Newly diagnosed this morning with blockage in middle artery

[Casmanx7]

I am new to this community so thank you for having me.

I have been told the result of my recent cardiac angiogram this morning. I have 60% blockage of 'middle artery' and have to have further stress test and be placed on cholesterol meds. (6.8). I am 61 years old and have kept good physical health for many years . I developed breathlessness on climbing stairs last year.

This news is frightening and wanted to know what this means for me and how I can reduce risk factors. I have High blood pressure on meds for two years. I am a non smoker although am overweight by 2 stone.

[Hidden]

Hello

I am no expert but plenty are on here that will reply and give you excellent advise that I know will make you feel better

I wanted to say that for all of us that get told we have something wrong comes as a shock and this is normal

Trying to keep a healthy weight , blood pressure etc all helps

Know that the Consultants are very good at what they do and now you have your results they will make sure they sort you out

Keep us updated how you get on x

[Hidden]

Dear Casmanx7

Hello to you and a warm welcome to this forum.

You may be new now, but I can assure you that you will soon settle in and realise that you are not alone in what you are going through.

So the shock side, my goodness how it hurts us , and I think many on here , me included, know very well that shock feeling.

It sounds like that you are at the start of your heart journey, I say start because by your own words you haven’t had all the tests and results in yet.

As long winded as all the testing etc will seem to be, it will give your consultant and team all the information they need to know how best to treat you.

Each of your stages of tests and treatment, someone on here would have gone through, now that doesn’t mean that you are not a strong individual, but just that a lot of your procedures to come, are common between us.

Good luck with everything, we are here for you.

[Heather1957]

Just to add my welcome.

It is common with most heart issues to be put on statins to reduce cholesterol, I was diabetic before any heart problems so was put on statins then.

Once all the tests are in the cardiologist can decide how to deal with the problem, whether they believe medication alone will be enough or more intrusive procedures such as stents or a bypass.

Don't be afraid to ask questions as you go either of us on here or of your medical team, I find it takes away some of the stress by knowing what is being done and why.

We may not know everything but we have been through most things so we will help where we can!!

[080311]

Morning Casmanx7

Welcome to the forum, being told we have a heart problem can be one of the most frightening things that can happen to us. I know it felt as if the ground had opened up under my feet.

Having further tests will give your cardiologist more information and how to give you the best treatment possible.

Healthy eating is something lots of us follow. Have a look at the Mediterranean diet it’s recommended by BHF and on their website you will find lots of help. It’s very easy to follow lots of fish cut down on meat. Watch your fats. Lots of fresh vegetables.

Being put on a statin will certainly help reduce your cholesterol.

Remember you are now a member of the Hearties family and if you need someone to lend an ear or even a shoulder to lean on we can do that too.

We have all stood where you are it’s scary but you will get through it and come out the other side with a mended heart.

Very best wishes Pauline

[Heartinthehills]

Hi Casmanx7 and welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are having investigations and treatment at the right time and you should end up on medication that will start to alleviate your symptoms. Its worth keeping up with regular exercise and starting to do something about your weight. There is plenty of good advice on diet on the BHF website and if you are on statins your cholesterol will come down but weight loss likely needs a bit more discipline, a good diet and regular exercise. I found that joining a Phase 4 cardiac rehab group helped maintain the right level of exercise and with that, walking more and swimming I lost 10kg over 2 years and feel a lot better for it. As others have said you are not alone with your heart issues and in the right place to share your experiences and any worries you have.

[MONIREN]

Welcome, it's not like any of us wanted to be here. But through different circumstances we are. Don't discount stress, change in lifestyle, diet and exercise helps as well. It really depends where a blockage is, I had 99% blockage and barely any pain with heart attack. Even now, they try to avoid angiograms and try medication. There are such a variety, so if one doesn't suit your body, there is another option. Try not to Google, so much conflicting information from supposedly ones that say they know. Hope you get it sorted. Take care. Moni

[Hidden]

Hi, it’s horrible when you finally realise you’re not indestructible. We’re not medical experts here but it sounds as though it’s been caught in time. If they did an angiogram and it needed stunting, then the likelihood is they’d have done it there and then. If they didn’t, then it sounds like they’ll treat it with medication.Take their advice, accept the treatment and be kind to yourself. Mostly, don’t worry.

I’m on 5 stents and loads of pills but still live a pretty normal life. Carpe dium! 👍😀

[pasigal]

Allow yourself plenty of time to wallow in self-pity, then get over it! (sorry, being a bit flip, but this is the general arc many of us have followed. Basically, anger/denial/acceptance)

Consider this: You are lucky to have caught it now. Please do some research on medication and exercise and how that can help. And yes, 60% blockage is not bad. I had 90% blockage in my LAD with no symptoms before getting stented after a routine cardio workup.

[Qualipop]

I had a heart attack 3 years ago when one artery was fully blocked. I went back for another angiogram and was told I have 2 more blockages at 65% but because blood was flowing well through them they were not stented. Like you I felt that was a rather high blockage b ut hey were not concerned at all.

[Casmanx7]

Thank you for your comforting words and support. The problem I have been having for 6 months is breathlessness which is getting worse. So glad I had the cardio angio now just waiting for the treadmill stress testing to allow them to come up with a treatment plan. It’s shocking having been an athlete and active most of my life to hear and feel that I am now vulnerable and not that ‘invincible super woman’ whom I cling on to . Fingers crossed with dedicated change to lifestyle I can maybe regain some if not all of that confidence and fearlessness I have always had .