Slightly breathless after stent

[bizzy55]

I finally got round to getting a stent for my mild angina last Monday. So far I feel OK but have not tested things out yet with a long walk to see if the angina has gone.

However I do experience a slight sense of breathlessness even at rest. Just a slight sensation that I am not fully breathing.

Is this to be expected in the first week?

I have begun taking Clopidogrel this week - perhaps it's a side effect?

[Goosebumps]

Hello. I’m surprised no one else has replied but for what it’s worth I had a stent in November2021. I was not very breathless before the procedure but I was on the table and as soon as the stent went in I felt as if i couldn’t catch the last bit of my breath, even when stationary . It sounds similar to what you describe. My cardiologist described it as dysfunctional breathing. It also came with a horrible ache.

It took some while to dissipate, many months, 9 or more, but I no longer get the feeling. I wasn’t taking clopidogrel, just made me feel awful so cardiologist said I could stop as long as I continued with aspirin. Hope this helps.

[Popoff]

Hello, I also have the same issue after a stent in April this year and my cardiologist said that the slight breathlessness, especially at rest, is due to the blood thinning medication. In my experience, when I exercise or walk this sensation goes. It should eventually clear, so be patient with this. I hope that this helps.

[bizzy55 in reply to Popoff]

Thanks a million. That's really good to know. I was hoping for a great outcome from the stent so this breathlessness has been a big disappointment.

Has it already cleared for you yet?

[Popoff in reply to bizzy55]

It is getting better, but not yet. I only experience it at rest. It should eventually stop and the stent will make things much better.

[ChristineK]

Hello Bizzy55I have been taking Clopidogrel since my HA in Jan, 2020 and have had no problems with breathing difficulties. However, I did have to stop taking Bisoprorol (beta blocker) because it made me short of breath and my asthma worsened whilst on this drug. I hope this helps in some way.

[bizzy55 in reply to ChristineK]

Thanks C

I have read reports about this in other threads. Bisoprorol causing shortness of breath. However I have been taking Bisoprorol for months and the symptoms have just arisen since getting my stent last Monday.

[ChristineK in reply to bizzy55]

I would have a word with your cardiologist. It may be a side effect of Clopidogrel, but I have never suffered with it. Everyone is different.

[bizzy55 in reply to ChristineK]

Unfortunately I have found it impossible to see a cardiologist. I have have been through two scans and subsequent stent implantation without ever getting any consultation. I requested a chat before the stent but my request was ignored. Thanks goodness for this forum otherwise I would have been completely uninformed.

[ChristineK in reply to bizzy55]

So sorry you have not been able to speak to a cardiologist, it beggars belief with all you've been through. Could your GP not have referred you?

[bizzy55 in reply to ChristineK]

I tried to arrange it through the hospital dept which manages the cardiology procedures. No luck. I will definitely try via the GP next time. (although it's getting difficult to contact her too)

The health system in my part of the UK is rapidly deteriorating.

[ChristineK in reply to bizzy55]

The health service is failing here too. The cardiologist have me his mobile number to contact him but I am fast losing faith in his abilities. I hope you can get an appointment soon and it all works out for you 🤗

[Frankie_gizmo in reply to ChristineK]

I also had to come off Bisoproprol, ìt made my heart rate really slow and I felt ill. I am now on Ramipril and seeing my cardiologist because of high bnp my water tablets have been increased and I'm fearful because of my kidneys, my failure has caused ckd stage 3, do any of you reading this, have any issues I would be glad to hear from you.

[stour]

I have been taking Clopidogrel and the statin since Christmas I have only noticed that when I clean my teeth my gums bleed, (dracula effect)?

[bizzy55 in reply to stour]

Thanks stour. They warned me in hospital after the stent procedure that Clopidogrel could induce gum and nose bleeding. Nothing to be concerned about.

[Frankie_gizmo]

I have to say I am on a low dose75mgs and apart from a little bruising, I have been fine with it.

[bizzy55 in reply to Frankie_gizmo]

I'm the same and so far no bleeding but as Popoff also reports above I have been a bit breathless.

[bulldog64]

ive been taking clopidogrel for a while now and never had any side effects from taking them

[Haresear55]

Hi Bizzy55,

I had some breathlessness early on with Brilique, switched to to clopidogrel after a year. Hard to say but my understanding is clopidogrel can cause breathlessness until you get adjusted to it. Additionally, check your blood pressure. Sometimes it may run a lower. Again, check with your GP or cardiologist for further information.

Take care,

[bizzy55]

Thanks H. Very useful to know. Checked my BP yesterday and it was normal.