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Current Postings on This Page (19):
• D.S. -- an "ad hoc" angioplasty is one where the
diagnostic catheterization procedure is converted into an intervention
(stent or angioplasty) and everything occurs in the same session. This
is done when the problem is clear, obvious and is easily fixed in one session.
In your case, there
was
a doctor/patient
judgement
required. We'llalso bet that you had been given a sedative to relax
for the procedure -- something that would it difficult for you to make
a decision. Even if
you hadn't been sedated, it is hard for a patient to make such
a decision on the cath table. A decision about bypass vs.
angioplasty for multivessel disease is a complicated one and should
be made in
a rational way with all the facts in hand, and not in the midst of a procedure. We
would encourage you to consult a cardiac surgeon (a doctor who does bypass
surgery) as well as other interventional cardiologists (these are not surgeons
-- they are the doctors who use catheters to do angioplasty). Stents are
definitely used for multiple artery blockages -- but in some cases of
diffuse disease, bypass may be the better option.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 30, 2008
• Can anyone help me? I have been diagnosed with
9 blockages in all three main arteries. During angiogram I was asked
to decide if I wanted bypass or stents. The surgeons said they could do
one
stent then and four later. Others would not be able to be fixed unless
I did bypass. I am a 53 year old woman and was not ready to make decision.
So they did one stent. Now after review I have decided I would rather
have bypass. I am having chest pains, pain in back and arm. My cardiologist
says I can not do bypass now as I am on plavix and must stay on. It is
a drug eluting stent. Is this so? They want to do more stents and I just
am not sure I am comfortable with that. Thanks.
D.S., Wisconsin, USA, April 18, 2008
• Dilip -- no "opinion" from the internet, this site included,
should be a substitute for medical advice from a medical doctor.
As for stents -- FDA approval means that the device has gone through rigorous
trials and presentation of data here in the U.S. There are many devices
outside the U.S. that never get FDA approval because they never apply for
it -- mainly these devices will not be sold in the U.S. anyway. Whether
one stent is "better" than another is something you might discuss
with your cardiologist. Some stents are better for certain patients or
situations,
some for others. Your quick description indicates diffuse disease and multiple
blockages along with diabetes -- these are all risk factors for restenosis
with stents and most cardiologists would strongly consider bypass surgery
in such cases, but
again -- these
are
discussions
best conducted
with your cardiologist so you can intelligently discuss the pros and cons
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 17, 2008
• I had a bit of mid-chest pain one day during morning
walk, this pain subsided after a few minutes and I could re-walk . This
happened for a few days , EGC
was normal, I started taking beta blockers, and found that I could
walk better, without much discomfort. But I did treadmill test (TMT) showing
ST depression
about 4.5 mm exercise time about 6.5 minutes .ANGIOGRAPHY showed lad diffusely
effected from ostium onwards tightest part showing 90% block, LCX 90% block,
RCA diseased, non-dominant. Diabetic, on oral drugs. smoked 15 yrs ago. Will
stents do? or do I need A BYPASS? ARE FDA APPROVED STENTS BETTER THAN NON FDA
APPROVED STENTS? PLEASE ADVISE.
Dilip, Chittagong, Bangladesh, March 15,
2008
• i am having a problem of deciding whether to
go for bypass surgery or angioplasty.. the angiogram was studied by 3
different cardiologists who came to three different conclusions. a) the
first doctor
advised to go for angioplasty. b) the second doctor said that this is
a certain case for bypass. c) the third said that the blockages can be
cured
by medicine.
As a layman what should one do to take the right decision and how to
know that the decision will be correct. can
anybody help me...
Venkatram Srinivasan, Kolkata, India, February 22, 2008
• Dr. R. -- not clear on your timeline as to when
you first had stents. But your question is one that is central to all the
research being done on coronary artery disease (CAD). As we've said, angioplasty,
stents, even bypass surgery, are not cures for CAD --
they are mechanical solutions to biological problems. However, they do
have the ability to "turn the clock back" somewhat in terms
of putting off
an acute event, perhaps completely. You're certainly doing all the right
things vis-a-vis diet and lifestyle. Every week more is being learned about
genetic markers, etc. and the hope is that the mechanism that causes these
blockages will be discovered and therapies invented. Meanwhile monitoring
and, assuming it's possible, stress reduction is very important (an important
part of Dean Ornish's therapy is meditation).
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 14, 2008
• To keep this topic open and ask the editors for
help, please. I had 2 DES in Dec. 07; 1 each in the RCA and circumflex.
After one year I stopped the plavix for 5 days and seemed to have a recurrence
of the anginal symptoms experienced before the stents. I restarted the
plavix but after 5 days of continuing symptoms, called my cardiologist.
Next day recathed. The stents were wide open BUT 2 new 90+ % blockages
in the same arteries (and a 60+ % blockage in the LAD); ALL NEW! 2 more
DES in the RCA and Circumflex Any thoughts on what has caused the rapid
progression of my disease? I have NO co-morbidity , had no MI before
the stents, have exercised regularly for pretty much my entire life (was
a
fat kid until age 16), was eating a pretty darn good Mediterranean type
diet (Italian American wife who is a great and aware cook), have had
acceptable cholesterol levels. I visited a preventive cardiologist and
started Zocor
in hopes of dropping my 95 LDL level below 60 in an attempt to reverse
the plaques. I am now on a Dean Ornish-ish diet as well. Any suggestions
on what I might do to stop this before I do have an MI (and perhaps die
from such)? What is going on? I am scared. Thank you for any insight
anyone may have!
Dr. R., Pennsylvania, USA, February 14, 2008
• I had a des in 2/05,and put on various heart
meds.In 4/07 I had a thallium stress test showing positive! Waited until
11-07 for a heart cath. Dr.said I needed a triple by-pass immediatly.Well
now it is 12-28-07, no by-pass done and still alive! I have been thru
three cardiologists over the last year due to not listening to my concerns
about drug reactions,etc. (like them knowing everything and you being
ignorant.) I have done so much research on the internet about the heart
and I feel betrayed by the medical community for all the trust I have
placed upon the guys in the white coats. For the most part they either
lie to you, ignore your complaints, like my severe joint/muscle pains
or are arrogant and belittling to you. I wish I could leave this planet
at times out of medical frustration. I had asked my last cardiologist
the cost of a cath he wanted performed and he said approximately $7,000
to $9,000 dollars.Well my bill came in for 18,800 dollars.They don't
have a clue about the cost of these procedures they order today.The surgeon
talking to me in the cath recovery room saying it was imperative that
the triple by-pass be done immediately. He was asked by me of the "COST" of
the procedure.You will laugh at his response! $50,000.00. Most of us
have heard of the cost ranging from 100,000.00 and up, surely higher
with complications (major surgery you know). So at home I stay,(alive
anyway) far away from these crack pots and their evasive, expensive,
and experimental procedures, hoping for death to rescue me from this
life's medical madness. Happy New Year every one!
G., Canton, Georgia, USA, December 27, 2007
• my dad had no symptoms before a stress test
was performed. was told he had 98% blockage and was a heart attack waiting.
he had angio w/5 drug eluting stents and did well. the dr. could not
complete all the clogs because of two much trauma for the body. three
weeks later he had two more stents put in and never really felt well.
one month later rushed to er in pain, some sort of scar tissues needed
to be cleaned out. continues to have pain, fluttering, and problems walking
more than 10 min. dr. says he is fine. changes drs for second opinion
and has an another stress test and does "terrible", "everything is all
over the place" new dr. says probably cannot get any more stents will
most likely need open heart surgery. My dad never had a symptom before
it had the first stress test. is open heart surgery still done and what
would make his problem so severe.
nancy rodriguez, New Jersey, USA, June 29, 2006
• In July, 05, I had quadruple CABG, 3-SVG's
and 1-LIMA. 2 months later (9/05), mild MI. Angiogram found that all
3 of my SVG's were scarring internally - 95%, 98%, and 100%. 2 Cypher
stents in the SVG to LCA, one in the SVG to RCA, SVG to circumflex "lost".
Within 2 months, I was experiencing chest pain again, took a nuclear
stress test January, 06 - "passed", pressed the issue (pain was getting
worse), angiogram in March, 06 found 95% blockage inside the 1st stent,
SVG to LCA. Cleared scar tissue and put in another stent inside the existing
one. Pain continued worsening, In June, 06, another angiogram, 85% blockage
inside the stent SVG to RCA. After that one, I am STILL having discomfort.
Bypass surgery, then 3 stenting procedures in 9 months - I'm on Plavix,
Zocor, aspirin, Altace, metroprolol, and supplements - cholesterol down
to 129, and I exercise every day...2 cardiologists, both of which I like
and think are capable, but they don't seem to be able to suggest alternatives
to just repeating the past.
Bruce Parker, Rosenberg, Texas, USA, June 22, 2006
• Response to Gary NcCleary, Roseburg Oregon: "To
me sounds like better to be opened up and have the grafts performed and
be done with it? Or does restenosis occur as often in bypass?" Regarding
restenosis in bypass surgeries: Some do and some don't. But, aside from
that, you have a higher risk of death during or soon after bypass surgery
i.e., 1-3%. And, in addition to that, you have a higher incidence of
side effects, and while 60% have no problems recovering from the procedure,
some 40 % of the patients do, especially witth cognitive dysfunction
which can occur in this unfortunate but still substantial miniority of
the cases. Most of that is dismissed rather cavelierly, since the majority
of patients are back to normal in 3- 12 months but during that period
the patient may be handicapped by confusion, memory problems and, in
general, a slight loss of intellect i.e., as in 5-10 IQ points. Most
importantly though, is the fact that for a significant percentage of
this sub-group patients, their cognitive dysfunction is more profound
and for this smaller group, they may never be themselves again. Some
go straight to nursing homes for the rest of their lives. Don't take
my word for it. Just check out Bypass Heart Surgery and cognitive dysfunction
on Google. Look for the studies done at Duke University! I noticed you
didn't mention the feasibility of opting for any other treatment options
and that is probably because you may not be aware of any other treatment
options. There is a VERY SAFE, FDA approved NON- INVASIVE treatment that
is covered by CMS and most insurance companies for Class III and IV angina.
Besides reducing the pain and shortness of breath of angina, It also
improves the functioning of the vascular system which can dramatically
reduce the incidence of restenosis and actually increase collateral circulation
to the heart itself. And, it generally costs less that the sales tax
on a bypass surgery. It is most commonly referred to as Enhanced External
Counterpulsation (EECP) and is generically referred to as ECP. See www.eecp.com
and if it sounds reasonable to you, just ask your doctor nicely if he
will let you try it. Chances are good, if you really want the treatment,
he will cheerfully oblige you.
Gerald Oros, , Collinsville, May 5, 2006
• "Joe, Retired Amy, Jax, Florida, USA, 9
May 2001" . . . I just read your posting. . .Have you had the Anthrax
Vaccine?? Anyone know this person or his Email address? PLEASE have him
contact me immediately at AVAVICTIM@YAHOO.COM We seem to share the same
exact course in getting stents. I also have 15 Stents installed with
7 angioplasties over a 28 month period. RCA and LAD . . . No MI YET!
RayZ, San Diego CA, December 7, 2005
• Dear barbara john and joe I know a case
in our family circles. To the person instent-restonsis occurred within
three years after insertion of one stent. Second stent was suggested
butHe refused. He stopped taking medicines He started taking vitamin
c and Linus'Pauling's Heart technology one jar a month. He is able to
work. He said all pains, sleepy feeling, etc., gone. It is a high dose
of vitamin c, between 3000 mg to to 9000 mg or more and few other ingredients.
FDA suggests upto 90 mg or so only. If you are interested You can try.
It cosats about $50 per month. You may give a try. I am in no way connected
with this product
Venkata, California, USA, November 12, 2005
• I HAD ANGIOPLASTY ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO. THEY
SAY EVERYTHING IS OKAY BUT AFTER DOING A LOT OF READING & WONDERING WHY
I AM EXTREMELY TIRED AND HAVE MUSCLE ACHES I CAME ACROSS AN ARTICLE THAT
SAID THAT WHEN YOU ARE ON ZOCOR YOU SHOULD BE TAKING CQ10 - (GEL TAB)
HAS ANYONE HAD ANY LUCK WITH THIS OVER THE COUNTER VITAMIN
MARGE, CHICAGO, IL., 22 Apr 2003
• Dear Barbara and John, I am 46 yr old male,
retired army, and had 3 MI's in the past year, and 5 angioplasty's mostly
in my RCA, every 2-3 months I get a 95 to 99% blockage in the RCA, and
now the LAD, I have stents on top of stents in the RCA (i believe 12
in all have been inserted in the RCA, and 3 in the LAD. My most recent
was last week when i went to the e.r with chest pains and when they did
the cath procedure they found the 2 blockages. I guess my question is,
can either of u 2 help me also in finding out, if i should get a bypass.
I also have uncontrolled High Blood Pressure. I don't think they can
put any more stents in the RCA and I know that within 2-3 months I'll
be back in the hospital. Also, I wish You 2 the best of Health.
Joe, Retired Amy, Jax, Florida, USA, 9 May 2001
• Dear Barbara: I have the same symptoms that
you have! I have also been told not to worry! Have had three angioplasty
procedures with a total of two stents and two "rotoblatures" ["Rotablations" --
ed.] since October 1999. (Last one in January, 2000) Have been told
I should not be dizzy or light-headed and should not have arm pain. (Both
arms ache.) I know my pain is real and something is wrong.. Please let
me know if you have found the cause and a possible solution. (Also, I
am a 46 yr. old male.) Thank you!
John D., Ohio, USA, March 12, 2000
• Barbara, Usenet newsgroups are often an
excellent way to join into a community. They've been around longer than
the World Wide Web or the "chat rooms", run by corporate entities. You
can find a listing of the relevant cardiology newsgroups at the bottom
of our LINKS page. I would recommend the support group for angioplasty
patients alt.support.angioplasty. It's a relatively small group of patients,
but among them they have quite a few stories to share. If you have trouble
getting onto the group, talk to your ISP (not all newsgroups are carried
by all ISPs) or contact them via deja.com.
Good luck!
Forum Editor, PTCA.ORG, February 16, 2000
• I had 4 angioplasties in 1 year. The last
was 2/3/00. Does anyone else have a feeling of a tight band around their
left arm? Have it most of the time. I also have numbness in my fingers & toes
and the tips of the fingers are actually purple. This happened yesterday
and then I felt lightheaded and dizziness. I called my Doctor and he
told me not to worry, but how can you help it? Would like to hear from
others with any type symptoms after/before their procedure that would
make them feel that things are not okay. I need a support group to help
me with my anxieties as I have no faith that this will not happen again.
It's driving me crazy and interferring with my work and life. I am 62
and need to work. Any support will be appreciated. Thanks.
Barbara Mollberg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, February 16, 2000
• On Dec 1, 1999 I had a "mild" MI. Angiogram
performed showed about 95% blockage of the LAD. Angioplasty with 3 stents
performed. Well about 3 weeks ago I started to notice numbness in both
arms from elbows down (Same with MI) A Cardiolite stress test was performed
and showed there to be blockage at the original sites as well as down
from site. Question is at this point do I just elect for Bypass? These
angioplasties are not cheap and if they keep coming back so quickly what
is so wonderful about them? To me sounds like better to be opened up
and have the grafts performed and be done with it? Or does restenosis
occur as often in bypass? Thanks.
Gary McCleary, Roseburg, Oregon, USA,
February 8, 2000
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