Recommendations for heart MOT ?

[Freemancs]

This year I reached my 60th birthday and its now 12 years since my mild heart attack, where they found my main coronary artery was 95% blocked.

I don't go to the hospital for a regular check-up but have been back to see a consultant with one or two issues over the years...the last time having an echocardiography after being injected to raise the heart rate.

My question is does anyone recommend tests to see how my coronary arteries are and to assess where a stent was placed to open the 95% blocked artery

Plus is a coronary artery calcium test recommended.

I am eager to have a heart MOT at 60 for my own peace of mind or do I just wait for any symptoms and assume everything is OK?

Many thanks in anticipation

[Ianc2]

Do you have an annual blood test to look at your Blood sugar (H1abc) levels , check your electrolytes, and look at your triglycerides and electrolyte levels.

Have you got your weight where it should be, is your waist half your height, have you managed to lose most of the sugary white stuff from your diet.? Do you take regular daily exercise and get a daily mile in? Have you checked your blood pressure? Do you smoke and drink lots of alcohol? How much coffee do drink?

[Freemancs in reply to Ianc2]

Hi Lancs2

Thanks for taking the time to answer, its appreciated.

I have an annual blood test before they renew my prescriptions and everything seems OK

My BMI is 27 and I have some weight to lose.

I am on a sugar free diet so that helps and off the alcohol since Jan 7th. Coffee down to 1.5 cups a day

Get my 150 mins per week and a mix of walking and stationary bike work.

Just wonder if there is any merit in a CT scan or MRI on my arteries to see how they are doing, not least the stent area.

BR

[Ianc2 in reply to Freemancs]

I usually ask for a copy of the blood test results so I can compare year on year. As far as I am aware an angiogram is needed to get a good look at what is going on. If you find any other suggestions please let me know.

[fergusthegreat]

Hi Freemancs, first off all, congratulations on making 12 years trouble free after your stenting. I've just had my 4 year anniversary so hopefully I'll be as lucky as you 👍

Regarding the tests, a calcium scan would be a waste of time as you already know that you have heart disease.

I would get a coronary CT angiogram or a cardiac stress Mri.

The CT would give you more information about plaque composition and stenosis where as the Mri will examine any narrowing and it's effect on blood flow, plus no radiation.

I'm sure a cardiologist can advise you but I'm thinking about doing the same in a couple of years and am leaning towards an mri, cheers Mark 👍

[Freemancs in reply to fergusthegreat]

Hi Mark

Many thanks for taking the time out to reply.

Thanks also for your thoughts and good luck with your tests.

Chris

[fergusthegreat in reply to Freemancs]

Hi Chris,

If you do go ahead and get one of the tests could you let me know which one you choose and what the results are?

I'm interested because I'm considering doing the same.

Cheers Mark