Scared

[Arghhwhatnext]

I have been diagnosed with Coronary artery disease My CT angiogram result came out at calcification score 780 and CAD-RADS 4b with no clear landing site for stent Due invasive angiogram next week How bad is this 😔

[Waylander6969]

Hi

Angiograms are not invasive. A simple procedure and you could be in and out in half a day. It doesn’t hurt and gives doctors a clear view of your heart blood flow. Nothing to worry about.

[Hidden in reply to Waylander6969]

I think it is “invasive” because they are inserting something (guide wire etc) up through the wrist and arm and across to the to heart itself. As opposed to a CT angiogram is not invasive - external scan of heart.

Might also be invasive as there might be an indication per scans that might need to stent (if applicable) - which they’ll sometimes / often do while they are in there / there and then.

That said it is straightforward and common procedure and yes doesn’t take long ( can only say regards just examination, not had a stent).

👍

[Hidden]

Hello

Invasive angiograms sound scary but unfortunately it’s only once you’ve had one that you see it’s not that bad. I’ve had two. It’s usually a half day thing and if your require a stent I believe they will do it there and then if they can.

It’s good they are seeing you quickly and investigating further. Look at it as a positive they will have a clearer idea on how to help and fingers crossed they can help you there and then with stent.

When you’re in the Cath lab focus on being calm and still that’s pretty much all you have to do. Just let them get on with it. There is more prep time than actual investigation time.

The BHF has lots of info on what’s involved, worth a look if you haven’t already. A video too.

let us know how things go and wish you the best.

You will worry but lots of people here have had them. Search angiogram and you’ll see lots of post with helpful advice and reassurance.

👍

[Mollie223]

Hi just to say I totally understand 100 percent my ct scan was horrendous totally blocked lad and severe in 2 other vessels and like you I am due for an angio but I have to wait 3 weeks the waiting is terrible. I cried for 3 days solid thinking I was going to die any minute and have now got it in my head that I am going to be the 1 in 1000 who dies having the angiogram as has my poor son. It is all a terrible shock but I found the support and advice on here is unbelievable!I was told many times to stop googling but still find myself doing it and it scares me even more. How are you sleeping ?I wake up several times thinking about the angio and counting the days til I have it I just want to get it over and done with . Like others have told me the angio has to be done in order to make a plan for going forward and it is good that you are getting yours so quick.please let me know how you get on next week

[Tootsie37 in reply to Mollie223]

I know exactly how you are feeling, but on the day I was mentally in the zone. The Drs come on the ward and introduce them selves go through your history again, the nurses calm you down by going through any questions you have. Then there's the other patients on the ward who chat with you about everything and nothing but it passes the time...I was told 3 stents but only needed 1... the first thing I done when I was back in the chair was cry with relief i was still alive.... I'm 4 days down the line feeling I can breathe better and been for a walk today..... best wishes going forward ♥️😘

[Mollie223 in reply to Tootsie37]

Thank you and so glad you are well on the road to recovery I am not expecting any stents I think mine will be a bypass but who knows its odd but not scared of having the bypass its just the angio and the 1 in 1000 that die I wish they never told me that I know I am being stupid but I just can't shake the feeling !I am not sleeping thinking about it !I am tempted to ask to go on cancellation list to try and get it over with sooner as the stress of waiting is also not good. Thank you for replying and am so glad you got through it and feeling better well done!

[Yisselda]

Yes, it can be a bit frightening being awake for a procedure, but as outlined by others, it is fairly straightforward. If you can meditate or do yoga breathing it helps. The surgeons know what they’re doing.

My calcium score is almost 7,000. A kind person on this site has been reassuring about that. We can only do what we can to help ourselves. The evidence would suggest that a whole food plant based diet is the best way that you can do that.

[XmasEve24]

Hello. I’ve had two. First one 8 years ago through my wrist which showed such severe blockage I had emergency CABG X2 the following day. 2nd last year through my groin showed everything all good and has given me complete peace of mind going forward. Upshot regarding angiogram- it’s routine to th experts but is the gold standard look at your heart. Not that uncomfortable and they will ask you if you want something to calm you down if you’re very anxious. I speak as someone who has had many different procedures over the years. So I know this is one of the less difficult ones- but that’s not everyone. It’s easy to say don’t be scared but lots of us on here have had these procedures. Let us know how you get on and good luck😊

[Arghhwhatnext]

Thank you all for your positive comments I was admitted to hospital on Monday night with an angina attack that took some settling I was discharged yesterday afternoon on strict instructions to rest until my angiogram next week I will try keep it in mind that it is just a routine procedure and fingers crossed 🤞 everything will be OK next week

[Bluehope81]

Interesting, some points to consider, the number is not all encompassing, and it is what you do with this number now that will be important, you should be aiming for the halting of plaque growth, and possibly regression, have a look at some of my other posts

LAD, the further you go down the LAD as it makes its way to the bottom of the left ventricle it gets smaller and smaller, this is probably the area they are talking about that they cannot stent, the silver lining is the further down is it the less area it is supplying blood to so its not as serious as at the top of the LAD

[Arghhwhatnext]

Just an update Angiogram results aren't the best I have to wait for Echocardiagram but so far we are looking at a double bypass let's just hope echo is OK Scared is getting to be an understatement