How Long is the Wait for an 'Expedited Angiogram'?

[Rostom]

Hello

Although I have had PAT for some 20 years (Flecainide 100 mg x 2 per day) I have recently been told that at an Echo stress test, '4 apical segment of the LAD at peak stress demonstrated ischaemia'.

I was triaged under the RACPC (Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic) which I understand to be similar to the 'two-week rule' for other illnesses and following a telephone consultation, have been put forward for an expedited Angiogram.

My question to the community is.... would anyone know what 'expedited' means? How long should I wait for the Angiogram? Perhaps it varies from area to area?

I am having quite a few symptoms of squeezing left arm pain and discomfort in left chest and back but little in the way of awful chest pain. I have been given a GT spray to use (although I am very wary of using it!) and all reference is regarding chest pain. I also suddenly become slightly out of breath - all of this when I am sitting at rest. Barely a problem during the day when I am busy doing normal things, so from what I can glean I have unstable angina.

I have also been told not to do very much (no lifting, heavy shopping or, joy of joys, no hoovering!) and can only gently walk for exercise (can't cycle).

Would any of you knowledgeable bods know how long an 'expedited Angiogram' should take and if I am OK to wait for it?!

Oh, also in the follow-up letter was the phrase ' I have emphasized that if symptoms occur frequently especially at rest and persist then to come into A&E/call an ambulance'. The problem I have with this is how much is frequently and persistent? I have no parameters to go on.

Many thanks in advance if someone can sort me out.

Regards

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I would always try my GTN spray whenever I got angina, as Consultant told me she didn’t want me to have angina, always to use a spray (I was having unstable angina, like you).

Is it the headache etc you don’t like, from GTN?

The guidance to me was........spray if I get angina, repeat the spray if necessary. If that didn’t work, call an ambulance. Don’t take yourself to A and E, the ambulance staff need to stabilise you, before driving there.

Two months ago I had an ‘urgent’ angio within two weeks (Covid test was available, but could have held it up).

Hope this clarifies. Do let us know how you get on.

[Knitclaire]

Hi Rostom,

I saw a cardiologist at the local rapid access chest pain clinic for my angina symptoms on 25th August and my Angiogram is on Monday, so just about 4 weeks wait for me.

As I'm new to all this I can't offer any insight to your other questions but hope that you get your appointment through quickly.

I have had to take extra precautions regarding Covid over the last 10 days or so and I have a Covid test at 9 this morning. Then isolation till Monday, all requested by the hospital, pre Angiogram.

[Healthyheart1]

Hi Rostom, as far as I know it means the consultant will get you one as soon as possible x good luck 👍 Regards Sheena

[Sunnie2day]

My urgent one happened just short of 3 weeks after the cardiologist put me on the list. He said it was urgent but not so urgent I needed one that very day. He said he trusted me to follow the rules during the wait but would 'ultra-fast-track' it if my symptoms worsened during the wait.

I followed the rules to the letter, had the angio, and 'came out the other side' nicely (no stents, I was discovered to have 'crystal clear arteries' so now they're saying it is very likely microvascular angina - so far treatment is working a treat).

I wish you the same 'quick' booking, and a good answer for the cardiologist to diagnose and treat what ails you!

[Rostom]

Thankyou everyone for your kind replies. It is helpful to know that three or four weeks looks like the expected wait for an expedited angiogram. I keep telling myself that if I were a real priority I would have been kept in hospital when I attended A&E (when sent there by my GP).

I was considering having a private angiogram (and guess who gave up their private health insurance at the beginning of May?!!) but think I'll be OK to wait.

I have just received a letter from the consultant at the RACPC setting out that consultations conclusions which concluded with a suggestion to my GP to start me on Monoitrate Mr 30 mg OD. To that end, my GP rang to say he has prescribed those for me today, so they should keep me ticking over...

I have just collected the above pills and my lovely pharmacist pointed out that the above prescription came through from the GP at 60 mg. She explained I could either take one tablet every other day or, cut the tablets in half and take daily but that negates the enteric aspect of the pills which are prolonged release tablets. The instructions on the tablet box says ' half a tablet to be taken each morning' followed by 'swallow whole do not chew or crush'!

Would any one know the preferred dosage? Half every other day or cut in half and lose the enteric aspect?

Any thoughts would be gratefully received as I am new to this side of heart problems but am learning fast!

[VickiMB in reply to Rostom]

My husband had HA last November and has been experiencing some angina pain - please don’t be reluctant to use the GTN spray, keep it with you at all times and it’s a good indicator - pain should ease within 3-5 minutes of the spray and if it doesn’t then it’s likely to mean a cal to 999.

We do have some health insurance and I enquired about private angiogram it’s about £1500.

[Tessie28]

My hubby had his angiogram within two weeks at Harefield. That was 2 months ago.

[Rostom]

Better late than never?

Apologies, but I have just realised that I have not updated these posts, v rude of me!

I had to wait one month (and take a Covid test three days before the procedure) but all went well. I showed no blockage in the LAD - not what was previously thought, so a Pressure Wire Test was also performed. I could feel the wire being rammed up my arm but it was eminently doable. The tests were 'inconclusive' and I was later discussed as a JCC Case Study, the upshot of which was that I was 'challenging'! I was given the go-ahead to once more commence all activities (I had been asked not to carry anything heavy/vacuum -one positive - or use my cycle etc ).

The only bad thing was the blow-up wristband used to cover the incision came loose after the procedures. The nurses noticed before I did and rushed over to use a key to inflate it but what a lot of blood!

So, a four-week wait, NW London, 2020 during Covid pandemic. Thank you NHS