Mild Heart Attack Again

[Sizzlerman]

less than two years ago as I stated in previous posts I had two stents fitted one in each coronary artery. Not long got back from holiday (June30th) where to be honest, still doing 2 mile walk every day not eating that badly didn't (go all inclusive) and didn't spend days on the beach I was experiencing a pain in my chest especially when exerting myself. Tried my walk at home got about 1000 yards felt out of breath and lathargic so took my GTN spray. To cut a long story short another angioplasty, in my right artery. The other two are fine, the thing that bothers me is this wasn't there when they did the angioplasty a year and a half ago so they were asking me questions about my cholesterol level. Not that high just over 4, but only 1.6 of that was HDL. They did however know that my father died of ischaemia, he didn't even know he had a heart condition and they stated that it can be hereditary, so what can I do. I tend to eat healthily, I now have to tolerate more medication (Bisoprolol from 1.25 to 5mg and back on Clodiprogrel). Don't know what else to do, the thought of going back to work is worrying me because the impact of Bisoprolol kicks in every now and again and I feel dizzy and the thought of what will happen if I start getting symptoms again. Was hoping that there was a test that you can do at home that will check both levels of cholesterol as opposed to an overall amount so I can try and get my life back on track.

[AlfredV]

1.6 HDL sounds okay to be honest. Do you know the measure for triglycerides?

[Sizzlerman in reply to AlfredV]

Don't really know. I remember the cardiologist saying that LDL was 2.4 and they want to bring it down, so doubled my statin from 5mg Rovastatin to 10mg. Didn't really get on Avortastatin but then again waking up at about 3 in the morning now to go to the toilet with cramp like pains in both legs.

[ChoochSiesta]

I am the same age as you and have the same issues. No risk factors. Had a triple heart bypass in February. It is genetic, my Grandad died at 53 from his 2nd heart attack in the 1950s.

[nellie237]

"Was hoping that there was a test that you can do at home that will check both levels of cholesterol"

There are quite a few accredited labs where you can order a finger prick test to do at home, and send it off for testing. I've used Monitor My Health (MMH) which is an NHS lab in Exeter earning some funds to put back into the NHS.

Their cholesterol test is £24, and tests the following:-

Cholesterol

Triglycerides

High density lipoprotein cholesterol

Non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol

monitormyhealth.org.uk/tota...

It is recommended to test early in the week to avoid it getting stuck in weekend post. Also don't test in hot weather. I've done a few MMH tests, and results have been available on line in about 48hrs.

[FarhanH]

LDL<HDL impossible

[Puffin1963]

Is an annual cholesterol test sufficient do folks think ? Is that why people are asking where to buy from ? My test is due this month

[Robfromwales]

I have been advised not to use finger prick tests by a pharmacist as never as accurate as larger volume from arm? Anyone know more?

[Robfromwales]

Also just looked at the NHS site referred to and it’s probably me but is the advice on Total cholesterol to Hdl ratio correct? I though the ratio should be aiming for lower not higher but when it says 6 of above it seems to suggest higher is good when that’s surely incorrect?

[Sizzlerman in reply to Robfromwales]

For me it was different I originally had a test done and my level of cholesterol was 5.9 which they stated was borderline however only 0.96 of this was HDL the rest was bad cholesterol. After taking statins and altering my diet and exercising I got it down to 2.8, but yet again only 0.8 of this was HDL. I get the assumption that the HDL has to outlay the LDL to flush it out of the arteries.

[Sizzlerman]

Don't remember the TGL numbers just remember them stating that the cholesterol level was still high on LDL side.

[Neil7587]

i hope you get this resolved especially after you had 2 stents already fitted, i would suggest you contact your heart consultant and explain your symptoms. Do you mind me asking what percentage of your coronary arteries was blocked as i also have 2 of the 3 coronary arteries blocked, the most one of the arteries are blocked by 59-69% . Im awaiting a camera through the veins on the 19th july 2022. Then im hoping i get stents fitted hopefully.

Many thanks and will wait for your kind response

[Sizzlerman in reply to Neil7587]

I can't remember, it did say on the form but sent it off now. They showed me on the screen before and after. It lit up like a xmas tree when the dye was released after the stent was inserted whereas before there was just areas where it would sometimes make then it would miss etc.

[Robfromwales]

I suppose my point is the lower the ratio the better - not the higher the ratio . On first reading I though higher better was implied ( but that’s why I am wondering if it’s just me) .

[Davey77]

My condition is also hereditary. The hospital report after my heart-attack and first stent said no diet or lifestyle changes were required.

Fortunately, I'm at an age where I can semi-retire and I have no dependents. I try to eat more healthily and do cardiac rehab, but basically I just need to be philosophical and take it day by day. I get twinges from time to time but not enough, so far, to use the GTN spray. I don't expect "to make old bones", but don't need the stress of worrying about it.

[Sizzlerman in reply to Davey77]

That seems to be part of the problem, the stress, the worry the what if. Looking at retirement myself both incidents were first noticed when at work. I remember my cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse saying are tiny eating healthily. How can you eat healthy In two ten minute breaks.

[Davey77 in reply to Sizzlerman]

The more you can reduce stress, the better. I've actually told the manager at the company I'm still working part-time for that there are 2 people there I won't deal with, because they are too stressful. On the other hand, a couple of the others mostly make me pleased to still be doing something useful.

[Sizzlerman in reply to Davey77]

That's okay but the people I work with when I turned up the first time said what are you doing back so soon and even one of the managers said I am surprised you've come back at all when she was told what happened. I would love to be back at work doing my old job, door setting/snagging etc but having to do light duties I feel wasted and the stress of an half hour drive and trying to find somewhere to park at work, coupled with the fact that we are not allowed in a nearer car park means a quarter of a mile walk up hill to the building. Also the cost of petrol doing 40 mile a day is expensive I used to lift share but that's near on impossible because people staying over all the time you feel as though your costing them money.