Severe Proximal RCA Disease and Moderate LAD Disease - Updated

[Segovia123]

Good morning, I had a follow-up appointment this morning with the cardiologist, I'll need to wait for the consultation letter for the details, this is what I know. I have coronary heart disease, and it's worse in my right than the left, apparently that's good. They don't know what to do with me as I don't have any symptoms. I think it's a case or to stent or not to stent, and they shifted the decision on to me by saying “if we offered a stent procedure would you accept it". I replied only if you recommend it. The discussion then turned to my cycling activities, his concern is I am at risk of a heart attack and If I had one while cycling on my own in the middle of nowhere my chances of surviving are low. It's better if I sit at home where access to relatives and medical intervention closer to hand. He said it was a lifestyle choice and compared it to someone who smokes, it's up to me if I choose to give up my cycling. All in all I am I bit confused as all the decisions seem to be on my shoulders.

[Topper60]

Similar situation to myself - 60 year old cyclist with moderate lad stenosis - recently diagnosed. Have been put on asprin , statins. have a treadmill test soon - which will determine if I go on betablockers and to what extent I can go cycling. s I would see if you can get a stress test done.

I was told there are two issues - the plaque build up can rupture giving you a hear attack - or the heart gets starved of blood due to narrowing of arteries

[Segovia123 in reply to Topper60]

I already had the stress test a few weeks ago, I am sorry now that I didn't ask what the outcome of that test was. The conversation today was state of the arteries and options available, the discussions about my future physical exertion seemed to be my choice. I am already on statins and Aspirin and 3 x BP meds which are due to get reviewed with my GP soon

[Topper60 in reply to Segovia123]

What i have been doing is cycling but keeping my heart rate below 130 - its not fast but at least its something. I am expecting to be told that I can only do light excercise.

you could always go and have a chat with your GP.

Ive been looking at the ormish plan for heart disease

[Segovia123 in reply to Topper60]

I have started a plant based diet a few weeks ago, no meat, no fish, no dairy, no oils and no salt; however, my diet before this change was very good, iv'e just stepped up a gear. Surprisingly it's very easy to follow and very tasty. Keeping my HR below 130 is very easy for me as long as I stay away from the hills. I have two weeks in Mallorca booked in September, third time last year I did Sa Calobra and Puig Major. It was hard going, but my heart seemed okay, when I peaked at 150BPM I stopped and had a rest.

[Maxbar]

hi I am in a similar situation I have a 70% blockage to my lad which they tried to stent but found no suitable landing point for the stent,so did a balloon stent and recommended me for a bypass ,then the surgeon said it was borderline wether to operate or see if my cocktail of drugs would do the trick as I wasn't really showing many symptoms said he would talk to me in 3 months after I have had a echocardiagram and a stress test MRI ,now had these tests and talking to him this Wednesday ,I have been quite well since I last saw him, but advised not to cycle same reasons as you. but I have carried on swimming half mile twice a week walk at least 4 miles everyday once a week to gym light cardio workout and stretching have started doing a bit of jogging again during my walks. used to run a lot. but to be honest I don't really no the way forward for myself ,just hope I get more relavent info on Wednesday will keep you informed.I do mainly eat a very healthy meditaranian diet and a drink 2 nights a week a couple of pints and one wine with a meal.

[Segovia123 in reply to Maxbar]

Did you have stent surgery before having echocardiogram and a stress test MRI? I have had both which I expect would inform what happens next. I am hoping it's clearer in the follow-up letter.

[Maxbar in reply to Segovia123]

yes I had the stent first ,which is not a big deal really, just a bit weird .I wouldn't class it as surgery .

[Maxbar]

hi Seg probably worth thinking seriously about having stents done, if it all goes well you can then almost forget about it for the next ten years , where your at the moment will just be praying on your mind about how much is safe,👍

[Segovia123 in reply to Maxbar]

I don't think the decision is with me, they wanted to know would I proceed with a stent if a stent was offered. I think they plan to discuss my case in a team meeting etc. and then decide what happens next.

[Maxbar in reply to Segovia123]

That's what they normally do hope you get the right result either way .good luck to you 👍👍