Will my dad be okay?

[Worried_For_Dad]

Hi all - I’m writing because I’m really worried about my dad (62 yrs). He’s been having some pain between his shoulder blades while exercising for a few months now. He went in to see his cardiologist last week, and came back with a calcium score of 2200 and an appointment for an angioplasty + at least 3 stents next week. He doesn’t have diabetes, and his doctor said his cholesterol was under control (but he’s been taking statins for years). His doctor just prescribed a beta blocker that he picked up today.

I’m terrified about the angioplasty and stents, even though I know it’s a fairly common procedure and less risky than CABG. It just seems like with such narrowed arteries (he still hasn’t seen his flow test yet but they’re estimating around 70% blockage) that some plaque would break free and cause a stroke or worse.

I’d love some advice or words of encouragement from people who have been up against the same thing...google is really freaking me out.

P.S. - My dad has committed to going vegetarian, taking heart-healthy supplements and really adjusting his lifestyle. Has anyone done this and noticed a difference after stent surgery?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Good morning and welcome to the forum! There are no guarantees but your dad should be fine.

I was found to have four restricted coronary arteries, between 70% and 85% (worse was the LAD), and deemed unsuitable for stenting and referred for a bypass. The advice I had while I was waiting was to keep mobile and exercise but not push it.

Besides lowering cholesterol statins have two other actions a) reduction of irritation often a precursor to plaque formation as the body tries to repair itself and b) stabilisation of any existing plaque. The act of stabilisation tends to increase calcium scores so your father's probably looks worse than it is.

The beta blocker is good as it reduces strain on the heart. One drug you do not mention is a mini Aspirin (75mg). This helps prevent clots forming. Unless there is a medical reason why not he should be on them. If he is not I would drop a call to the GP today. Although he can get a free prescription mini Aspirins are only pennies to buy.

Going vegetarian is purely personal choice. I tried it and concluded "No thank you". If he does go vegetarian he needs to do his homework to avoid potential issues sich as Vitamin B12 deficiency. The BHF recommend a Mediterranean diet. I tend to follow this with mainly fish and chicken as my protein sources with usually a very lean steak once a week. But as I said it is personal choice. I also think it is advisable to avoid things like refined carbohydrates, trans fats, etc.

Good luck and keep the forum updated.

[Worried_For_Dad in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for the kind words <3 It's reassuring to hear statins can increase your calcium score...(that would make more sense because his has *skyrocketed*. I think his initial reading in 2016 was around 600-700, which was still worrisome, but way better.)

He's taking a daily aspirin along with some other supplements like CoQ10! I think he's going to eat fish or shrimp a few times a week too - he's really planning to amp up his legume intake for protein.

[Jaws66]

A good mental attitude to take it on and win will make a big difference; just be careful of trying to make too many changes at once. Do your bit, and buy him a good cookbook!

[Worried_For_Dad in reply to Jaws66]

I actually just did! His birthday is two days after the surgery and he just got a new instant pot - hoping he can use it to make some good stuff!

[080311]

Hello and welcome to the forum, having any heart event is a big shock for us and our family. Being unaware of anything being wrong until our body lets us down is a like having the rug pulled from beneath our feet.

As Michael says lots if us follow the Mediterranean diet if your Dad wants to go vegetarian do some reading, make sure he will be getting everything he needs.

The one thing to not do is go on dr Google! If you need advice and it’s something we can’t help with his GP or the nurses here on BHF.

There are numerous members who have had stents fitted, and will give you any pointers you need. I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass, 4 years ago and am grateful every day to the clever medical team that gave me my life back.

I wish you and your family well everything will be fine, let us know how he gets along.

Best wishes Pauline

[Worried_For_Dad in reply to 080311]

Thank you Pauline <3 glad to hear you're doing well after your bypass

[Worried_For_Dad]

So happy to hear about your recovery! Good luck with the half marathon - that's amazing!

[Tessie28]

Ah bless you of course you are worried. The whole thing is scary. I am post OHS but hubby too has issues. When he went for his angiogram he didn't need the stents. Sometimes the narrowing looks worse on on a scan than it turns out to be. Was a nice surprise for us. I'm not saying this is the case but they are getting him in quickly and honestly compared to open heart surgery angioplasty is a walk in the park to these people. They are so used to it and your dad is young.

Back 6 months ago, just before my op, I thought I wouldn't come round, I even planned my funeral. No laughing here guys. Am now able to walk at least 7000 steps a day and do my rehab programme. I still worry sure but you adjust to become the new normal.

Good luck to dad and please let us know how he does.

Teresa

[Worried_For_Dad in reply to Tessie28]

Yeah - I'm grateful he went to his cardiologist and they're doing this as a planned procedure instead of after a heart attack. Hoping for the best. I'm glad you're on the mend!

[Tessie28]

Yes, that is all good. Try not to worry but I expect you are more worried than he is.

[Qualipop]

I had two stents two years ago after a completely unexpected heart attack then another angiogram to check on two other blockages which they didn't stent. I have to say, apart from a horrifically bruised arm the first time, they were an absolute doddle. I was just annoyed the doctor wouldn't let me watch the monitors. I had more problems afterwards from the tablets they put me on which almost all had to be changed. I've felt so much better since.

[Worried_For_Dad in reply to Qualipop]

That’s really reassuring to hear! Im trying to be grateful they’re doing the stents preventatively - CABG would be a lot more invasive

[Qualipop in reply to Worried_For_Dad]

A lot depends on just where blockages are and whether they think stents will work. They won't do a big bypass operation if it can be avoided. My other two blockages which they did not stent were 65%. They said blood was flowing through freely.