I had a heart attack in December 2018 and am also due to come off Ticagrelor at the end of December this year. My discharge summary highlighted that it was to stop after 12 months.

[metalclay1]

Thank you all for your kind advice. I’ll get an appointment with my GP as soon as I’m able to.

[Qualipop]

You should have had a GP appointment about a month after discharge for blood tests to check the tablets were not damaging your liver or kidneys and you should be on their heart check up every 12 months; that's at the very least.

[Andyman]

normally Clopidogrel is only for 12 months. BUT in my case because i cant take beta blockers as my heart rate is so low I am still on them 7 years on.

So you should really check with your GP and make sure they read the original discharge notes from the hospital as the details will be in there.

[Hidden]

When l had 2stents l was given clipodogrel which l took for a year Bisoprolol and Losarten for ever .

[daveofpensby]

Hi metalclay1

I was in same position as you 12 months after stent being fitted to stop certain meds. I just took them at their word and stopped the drugs.

But if your not sure ring hospital where stent was fitted or talk to your doctor

I get the impression it’s a standard thing to stop certain meds if all is ok

[Chipmonks]

I asked my doctor about my medication dose and my hearing I should stop after one year she was very clear in her responce that the stent I have is medicated and if I do not take my medication I could die.?