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Current Postings on This Page (32):
• Lynn -- 13 stents are a lot, although it depends
on the stent lengths and how many of these 13 were used to reopen a stent
that had reblocked (in-stent restenosis). One of the questions is determining
when bypass surgery may be a better option -- and to make sure that the
stents don't interfere with the cardiac surgeon's ability to do a bypass. Restenosis
is a blockage that recurs at the same site of a previous blockage. But
new blockages are symptoms of disease progression, which is why it is very
important to adhere to lifestyle changes (stop smoking, better diet, exercise)
and prescribed medications, especially statins to lower cholesterol.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 10, 2009
• I am not sure what topic this would fall. I have
recently had my 13th stent. I keep having a problem with restenosis.
I am just curious what is your opinion of these repeat procedures? I am
getting
afraid of hitting a wall as to what can be done if you have too many?
Thank for info.
Lynn Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, March 2, 2009
• Rimmi - the important piece of information is
what is causing the angina? Perhaps one of the stents has reclosed, or
it's a new area. There are several non-invasive tests that might help
diagnose this before commiting to an angiogram, possible angioplasty. This
should
be discussed with his cardiologist who can better judge your father's
current state of health. To answer your question, many patients on these
Forums have had multiple angioplasties (more than 3 for sure).
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 15, 2008
• My father 78 had bypass in 1987, first angiplasty
in 1997, another angioplasty (4 stents) in 2005. Now he is having angina
again. Can he go in for third angioplasty?
He
weighs 55kg.
Rimmi, Delhi, India, May 11, 2008
• elenD -- the risks of a second procedure are pretty
much the same as for the first. You should discuss your concerns with his
cardiologist and ask these questions, because the doctor has your father's
records and is a better judge of risk than anyone. It sounds like your
father "restenosed" -- the blockage returned. You should ask
if he/she is planning on putting in a stent and, if so, whether a bare-metal
or drug-eluting type.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 1, 2007
• my father had a bypass 15 years ago. this december
2006 had his first angioplasty and had ~100% blockage (circumflex) to one
artery that the doctor didn't not put stent. now after the thallium treatment
we discover that the results of the first angioplasty were not good and
my father will enter again in for a second angioplasty. My father is 77
years old. how dangerous is the second operation. he has following a healthy
diet years now and his blood, his pressure, his weight and other results
are good. BUT he use to be very anxious...
elenD, Athens, Greece, August 1, 2007
• M. Tiwari et al -- certainly, one of the top questions
after having a successful angioplasty is what is the next step? Assuming,
all has gone well and the access site has healed, you should not have many
restrictions regarding the angioplasty itself. What has happened is that
a mechanical "fix" has been made -- that is, the artery has been
opened. But angioplasty (or bypass surgery or medications alone) do not
cure the underlying disease. What patients need most to do is to reduce
their risk factors for coronary artery disease: lower cholesterol, blood
pressure, increase exercise, lose weight (possibly) amd definitely stop
smoking. Some of these goals can be achieved by the patient; others may
require the use of medications, such as statins or BP medications. Of course,
you should ask this question of your cardiologist because every person
has their own clinical situation and level of health, so what may be right
for one person, may not be for another. Talk to your cardiologist, work
out a plan with goals and then work toward achieving them.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 28, 2007
• Having recently had angioplasty (on March
19, 2007 in Escorts New Delhi) with 3 stents: 2 in LAD and 1 in RCA.
After angioplasty I am feeling well. My lipid profile is normal and TMT
normal, BP normal, no diabetic. Please suggest me regarding what precaution
and sex. (my age 41 yrs)
P.K.Tiwari, ICAR Institute, Jodhpur(Rajasthan) India, May 27, 2007
• Re 2002 post regarding metal allergy & stents.
Since mfgs warn against inserting metal stents into sensitive or allergic
persons, and metal causes strong itch and rash on the skin does anyone
know what nickel is doing to our insides while we're busy scratching
the outside? If nickel causes problems to skin (and lungs if inhaled)
how do we know it's safe to put into our hearts or arteries? Any scientists
out there?
Carole, Atlanta area, Georgia, USA, July 21, 2006
• i underwent angioplasty and three stents
were put in main and other two arteries on 9.5.2006. i am feeling fine,
no chest pain etc. What long term measures can be taken for future and
if reversal of artery disease is possible?
Gajinder, India, May 20, 2006
• i had 2 stents put in. 7months later they
both re blocked, then i had 2 more stents put in, but they are the coated
stents. still geting pains(angina)
john, liverpool, UK, December 13, 2005
• my sister had stent operation on friday
19th august 2005 and it was unsuccessful. is there anyone out there who
knows about this. she was told she has to go on drugs as she has 90%
blockage of the smaller artery to the heart.
thomas ryan, galway, ireland, August 20, 2005
• Two years ago I had 3 stents put in one
artery. I also have 1 artery with a 70% blockage that is being treated
with medicine. I have lost about 20 lbs. on a low fat diet. I walk and
jog on a treadmill everyday. I feel great. My heart was not damaged by
my heart attack.
Linda Cotham, Bell Buckle, TN, 14 Sep 2003
• John, My name is john Griffiths, san jose,
california. I went in 4 weeks ago to have a stent inserted. but once
into the angiogram they determined that I had over 90% blockages in around
10 seperate areas. So I was put into surgery for an immediate quadruple
bipass. that has now been 3 weeks and am pretty well on the mend. I hope
you stent is still holding well. In the past few years they have developed
chemicals to eliminate the platlet build up. Best to you. John Griffiths
john griffiths, san jose, ca, usa, 08 Oct 2003
• Dee, as stated in our disclaimer,
we don't dispense medical advice and any concerns should be discussed
with your doctor. That being said, we can act as a librarian, pointing
you to resources. There have been concerns about allergies to nickel
and other metals in coronary stents, as well as in other devices. One
stent company in Germany (Phytis)
even touts non-allergenic biocompatible stents. To our knowledge, there
haven't been any reports of significant allergic reactions to nickel
in stents, which is not to say that there haven't been any. One topic
that is discussed is whether nickel and other ions that are generated
by stainless-steel stents have a role in "in-stent restenosis" by
increasing the inflammatory response, especially in sensitive patients.
This recently was discussed as the topic of a presentation by Dr. T.
Lefevre of Massy, France at the prestigious EuroPCR meeting in Paris
in May. Hope this is of some help. We invite others to join in this discussion.
Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 2, 2002
• I am having angioplasty with stent next week.
I have always had a nickel allergy therefore I have never been able to
wear jewelry. My doc says the stents are made of stainless steel. I've
read that stainless steel has nickel in it. I am worried about having an
allergic reaction to the stent. My cardio/vascular doc laughs. Has this
happened? Please respond.
Dee, Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas, USA, 1 Aug 2002
• I am a 76 year old male , who had angioplasty done near my heart the end
of April 1993. Been on medications and a diet, lost 38 lb in 11 months, still
on special diet.Have been diabetic since 1985. Have had NO pain or discomfort
since just before the procedure, after, feeling great. QUESTION: How long since
1993 might I expect my angioplasty to last? Some rumor-mongers say about 6-7
years.
David Owen, retired, Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, 17 Apr 2001
• You mention allergy to nickel. My dentist fixed
my fillings with nickel . I have a crown with part nickel. What symptoms
would I have? Present time aching all over etc. Help me if you can! Thanks.
Bonnie, unemployed at present due to illness, North Carolina,
USA, 23 Jan 2001
• I have had a by-pass operation in 1993 and since
then three angioplasties. My problem seems to be hereditary high cholesterol
levels. I have now gone complete vegetarian and take 40 mg zocor per day.
I have heard about Dr Ornish's book "programme of reversal of heart disease" and
is very interested to get hold of it. Exclusive Bookstore in Durban South
Africa informed me that it is not available. Could somebody help?
Neels Jansen, Pensioner, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa,
3 Jun 2000
• I recently had angioplasty with a stent. We are planning a trip to Florida
in June. A friend told me you have to have a card to go through the detectors
at the airports. Has anyone ever heard of this? Should this be a concern?
Nick Kent, Ahmeek, Michigan, USA, 30 Apr 2000
• After heart attack in Jan 97. was re-admitted to Winchester hosp. uk.
4wks later re-admitted with crusuendo angina. 3rd,March 1997. Attended Southampton
uni.hosp. uk. had stent in one artery others were ok. heart had not been damaged.
Within four wks. had started attending [rehab. at specialist Dr.Hugh Bethal at
Alton. Hampshire.uk.] also on Dr. Dean Ornish's diet (not strictly to book but
well below 20 grams fat per.day.) Two yrs later angina gone Ecg.s good and general
fitness above average for age 56yrs.
Jim, Alton Rehab, Four Marks, Hampshire, United Kingdom, 14 Apr 2000
• I had angioplasty with stents for three blockages in two arteries carried
out 15.11.1999 - so far with marvellous results. I am trying to find out about
exercise programmes having just joined a health club. I am 52 years of age and
weigh 80kilos.This is the first exercise I have done for over 25 years. So far,
I have a half hour workout as follows:
Recumbent Cycle - 5mins @ level 4
Stairmaster - 8mins 'steady pace' @ level 4
Cross-trainer - 10mins Fatburn programme (with 2mins reverse)
Treadmill - 7mins Random programme @ 6km/p/h with incline @ level 4
The programme is continuous and my heart rate peaks @ 116 but at the end of
the workout is down to 96. I am still taking 50mg Atenolol and 5mg Amlodipine.
What should my heart rate be? Should I be doing more intensive or longer workouts
or using different / more equipment? I follow this up with a brief session
in the swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot-tub. I no longer have any angina
symptons. Any tips or advice would be welcomed.
Austin Whiteside, Satisfied Patient from Broad Green Hospital, Liverpool,
UK, January 25, 2000
• My husband age 46 had double angioplasty on Mother's Day 1999 one a balloon
the other a stent. well tomorrow Dec 17th he is having a stent in the balloon
artery as it did not stay open. He is totally optimistic about the surgery. He
had no heart damage from the first heart attack. He had one in June 1998 but
the doctor convinced him it was stress and put him on antidepressants and off
work . What he really had was two blocked arteries. His doctor is great now and
the surgery should be simple. He expects to be back to work next week. Last time
it was a week also. There is no reason ever to fear angioplasty
June, Eugene, Oregon, USA, December 16, 1999
• My husband was 57 when he had his first angioplasty and stent placement.
He went back every 3 months from Jan-Sept when they finally bypassed the area.
This year at age 59 another artery started blocking in January. Again angio and
stents every 3 months with all other arteries clear. It just keeps restenosing
until it's bypassed. Unfortunately, for him, he's one of the few who do this.
He does excellent on his diet but could do more exercise. His lipid levels are
good. We can't help but wonder when the craziness will end.
Laura, Kansas, USA, October 25, 1999
• John, I am an Exercise Physiologist and would
suggest you consult a qualified exercise specialist in regards to your
exercise program. It is far too brief and intense and as a result may place
you at higher risk rather than lower. You are on the right track, keep
at it.
Allison, Sydney, AUSTRALIA, July 28, 1998
• John, just came across your post on stents. I
am a 49-year-old male who had balloon angioplasty with a stent in the LAD
artery in July of 96 (the same night as the TWA flight 800 crash). This
was done at NYU Medical Center in Manhattan. I'm going on two years and
I feel great. I was about 15 lbs. overweight and still am. I do a little
more exercise regimen then you do, but email me and we will talk.
Barry Brown, New York, USA, April 26, 1998
• Dean Ornish's diet doesn't have to be ascetic
either. A cookbook in which he has compiled gourmet recipes from some of
the great chefs in the San Francisco Bay Area is "Eat More, Weigh Less".
It's out in paperback and is available at your bookstore or through an
online bookstore, such as Amazon.Com,
for under $6 (US)! We use it and it has an terrific Angel Food Cake recipe,
which also give you great aerobic exercise beating the egg whites.
Burt Cohen, Angioplasty.Org, March 26, 1998
• Hi John. Dean is the doctor, Mike (that's me)
is the patient. You can find out more about Dr. Ornish's program in his
book, "Dr. Dean Ornish's Program For Reversal Of Heart Disease Without
Drugs Or Surgery". I'd be surprised if it's not available in the U.K. Diet
is but one aspect of the program. Moderate exercise, meditation and other
stress management techniques, and group support are the others.
Fat-wise, Dr. Ornish recommends not adding additional fats to food, but using
whole foods such as whole grains to provide the small amount of fat needed
for health. The target is 10% calories from fat for those of us with coronary
artery disease. The best thing about the diet is its simplicity: No animal
products except nonfat dairy and egg whites. No other restrictions except no
nuts or seeds, no high-fat vegetables like olives and avocados, and limit sugar.
Eat as much as you like. Certain cooking techniques have to be relearned, but
lots of satisfying food can be made within these guidelines.
I'm no health professional, but I can't help but comment on your exercise regimen.
I think it may be too intense and too brief. Ornish recommends a brisk walk
for a minimum of a half-hour per day. I don't think you can make an even trade
between intensity and duration. Good luck.
Mike Drayton, patient, USA, March 25, 1998
• It is possible you have an allergy to chrome or
nickel. Stainless Steel stents set these heavy metals free. Our stent (surface
is diamond) prevents the release of chrome and nickel.
Norbert Sass, Phytis L.D.A., GERMANY, March 6, 1998
• Thanks to Jorgen and Dean for answering my question.
Dean - you mention Dr. Ornish - I have heard of this in a few different
places - how can I get hold of a copy of his program?
John Griffiths, patient, UK, February 9, 1998
• In early October, I had angioplasty with stents
in 3 arteries, 80% blockage in one and 70% blockage in the other two. The
early results were quite good with all angina gone and stress echo looking
excellent. I just went cross-country skiing at over 7000 ft elevation with
no problems. Since I am 46, my primary concern is how to prevent progression
of the underlying coronary artery disease. I have decided that the best
bet is a very low fat vegetarian diet a la Dr. Dean Ornish. I am also incorporating
the exercise, meditation and group support facets of his program as much
as possible. My serum cholesterol went from 251 to 147 in the first two
months, aided by Lovastatin (20 mg/day). There was also a big improvement
in the LDL/HDL ratio and a reduction in triglycerides. I only wish I could
see into my coronary arteries!
Mike Drayton, patient, USA, January 26, 1998
• Good Luck John. 70% didn't return, Just watch
yourself, I'm one of the 30%. I have since May '95 clocked up 14 trips
to cath lab, six of them balloon jobs. I'm carrying 6 stents, and I'm proably
soon due for another trip, I'm going to my cardiologist next month. Who
knows, it may take 5 or more years before you get into trouble again, so
why worry unnecessarily.
Jørgen Andersen, patient, AUSTRALIA, January 25, 1998
posted by John Griffiths, patient, UK, January
18, 1998
Having recently had angioplasty with stent for a 95% blockage I am worried
by the stories of angioplasty failures. I am told that in as many as 30% of
cases the first angioplasty is not the last. Anybody have any details?
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