YOUR VIEWS PLEASE

I underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. I have in the initial stenosis ...MID LAD 75-94%. DISTAL LCX 75-94%. INT/OM1 1-49%. OM275-94%. MID RCA 95-99%.I have been started on a low dose of antianginals . I am currently asymptomatic,except for the slight dizzyness and nausia am doing ok! " MEDICAL MANAGEMENT FOR NOW. .FOLLOW UP LOCALLY. IF HE DEVELOPS SYMPTONS IN FUTURE HE CAN BE REFERRED FOR A CABG"!! ...I am aware that if it aint broke dont fix it!! The cardiac nurse says i dont normally come and see people like you,but you just need to "not over do it dont rush,dont lift heavy things ,dont cut the hedge all at once, if i get breathless, use the spray twice in ten mins,if it dont go away call an ambulance"!!! I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A SWORD HANGING OVER ME,OR THAT I COULD FALL AT ANY MOMENT!! NOT AT ALL A PLEASANT FEELING FOR Me or my family! prior to this i knew that i was a little "blocked" but it was only in October that i was told that i was 50% ten years ago! soo what a shock to be only given isorbide in october.... Is it wait and see? am i best not asking for action now? should i count my blessings? say goodbye every time i leave? I KNOW AN OP IS AN IMEDIATE RISK OF COURSE,WAITING IS A WHOLE NEW GAME !!! A NY VIEWS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. PLEASE

[Hatchjd]

There have been recent studies showing that treating STABLE angina with medication can be just as effective as PCI and CABG even when there is significant % vessel blockage. As you are asymptomatic it would appear that your cardiologist has chosen the medication route for your treatment and if you become symptomatic is suggesting bypass. Recent studies also show the % of blockage is not a always predictor of heart attack and the type of plaque plays a large factor. Some can be unstable and prone to rupture and bleed which blocks the artery. This can happen even the % of plaque and vessel blockage is low. I would recontact the cardiac nurse and ask what protocol your cardiologist or hospital uses to decide treatment and what follow up you can expect. If they are treating you medically how do they monitor effectiveness of the medications or are they basing ongoing care solely on symptoms. What level of physical restriction would be considered significant enough to result in surgical intervention as we all have different levels of tolerance and fitness.

There are several studies on the treatment of stable angina on the internet. They make interesting reading. I had a PCI with 2 stents last year for a 90% LAD & 80% LCX following minimal symptoms. In another location they may have decided to treat me similarly to you.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Hatchjd]

Hatchjd good points well made

Here is the latest research article published late last year. The Ischemia trial

acc.org/latest-in-cardiolog...

[Prada47]

Hello

Don't worry about the sword it's amazing how a Little Medication can hold it back !!

I have a 100% blocked RCA and in the process of Blocking it did not give me a Heart Attack.

Not an expert but I believe that the Heart Muscle finds new sources of Blood to keep it going when a bit becomes blocked !! The Cardiologist told me he could fix me with stents then, he decided CABG was the best way forward for me. I was symptomatic Short of breath Pain on exercise typical symptoms. I think quite a bit depends on your age, and how bad was your problems leading to the PCI and has the PCI cured them ??

Regards