Coronary heart disease.

[Herestous]

I had jaw pain before Xmas 2022. CT angiogram showed 70% blocked arteries. I 2as moved to ward from scan department and stents x3 2 days later. I am very grateful. Still getting some angina & they told me the last 2 arteries also a problem and feeling sad and vulnerable. Will I ever be well? I'm only 61 and really fit, did a Joe Wicks YouTube session day of CT scan!

[Golfgirl3]

Good morning. It hasn't been that long since you had a life changing event. It's not surprising that you're still coming to terms with it and feeling the after effects. Some people need to change their meds as not all of them suit everyone. Some people just need a bit of time to absorb what's happened and find ways of warding off the fear and anxiety which seems to be a normal reaction for many of us. You haven't said if there's something in particular you have concerns about? If there is, let us know and I'm sure someone here will have some useful advice

[Lawrence78 in reply to Golfgirl3]

How do they decide who gets a stent and who gets medication? I read that if you get angina then your arteries are already around 70% blocked, so if correct how do they make the choice? I'm guessing its down to how the blockage looks? Eg. a single clump or if its spread out a bit through a section of the artery?

I'm 45 and just had a CT scan and was cleared of angina after suffering from near-constant chest tightness (which I still don't what it was/is). After a lot of reading I think everybody should have a CT angio scan every few years or so (like they do for other things like prostate etc...) after the age of 40 seeing as this problem appears to be very stealthy (which is kinda terrifying really).

[Beckster1964 in reply to Lawrence78]

I’m no expert, but I think it is based upon percentage blockage and where the blockage is located ie which artery. My LAD was 90% blocked and my right coronary 50%. The former was considered far more important to stent than the latter. In terms of regular CT Scans, lovely in an ideal world but…My biggest regret is not taking sufficient notice of elevated cholesterol levels 10 years ago and rejecting statins because I didn’t want to start taking pills. I mistakenly thought I could adjust lifestyle to fix the problem, which seems to be challenging, and proved correct in my case! My Cardiologist is very clear that it is the Statins that will extend my lifespan through controlling cholesterol and stabilising existing plaque - Stents are merely a mechanism to deal with the consequences. I’m very grateful for the Stents - they have enabled me to resume a ‘normal’ life, but my advice to friends and family is not ignore any signs of elevated cholesterol!

[Beckster1964]

I can really relate to your situation - was running 5km 3-4 times a week but getting ongoing shoulder/arm pain that got gradually worse. Was diagnosed in May with Angina and had an Angioplasty and two stents fitted in a LAD 90% blocked about 5 weeks ago.

It was a terrible shock having thought I was fit, eating well etc. I’m now building up fitness again - managed a 20 min jog/run yesterday! I feel lucky that the problem was identified before anything more serious happened. I am really hopeful that the drugs I have been prescribed will keep my future risk low - developments in Cardio research and treatment are incredible and I now feel more optimistic that I have a (reasonably!) long life ahead of me!

It is a horrible shock, especially when it feels like such a hidden disease, but hopefully you will be able to start doing some exercise again and begin to feel more positive. I have found this forum extremely helpful in terms of offering support and information - the experiences of others can really offer some light at the end of what can seem like a very dark tunnel - keep your chin up - we are there with you!

[Herestous in reply to Beckster1964]

Just found replies. Thank you I'm feeling more sane now. You look after yourself.

[Zed1063]

Hello,

I am sorry to hear you are feeling that way, it is normal!

I had a HA and stents fitted 16 weeks ago, what a shock 59! I feel so vulnerable and depressed but told this is normal and it gets better. The worse thing I find is the loneliness especially during the night hours. I have looked to see if the is a chat for people like us 24 hours a day but nothing so I am thinking of starting something up so we all have a sounding board! I think that would support so many as the nights are the loneliest! I have chest pain daily and again seen the cardiologist and he said this is normal and not my heart.

IF you need to chat let me know.

All the best

[Herestous in reply to Zed1063]

Hello, just found your reply. I struggle with this on line stuff. I hope you are feeling g better, I am for sure. Not sure I'll manage a chat haha, I'm not terribly good at tech. Look after yourself.