CT angiogram tomorrow

[lettingoffsteam]

So I've got the last of the three tests ordered by my cardiologist tomorrow, a CT angiogram.I'm really not looking forward to this one, especially as the letter said I may need to stay in hospital for an hour after if I feel dizzy.I'm.also worried what the results might say.In other news my 24 hour bp measurement results came today.I averaged 119/73 which is a darn sight healthier than the 244/133 I started this hypertension journey with!!

[Sunnie2day]

119/73 is a huge improvement from your 244/133, whatever you're doing, you're doing it right.

I was a bundle of nerves right up to the minute they wheeled me into the room, same worries you're having now. I kept telling myself any news is good news in the end as it would mean they found 'it' (whatever 'it' was) and it would be dealt with. That said, I shamelessly asked them to give me every bit of pain/anxiety relief they possibly could - oh dear, I was three days coming out of that fog

Mine came back clear - I hope yours does as well! Please update us when you're up to it.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thanks Sunny2day for your encouraging words.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

There is nothing to worry about. During a typical CT scan you will receive:

i) a beta blocker to slow the heart

ii) GTN spray to open the arteries

iii) contrast dye to highlight the blood vessels

I ended up with a slightly muggy headache but a technician brought me tea and biscuits. So yes do allow for an hour after.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to MichaelJH]

Ah OK, I'm on propanolol already...just a low dose for my anxiety and palpitations.I'm not looking forward to the GTN part though.I've had a pulmonary ct angiogram before so I've had the contrast media put in.That was strange but OK.Oh well it will be over by tomorrow.Thanks for the advice.

[Sarahd56 in reply to MichaelJH]

Correct. We were in for 3 hours afterwards. That was the standard time up at Golden Jubilee. Two to a room. We had a nice lunch.

[Manhattan1 in reply to Sarahd56]

hi Sarah.. i’m on waiting list for angiogram at Golden Jubilee.. do they actually offer sedation ?.. my hubby had stent fitted last Sept and never mentioned sedation..

[Sarahd56 in reply to Manhattan1]

Its conscious sedation as far as I can recall. It doesn't knock you out.I

I felt relaxed and just done some nice easy breathing exercises I learned at cardiac rehab. I joked and asked for extra sedation in the form.if 2 double bacardis!. You are observed for that time so they are sure the artery has stopped bleeding.

[Modeller3]

Hi had angiogram on Monday last week. Did not fill athing

Stay in hospital over night , results were good no blockages, so don't worry it could be good news.have you

ask about your reflux which was part of my chest pain

Good luck

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Modeller3]

Thanks Modeller3, no reflux with me and in fact the burning sensation that led to this test has very much died down of late.I started quite a bit of bp meds at the same time last March and the burning sensation started after two or three days.Never associated with exercise but was quite bad last summer.Went to A&E twice but blood tests were clear.I have a slightly dodgy ECG though with a very slight ST depression in the lateral leads.That's another reason for the scan today.The consultant says it is most likely due to mild enlargement of my left ventricle (lvh) but we are checking.He says he isn't worried but I am!😕

[jackiesimmonds]

I have had more than one angio, never felt a thing, did not need sedation of any kind, and I a not brave. It was just no big deal AT ALL. please do not let anyone scare you....there is nothing whatsoever to worry about. An hour in hospital afterwards - just relax and enjoy the peace, tea and biscuit. An hour goes by in a flash.

[Lezzers]

Good luck, hope it goes well for you today. Let us know how you get on

[Thecyclist]

Good Luck today! I'm sure it will go really well!

[Hatchjd]

My husband had a private CT angio in October. He was told to take his betablocker before. I believe the only thing given during the test was IV contrast dye . It took about 40 mininutes and he felt fine and went home immediately after. It came back clear.

[Pablo317]

Hi lettingoffsteam - I anticipate you will find it a breeze. Some sensation but no at all painful. My main issue was boredom. Fortunately one of the great team shared my passion for football so we chatted non-stop until he said "ok all done" . So, it's a waste if good worrying time! Hope it all goes well - it will. God bless_Bubble wrap 😎⚽️🍷

[lettingoffsteam]

Hi all, well it went OK.I was pretty nervous so I needed the max of metoprolol to get my heart rate down plus my bp was up when I arrived.The contrast media felt quite odd and the gtn gave me a bit of a headache...not too major though.Anyway, it's done now so thanks to all for your good wishes.👍😀

[Sunnie2day in reply to lettingoffsteam]

Thank-you for the update, and glad to hear it wasn't too unpleasant. Were you given the results or are you going to have to wait for your next appointment?

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Sunnie2day]

They said the report will go to my cardiologist in seven to ten working days.I have a follow up with him on 28th May but I suppose that depends on the results.Hope all is OK.🤞🙂

[Sunnie2day in reply to lettingoffsteam]

7-10 days IS good news, I think - if the news hadn't been good someone would have had that horrid bedside chat with you and you'd either still be in hospital or waiting to be booked for something more invasive than the angio.

Still, the wait won't be easy even though your brain is saying 'If it had been something serious they would have told me on the spot...' because your heart is saying 'Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, what if, what if...'

Been there-done that as you have. Keep us updated and know we're here for ((HUGS)) and hand-holding. The support on this site is nothing short of phenomenal, I couldn't have made it through this far without you all!

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thanks Sunnie2day, that's really encouraging.You're right the support here is totally amazing.You really keep me going.