Saw my cardiologist yesterday, he says I am making a remarkable with recovery from HF which struck me in May.
But he wants me to have an Angiogram to see if they can find out what caused it.
Im not looking forward to this at all and not sure quite what to expect.
Any surgical procedure involves risks, so it's always sensible to reflect on whether or not those risks are justified by the rewards.
An angiogram has only a relatively low level of risk, but delivers a massive reward in that it provides your cardiologist with the gold standard analytical view of your heart and your cardiac performance. Armed with the information that only an angiogram can provide your cardiologist is in a far better position to recommend the best course of treatment.
So what are the risks? For someone who has not previously had open heart surgery (which I assume is you) the risk of a bad outcome (ie stroke, heart attack, or death during the procedure) is only 1 or 2 cases in every 1,000 procedures. In addition the average age for angiogram patients is 72, so given that you're much younger that will further improve your odds.
The procedure itself isn't painful, but may involve some temporary discomfort and can cause bruising that takes a little while to subside. In addition the die that is injected into your veins can leave some patients a little woozy for a few hours. But let's put this in context, you've almost certainly had far more discomfort during dental procedures, so this really isn't anything to be overly concerned about.
Thanks.I have had heart surgery as a child. To close a PDA ( hole in the heart ). But never had any problems with it since.
Hi,
Had my angiogram done while I was in hospital ( in there for 7 weeks before being transferred to the heart hospital for Aortic valve replaced and bypass) so I saw my cardiologist daily, going into the cath lab is like stepping on to the deck of the Star Ship Enterprise 😂 lots of tv monitors and my cardiologist dressed in what to me looked like a space suit! I had been given a sedative so you can put it down to that.
As already been said this is the gold standard of diagnostic tools they have and it is invasive but they have a better idea what is going on, my cardiologist gave me a running commentary just wish I had been more with it.
Had mine through my left wrist and after they put on a pressure band with a little window over where they went in just to make sure there is no major bleed.
When I got back to the ward my husband was there for afternoon visiting and he said I was talking rubbish, I said I was on the ceiling and could he please pull me back down 😂
You will be fine and then you will have a reason why this as happened.
Best wishes Pauline
Thankyou
Firstly can I say fantastic news with your recovery, I assume you have been doing every thing else you should do (lifestyle changes etc). Such good news certainly provides that uplift to people like me. so thank you.
Mine happened about the same time, the cardiologist couldn't tell me why, and my follow update for this month has been delayed.
I also feel I am doing well (touching wood), (doing all the right things etc), it would be interesting to see if he offers the same for me, if so this thread will help.
Hi glynnw. I was told I was in stage moderate to severe heart failure (lvsd) in 2020. I was sent for an urgent angiogram. I was really worried about the risks didn't know what to expect it was early days etc... The staff were very reassuring and I didn't have any sedation I'm a proper worrier too!. It was really straight forward, numb the area then a tiny incision in my right wrist and away he went I eventually plucked up the courage to look at the screens at my heart, amazing. It was over before I knew it and I was back on the ward where they keep you for a few hours to monitor you. I wasn't allowed to do anything strenuous for a a day or two afterwards if I remember rightly. Results..no blocked arteries. Had an MRI after that and cardiologist still doesn't know what caused my heart to dilate. He mentioned a mild leaky valve but not overly concerned about this. From angiogram/mri to seeing my cardiologist was exactly a year. He did write to tell me after the MRI that my heart function had made a significant improvement. My EF went up and I'm in mild to moderate heart failure. I was put on medication at the start which along with diet and lifestyle obviously helped. Great your heart is making a great recovery. I wish you well and take care of you ❤️😊
Hiya! I was rather anxious before my angio and found the following BHF resources very helpful. At the links, scroll around - there's lots to see and the downloads are free:
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
I also found the following BHF angiogram page very helpful:
Angiogram is nothing to worry about. You will be given a blood thinner and can have a sedative. They insert a cannula into your arm. YOu may be allowed to watch on the TV screens. I felt nothing but after the first one my arm was black with bruising ( not sore). They fit a pressure bandage on your wrist which is released slowly afterwards to be sure any bleeding has stopped. I think mine was just released a bit too soon. The second time I didn't have even a puncture wound from the needle. Afterwards it's onto recovery ward for a lovely cup of tea and toast. Had mine done at 9 .30 am and was home by 1.30. Tell them if you are anxious; they a re used to it and I found the nurses wonderful.
Thanks for all the advice, its very helpful.
Hi, I had an angiogram a month ago and like you didn’t know what to expect. I fortunately had no problems all I felt was a bee sting sensation when he gave me the local anisthetic. It all went well and they fitted me with a stent. Don’t be concerned I worried for no reason and now I feel much better well worth having it done.
Thanks. All these replies do really help.
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