hi I am 62 and have just been diagnosed with CAD and told I have moderate levels of plaque in three vessels. Been out on statins aspirin beta blockers and an angina spray incase I need it. Told I have to get my bad cholesterol level down and that’s about it
In the stage of being in shock and then having panic attacks as don’t know anything about living with this condition
So anyone out there with any advice or reassurance that all will be well would be much appreciated 👍
what is your LDL?
I do t know yet other than they said it’s double what it should be. Waiting to see the specialist in September
If you have the NHS app either on your phone or the web based version for laptops or desktops you should be able to access your GP NHS record which should cover test results. I have access to test results going back over 30 years. But if that doesn't help ask your GP surgery to provide you with your recent test results, noting you are entitled to know whatever they try to tell you, so persist, if necessary in writing. But be aware that I have found there are at least two levels of testing (there may be more) the first is the basic lipid test (total cholesterol, HDL, and non-HDL only) and the second is a full lipid profile, within which is the LDL result. Otherwise if you research lifestyle improvements which others have suggested, which will cover diet, exercise, body weight management, smoking and alcohol, which, together with the medication you are taking, will further reduce your heart health risk. But as far as your concerns about your heart health I suggest you try to stop worrying about something that may never happen, and live life to the full, since you are are already in a better place than before.
Hi, have you not been given any information about your condition by your medical team ? No pamphlets, no option to join a programme for lifestyle changes? Do you know anything about nutrition , what type of foods to have/avoid? Have you looked in the British heart foundation website , it’s full of information 👍🏻. I had blocked arteries that caused an Nstemi heart attack last July, aged 61. I had quadruple bypass surgery. New pipes as they couldn’t stent . The heart attack was such a shock to me , my family and friends. I made small changes to keep my new pipes clear , Mediterranean type , cut out ultra processed foods as much as possible , make my own breads to cut out sugar and reduce salt . Fresh cooked meals , no ready meals . I’m physically active every day too. I’m sure you’ll understand what you have to do to lower cholesterol after checking out the BHF information and re checking with your medical team what’s on offer for you to join/learn locally . You can contact the online BHF nurses for advice , they are fantastic 👍🏻
Hi many thanks specialist appointment not till September. Will get reading what’s on heart foundation site now. Your posts helped me calm down a bit
I’m glad 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻. Do you know how your statin works ? It will help lower your cholesterol and help to stabilise plaque in your arteries 👍🏻 do you know your current cholesterol figures , they should be available to you ? Plus you should know what your target figures are now that you are on secondary help (statin) , the target differs (lower) if you are on secondary help.
you can also search on this forum for previous posts about cholesterol etc 👍🏻
I've just also been diagnosed with mild coronary artery disease,and have angina- they want me to get my bad cholesterol down too, I'm now on my 3rd different statin as others either upset my liver or gave me fatigue,its expected to have some plaque by our age(67) and angina is just where the blood is trying to push past the artery that has plaque build up, its like cramp really, I'm on a long acting tablet for angina which helps me a lot,but I've never had any health issues until now!
Angina is a symptom of a lack of blood supply to the heart.You can have angina without any build of plaque in the artery.
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
This is what consultant told me
Your Consultant perhaps needs to update their knowledge.
Hi, hope you domt mind me asking, as I am in a similar position of having CAD, can i ask what statin you are now on that gives you less problems?
I also have had adverse liver reactions to statins with multiple symptoms, not least severe fatigue. I am currently not on statins but do wonder if i should try and take at least a very low level as the other drug i am on doesn't have the plaque stabilising properties(and a fractured plaque is what caused my previous HA’s unfortunately….. so its always in the back of my mind when i am trying to regain fitness through exercise)
I was on Atorvastin that affected my liver levels,so went onto ezetimibe 10mg which isn't a statin but started getting tired to the point I'd wake up in morning and felt hadn't been to bed at all, gp didn't want me to come off but I thought if come off for couple of days and see-- we'll felt a different person in 24hrs! Now on rosuvastin 10mg back to a statin,but have said any side effects and will stop! Bloods due early October
I didn’t do well on 80mg artovastatin or 40mg pravastatin.. a list of ailments , the worst was zombie episodes would come on regularly in early afternoon, while walking my Lurcher , felt like I was walking in my shins , vacant , vagueness feeling like I wasn’t on the planet , cognitive impairment, always cold , plus other symptoms.. took over a month off artovastatin and felt fantastic 🤣👊🏻.. now on 10mg rosuvastatin, no zombie but still feel like I have a very very mild hangover most mornings 🤦🏼🤣
Hi Chocoholic 3!
First of all please don't panic. The good news is the medics obviously don't think your CAD is bad enough to take any immediate action surgery wise.
The 2nd bit of good news is that, although you can't improve your plaque, you can stop it from getting any worse. This is done by getting your bad Cholesterol down to low levels. Try to remove saturated fat from your diet. Take aways, fast food, chocolate (sorry) puddings, cake, biscuits etc must become a rare treat . The statins will help bring your Cholesterol down but unfortunately you may have some side effects like achy legs (not everyone does, I'm on 2 different statins and my legs hurt but it's worth the results). Some people can't reduce theirs with healthy eating alone amd statins are the only options.
Try and excercise. Walking is good. If you get angina take your spray. Don't push too hard but it's important you keep moving.
This has obviously all come as a big shock to you. If you have anymore questions please ask on here. A great bunch of people. Alternatively one of the British Heart Foundation nurses on the website will chat to you (they usually phone you back) or make an appointment with your GP to talk. You could also refer yourself to Talking Therapy. Just Google it. You can have some online counselling sessions free of charge to help you deal with how you are feeling.
Message if you want to ask me anything.
Been there, got the t-shirt so I know how you are feeling.
God bless
Susie
💖thankyou so much susie that’s made me feel so much calmer and able to start to think more positively to get myself back on track. Yes I’ve had great responses from people on here all of which have helped make me feel calmer and more in control. Thankyou everyone x
just to add to what posters have already said.
It is fortunate that your cardiovascular problem has been found - now you can do something about it!
No smoking, increase your exercise gradually (especially walking in parks, woods, countryside), food that doesn’t contain ultra-processed ingredients, plenty of water: things YOU can control.
Hi, im 60 and was a fit athletic type. Diagnosed with CAD 2 years ago after repeated chest pain on exercise. Cholesterol was high all my life even with a good diet and exercise. I had 3 stents fitted in LAD, circumflex. All grand now. Procedures were straightforward. Ive improved my diet but the statins, which take getting used to, were essential to bring the cholesterol down. Im also taking ezitimibe. Im back to my pre diagnosis fitness level and life is normal. Accept where you are, stay positive, eat well, exercise and trust the medics. I found the cardiac nurses to be fantastic.
Oh wow that’s amazing sounds like now I know what I’m dealing with and there are ways to get it sorted. Fabulous that your back to full health and the stents have worked thankyou
i got diagnosed at 53 , it wasn't to big of a surprise since it runs in my family, but still something that took a year or so too get past and move on. Take your meds, don't switch without consulting your GP. They have you on the standard cocktail of drugs they do for most when they initial see moderate to severe CAD. You can tweak them to your needs.
A bit of my story that might help, it will get better, it takes time. I started on statins , beta blockers, long acting nitro, aspirin, and spray as needed right after the angiogram - 80% blockage in the distal LAD that was not easily stentable, and some other 50% blockages. I got off beta blockers and the long acting nitro, didn't need them with further tests, and reduced my astrovastatin from 80mg to 40mg due to bad muscle pain, in the first 6-12onths. Its been 3 years and things are going well. Kept my weight in check after loosing 15kg partially due to COVID, I follow a Mediterranean diet (plant based) , with no fat dairy and cheese very rarely once every few weeks in small amount. I exercise heavily 3-4 times a week, and walk and bike to get around. It took me 1.5 years to work up and get the courage to get back upto 80-100% of max heart rate. Work with your GP on what you can and should do.
Remember we all are not perfect but get back up and keep to a healthy lifestyle. I just remember how I felt when I got the news, to get me back on the right path.
welcome to my club. I have moderate CAD in my LAD and disease in 4 other arteries. I was diagnosed 7 weeks ago. It hits you hard. My tip, look up the Esselstyn diet and you’ll see that 198 people with extensive disease took part and the ones that stuck to it had no events in 4 years.
Also, statins show a regression of up to 24% if you can get your LDL under 70. See Esselstyn, Ornish etc
I get panic attacks too. It’s not easy to get a diagnosis like ours but it’s important to also remember that they found this before you had a major event and you’re on their radar now. You’ll be ok 👍
will deffo have a look at that diet thankyou. Good luck guess we are both very lucky and can sort this 👍
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