Experiences of stress test and coronary angiogram.

[Daisydodah]

Heya, Newbie here. I have joined as my family member has just has some diagnosis. The Cardiologist has suggested either a stress test or coronary angiogram, would it be ok to ask peoples experiences please. My family member is overwhelmed by it all. thank you.

[JennyRx]

Where I live they no longer do the stress test, just angiogram. I think the angiogram is regarded as being more accurate in the picture it gives as to what’s going on.

Angiograms are very routine and cardiologists are really really expert at doing them. It is concerning waiting for answers but you’re on the road to a diagnosis and the correct interventions will follow. Take this as a positive as people can live with underlying conditions and never know.

I was worried by my diagnosis of angina last year but now have two stents and I know what’s going on. And I’m no longer under a radar that I didn’t even know I was under.

[Daisydodah in reply to JennyRx]

Thank you . My relative is stuck on what the Dr said about the risks (as with all things), rather than the pros. We are giving as much info as possible, but I guess if the stress test is a stepping stone to ease them toward an angiogram, maybe that is best for them? Just spoke to BHF nurse, so have a few more helpful things I can say.

[seasider18 in reply to JennyRx]

Both of my stress tests gave a false positive. I then had angiograms that were clear.

[Daisydodah in reply to seasider18]

Glad all was clear. We know there is some furring, but not to what extent, so we would like the angio to be had, but decision must be up to my reli!

[JennyRx]

Sorry - I mean you’re relative is on the road ...

[080311]

Hello Daisydodah

Welcome to the forum, haven’t had stress test though had angiogram, it’s called the gold standard.

Where mine was concerned they went through my left wrist did have a sedative so everything was lovely 😂

The lab is a bit like the deck of the Star Ship Enterprise lots of tv screens but everyone is very kind and supportive. My cardiologist talked all the way through telling me what he could see and how they were going to fix it. This will find exactly what is wrong with your relative and how they can go forward to help the heart.

Being overwhelmed is so natural, I remember thinking how can my body be letting me down it had never done before.

Once you have a plan in place post and someone will be along to help there are plenty of us here that have different heart issues. We are always here to listen and offer support where we can.

Best wishes to you and your family

Pauline

[Daisydodah in reply to 080311]

Thank you Lol, I would prefer the Millennium Falcon hee hee! I am sure the nurses and doctors will be fab and talk through it all. It's getting over that thought of the risk, other wise she would be more ok about doing it. We think once it's done you have a better idea of things and a way forwards. But it has to be her decision and be comfortable (as you can be!) with your choice. Thank you.

[BirchBark]

Hello Daisydodah! I had an angiogram two and a half weeks ago. I was told I was one of the most scared and anxious patients the nursing staff had seen for a very long time! I had a small dose of diazepam just before the procedure and they went in through my femoral artery, which was one the things I was most scared of. In reality, it was more painful to have the local anaesthetic, with all the pressing to get to the artery, than it was to have the catheter and tube inserted into the artery. It seemed to go by very quickly and the worst bit was having to lie completely flat on my back for an hour afterwards, with the top of my leg literally clamped to the bed 😁 The tea and toast I got after that made it worth while! In my case, it was discovered that I did NOT have coronary heart disease and the relief, just to know was immense. It's really better to know that not know what you're dealing with and treatment theses days is almost miraculous.

I wish you and your relative all the best.

[Daisydodah in reply to BirchBark]

Thank you I can understand the scaryness! Well done for going and glad results were good, and that you got tea and toast! Fab! Thanks for saying how it all worked for you, will be a help.

[Daisydodah]

Thank you Lol, I would prefer the Millennium Falcon hee hee! I am sure the nurses and doctors will be fab and talk through it all. It's getting over that thought of the risk, other wise she would be more ok about doing it. We think once it's done you have a better idea of things and a way forwards. But it has to be her decision and be comfortable (as you can be!) with your choice. Thank you.

[Daisydodah in reply to Daisydodah]

oops that reply may have been for previous answer re millennium falcon lol!

[Sunnie2day in reply to Daisydodah]

such a good reply I'm sure many of us were happy to read it again.

Welcome to the forum, it's always great to have loved ones join to find information and support for their Heartie - as you've seen from the replies, you'll find nearly all the tips, support, and information you'll need from what we can share of our experiences.

The BHF video on angiogram is very helpful - I think my husband and I watched it at least three times (probably closer to five or six times) before my angio in November 2019. Here's a link to the latest video:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Daisydodah in reply to Sunnie2day]

Many thanks I have watched the video, and ordered to DVD of test, as may come in handy, as another relative is also having tests. Been lovely to ask the question, great replies, lovely peoples.

[JaneDaisey]

Hi, I’m new too. It’s fantastic that you are supporting your family with this. I hope you have support too. I had a stress test in 2008, so my experience may be out of date. I went on a treadmill and was connected to cables at the same time (ecg). I had two nurses one either side. The treadmill started slowly and gradually increased its incline and speed. The nurses encourage you to keep going so you get to your maximum heart rate. They reassure you that you can stop at anytime prior to the test and to let them know about symptoms. It isn’t a pleasant experience because your body wants to give up as you’re so tired and the nurses are encouraging you to keep going, it feels cruel at the time as you just want to give up. I felt tired and emotional after and really needed a shower. I went back to work after, which I would not recommend as you feel very tired. My Mother had the same test but was only able to take a few steps, so it depends on the person and if they can reach a high heart rate as to how the test feels. Both my father and I could reach it so we found the test unpleasant as you feel tired but not painful. My Mother didn’t find it unpleasant.

[080311 in reply to JaneDaisey]

Hello JaneDaisey

Welcome to the forum, can see from your bio that you are still waiting a diagnosis, now you are a member of our merry band of Hearties, so if you need support or someone to listen there will be someone along to help, while you wait for your diagnosis.

We have a large range of heart issues, so someone will be able to help.

Best wishes Pauline

[Daisydodah in reply to JaneDaisey]

Thank you for all that . She was talking of having the drip one rather than the treadmill one, though as she is quite fit, they may do the exercise one? I will pass on the info though to help her decide. All the best to you.

[Hidden]

Hi Dasiydodah,

I had both a stress echocardiogram followed by an angiogram last year. For the stress test they originally were going to use drugs to stress my heart but instead they put me on a treadmill. In essence, they take an echocardiogram of your heart beforehand at rest, make you exercise and then do a second scan immediately after while your stressed. If you're going to exercise I would strongly recommend wearing exercise clothing (jogging bottoms and trainers etc). I turned up after work in jeans and shoes as I wasn't expecting to run and they really crank up the treadmill both in speed and incline. As JaneDaisy said, it's not a plesent experience. By the time it was completed I was shattered, sweating cobs and struggling to breath (also had several blisters from having to run in shoes). However, it did show a problem so it did its job lol! The angiogram, as others have said above, was fine. Its uncomfortable but not painful and I was bruised afterwards but out of the two tests it was a more plesent experience.

[Daisydodah in reply to Hidden]

Thank you it's good to get proper opinions and experiences of these things and get a better insight.