Coranary Artery Ectasia

[redimps]

Hello All. I am 18 months post STEMI, (caused by total thrombotic occlusion of RCA) post MI pericarditis and have stable angina. Blood pressure remains difficult to control and chest pain and breathlessness are a nuisance. Following my latest angiogram I have been diagnosed with Coronary artery ectasia ( very large widenings in coronary arteries with sluggish blood flow). I am on Anti coagulation therapy due to the risk of further blood clots and sluggish flow. My question is has anyone had this diagnosis? and if so what is your experience and how do you manage this. Many Thanks

[Skiathos23]

Hi sorry you didn’t get any replies to your query. I’m 60 and have been diagnosed with ectasia of the carotid artery, it was an incidental find on a Ct scan, I’m waiting for another scan with contrast as they want to rule out an aneurysm! So I am at the start of my journey. Apparently it’s quite rare ICAE!

[redimps in reply to Skiathos23]

Hi Thankyou so much for your reply and I am sorry that you have had your diagnosis. I am 62, was 60 when it all started. I understand this is a rare condition and I have now been seen at Glenfield Hospital by a consultant who specialises in CAE. I have had to get my head around an awful lot since my major heart attack ( out of the blue) caused by numerous clots causing complete blockage and the ectasia in my 3 main arteries was picked up during the angioplasty. I am doing ok but breathlessness, tiredness and angina are a nuisance for me and due to the ectasia and sluggish blood flow through my heart I am at high risk of clots for which I am on a lot of medication ( oh the bruises!!) I am waiting for a full body scan to rule out any aneurysms! I do hope things go well for you and would be great to keep in touch as there does not seem to be very many of us!

[Skiathos23 in reply to redimps]

Fingers crossed for your body scan that nothing else is found, sounds like you have enough on your plate to deal with. I get my next scan soon so at least I will have more information and know what the score is. Take care and keep in touch with any updates 🙂

[redimps in reply to Skiathos23]

Good luck with your scan too, take care and let me know how you get on