Archived Postings on This Page from 2011 and Earlier (101):
Risky in India -- Glad to hear your dad got to the hospital in time. If the angioplasty was done quickly enough, the damage to his heart muscle should be minimized. As for the other artery in the "pica" (we don't know this term) discuss this with his cardiologists as to whether or not this is causing reduced blood flow and should be opened. It may or may not be an urgent issue -- the main thing is that the artery causing the heart attack was reopened. What's important now is to adhere to medications, exercise as prescribed, lifestyle changes (no smoking, etc.).
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 30, 2011 |
hi, my dad got a severe heart attack yesterday. When his artery was 100% blocked, doctors did stenting procedure in his right coronary artery as we reached hospital at right time. He is in ICU right now, but my doubt is that another artery named pica is also involved 75 to 80 %. can u please suggest as to what are the procedures to be followed now????????
risky heart, life saved at last moment, New Delhi, India., December 27, 2011
I have been a heart patient since 1997. At that time I was diagnosed with a collapsed artery. Angioplasty solved that situation. In 2006, I had seven stints [stents] inserted due to blockage in several arteries. I have never failed to take my meds. I walk 4.5 miles every day in approximately one hour and five minutes. I am now on only two drugs (Lipitor and Metoprolol Succinate ER). My BP is 110/65. I was recently taken off Lisinopril. I am 65 and never felt better. I would say that if you lose weight, watch what you eat, and exercise regularly, you will be able to live a very long and joyful life. I wish all of you the best of luck.
Sherald in Denver, Littleton, Colorado, USA, December 3, 2011
MMB in Montana -- To be effective, emergency angioplasty to stop a heart attack in its tracks needs to be done within a very short time (hours) of the onset of symptoms. The guidelines are for hospitals to be able to open up the blocked artery that is causing the heart attack within 90 minutes of the patient presenting to the Emergency Department with chest pain. The idea is to open up the blood flow to the heart muscle so that it doesn't suffer permanent damage. 30 years ago this was not possible, so heart attacks were just left to finish out; today that is not the case. Unfortunately, those of us in rural areas often are far from a hospital that can perform emergency angioplasty -- so the default is to administer clot-busting drugs and transport the patient ASAP to a hospital equipped to do angioplasty. We cannot say why you were not identified as a heart attack victim ASAP and treated accordingly. But your EF is an important number, to see the state of damage to the heart muscle and your ability to lower your risk factors against future events is also important. EF can actually be increased somewhat. Let us know the outcomes.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 2, 2011 |
Nov. 1st had chest 'banding' feeling, walked into urgent care with this complaint. While in office experienced cardiac arrest but remained awake (slurred speech,cold sweats etc pb 40) did not receive oxygen etc. Ambulance to hospital where I was monitored, placed on nitro drip, enzyme count up. It was decided to take me off nitro. I laid in room for hours without much care. Put in ICU and next day (24hr later) placed stent in. Cardiologist kept saying it was a shame I didn't come in sooner - Next day out of hospital - cardiologist not available for three weeks on vacation. Within two days (Nov. 4) back in with heavy chest pain and a second stent placed. Different cardiologist said first stent was too short and skin flap covered some. Have no idea what my EF is (just learned about EF from this forum). Did not know I had 2 heart attacks or dissection? until my general doctor told me. two weeks later. Will not see cardiologist for another week -will be four weeks from hospital to time to see him. Do not know if I have damage but can assume it. Not complaining but I somehow feel something was not done soon enough in the beginning at either urgent care or ER. i.e. emergency stent etc.
MMB in Montana, Helena, Montana, USA, November 21, 2011
My father underwent his angioplasty surgery last week. He had two blockages and after surgery two stents have been inserted into his arteries. He occasionally feels his heart is beating faster. Is this common during recuperation after angioplasty?
Manippadi, United Kingdom, November 9, 2011
My husband, now 52, survived the widow maker. He had his heart attack when he was 49. I feel so very fortunate to have him but he is always angry and experiences a lot of chest pain and anxiety. His personality was type I and that has not really changed. But, he is always so very negative and critical. I do not want him to have another heart attack but feel like he is heading that way. Has anyone else experienced this?
Helen, Suffolk, Pennsylvania, USA, November 3, 2011
Kumar -- we are so sorry for your loss.
Was it determined for certain that your mother died of a heart attack?
Prediction of such events has gotten much more accurate but is still
far from 100%. One technology that is being used more and more
in Emergency Departments is the
Cardiac CT scan. Much faster than a nuclear stress test, the Cardiac
CT can quickly diagnose if the patient has a blocked artery. And
if none is seen, the accuracy approaches 99% -- that is, if the CT
shows no coronary artery disease, you don't have any. However, not
all heart attacks come from blockages that can be seen on angiography
(whether standard angiogram or CT) -- and chest pain also is not
always present, especially in women. (Read our recent article, "Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS) Imaging Reveals Hidden Heart Attack Culprit In
Women") In any case, it sounds like it was never determined whether
your
mother
had a significant blockage or not.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org,
October 22, 2011 |
My mother 66 years old, diabetic, had a
sudden abdomen pain and trouble in walking on right side her body. Suspecting
a stroke, we took
her to ER,
where she showed normal BP and sugar. The doctors conducted tests for any
brain stroke or blockage in neck. She was placed in recovery room with
dosage of heparin and aspirin for three days and was advised of nuclear
stress test.
Her ejection fraction was 67% and a minor left ventricular infarction.
She did not complain any chest pain. The cardiologist advised against doing
any
invasive procedure on her heart and she was released on aspirin and metoprolol.
After 15 days in home,one day she went to bathroom in morning and immediately
was found unconscious and declared passed away by EMR. Why would cardiologist
release her previously if her condition was of imminent heart attack? We
would have definitely thought about placing stent if cardiologist had strongly
advised. - Bereaved family
Kumar, Somerset, New Jersey, USA, October 19, 2011
Ron in Boca Raton -- thank you for your
story. Our forums can easily become a "complaint dept." where patients,
rightly so, are looking for answers to complications. That is a very
important service, so that people don't feel alone in their problems.
But this makes positive success stories like yours even more
important --
to give
hope to patients that there is "life after heart disease" and
there are many many patients who, thanks to modern device technology
and
pharmaceuticals, are given a second chance and who take charge
of their health, as you have done, and actually feel better than
ever.
And speaking of environmental factors, Reaganis
from Illinois, smoking is most definitely one of the biggest risk
factors for coronary artery disease (not to mention lung problems,
like cancer and COPD). This has been shown in study after study.
Stopping smoking reduces your risk for heart disease. Period.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org,
October 18, 2011 |
I have been looking for a site to share
my good news and provide some hope for others in my situation. I am a
64 year old male and on March 26, 2011
had a major MI with 100% blockage. After angioplasty with 2 stents inserted
I left the hospital 3 days later with a LifeVest after an ejection fraction
reading
of 25. Fast forward 6 months, I have lost 25 lbs. am on a plant based diet,
exercise 1 hour a day, religiously take my meds and have never felt better.
My recent
echo indicated an EF of 65. I am unsure why I am so fortunate, but I do know
that I am doing my part in maximizing my chance to continue on life's journey.
I never lost my positive mental attitude and suggest that you try to do the
same.
Ron, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, October 18, 2011
Seems Dr.s' always blame heart problems
on smoking? Is it maybe because our bodies are getting older? People
that smoked one day or 10 years have same
issues
Reaganis, Sainte Marie, Illinois, USA, October 13, 2011
Malini in India -- prescription medicines
have vastly improved the care of heart patients. Exercise is also
important, but meds can help reduce risk factors like cholesterol
levels, blood pressure, etc. If you father stopped taking his meds
(and he is NOT alone in this) it may be because he is having side
effects. He (perhaps along with you) should visit his cardiologist
to discuss this. Prescriptions could be reduced, changed, etc. but
a patient should always do this with the advice and consultation
of his/her cardiologist.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org,
September 20, 2011 |
Hi,my dad is a heart patient once he had
sudden heart attack first time and he was in the ICU and now after all
the treatment he is fine and doctor gave
him medicine and he was taking it continuously and now my father was not taken
the medicine for 6 months but doing all kind of activity like walk in the morning
for 1 hours reduce his weight and i am little bit worried about him because
he is not taking medicine he so careless. would you please help me.
Malini Mani, Tamilnadu, India, September
14,
2011
Renee in New Jersey -- Genetics are a
well-documented risk factor for coronary artery disease. We've heard
anecdotally
of stories
where identical twins developed lesions (blockages) in exactly the
same part of the coronary anatomy. An early
study from 1994 looked
at 21,000 twins born in Sweden during the late 19th-early 20th century
and concluded that there is definitely an increased risk from genetics
but that this correlation decreases with age. Perhaps this is where
environmental factors come more into play.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org,
September 13, 2011 |
I am a 55 yr old female identical twin
that had a heart attack August 2011, my identical twin sister also
had a heart attack 2 years ago with a blockage in the same section in
the
capillaries on the back of the heart. Is this something that happens
to twins? Are there any studies done on twins and genetic issues?
Renee, Blairstown, New Jersey, USA, , September 9, 2011
In response to Ted,
Atlanta, Georgia, USA, August 16, 2011. I am 42 and
have almost the exact same symptoms except my blood pressure will spike real
high and make me dizzy. I had a stress test and another cardiac cath done. My
family doctor kept increasing blood pressure meds until my heart was only beating
about 40 per minute. The cath showed no problems so they took me off blood pressure
meds and gave me Xanax for anxiety attacks. I take half of one before work and
then half when I start to feel chest pain and I feel great now. I take Ranitidine
150mg over the counter for my heartburn.
D Crandall, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, September 8, 2011
Trying to find out about drug eluting stents
and their risks. My father was admitted to the hospital because of
an acute ST elevation inferior wall myocardial infarction. He had a DES
stent placed in his right coronary artery and was discharged 3 days
later.
The day after discharge went back to hospital with chest pain. EKG
showed ST elevation in leads II, III and aVF. ST segment was slightly
improved.
Angiogram showed that he had mild thrombosis at the place of RCCS stenting.
They felt this was not significant and changed him from plavix to effient
and discharged him. Is clotting in DES common and should further treatment
have been offered
to him?
Concerned, Haslett, Michigan, USA, September 4, 2011
My father who is 80 had a 4 bypass surgery
16 years ago and stents put in 7 years ago. Just a few days ago he
had a heart attack and the cardiologist
discovered that one of his bypasses had completely blown. We have been told
that he is not a candidate to have another bypass procedure and that
they cannot put
in more stents.He is going to be maintained with new medications. Is it possible
to survive with a blown out coronary bypass graft? Or is he just another heart
attack waiting to happen?
Terry-Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA, August 27, 2011
I am 59 yo nurse who retired about 3 months
ago never smoked, am slender, but diagnosed with high bp and family
history. All i had was jaw pain and found out LAD was 85% occluded --
got a stent
and doing fine..no heart damage. Please know that heart pain can be
anything between waist and earlobe. I never had any chest
pain.
Anita, Albany, Georgia, USA, August 21, 2011
My stents are keeping me alive. I have great
recovery due to change of diet and listening to my heart. Don't over
due anything...be patient with this
recovery. You will soon forget that you had the event...but it is good to remember
your diet...exercise..and general health. Get your dental work updated...avoid
hospitals with bacterial problems...you need to stay away from sickness. I
went off the Plavix after one year and upped the aspirin to 300 mg a
day. I need to
have a stress test regularly and always remember the how that felt..on the
night it happened. Don;t try to brush it off. Get help quickly...life
saving! Make
sure you are near to a good hospital. Check the list of those that have on
call highly recommended Doctors Do your homework...be on guard and relieve
stress
of intense life style. Great days can be yours.
walking miracle...thank you Duke Heart Institute, Florida, USA, August 19,
2011
I finished my 25th birkie cc ski marathon
(53km), 2007 at age 49; 4 months later I collapsed at 5 am...just off
the toilet. i felt what i thought was indigestion, all night long.
I remember looking in the mirror thinking how pale my complexion was..
so crawled my way to the phone, drenched with sweat... pissed off.
i
was really angry that i was dying like this. I had started to do more
roof jobs(4), when i noticed my decline in stamin.so was all this for
naught? my diet wasn't
that
bad. 6 stents, died for a while.
xc ski farmer, Boscobel, Wisconsin, USA, August 16, 2011
Hi , My husband had a massive Heart attack
about 3 weeks ago. Dr. said he very lucky to be alive because where the
Heart attack was. We had some great
news yesterday: the Heart has repaired itself there is not a lot of damage
. The power of prayer is a wonderful thing . I just want to give hope
to someone
who might be going through the same thing ,,,,He still has to go to the Dr.
and be check out and NO Smoking and NO Fried food . He got his second
Stent yesterday,
but there is hope.
Candy, Florida, USA, August 16, 2011
Hi. I'm a 45yo male, in decent shape, exercise
randomly, smoked for 17 years 1-1/2 packs/day. July 20 I had a heart
attack, thought it was heartburn like many other here from what I read.
I had one stent put in. On effient 10mg, coreg 12.5, lipitor 40mg and
aspirin 325. Changed diets completely, fat free and lots of veggies
and fruits. Cholesterol dropped from 331 the day of the heart attack
to 170
(42 HDL) 1 week ago. My problem is that I feel almost constant chest
pain, for which I have to take Tylenol and also have terrible heartburn
still, to the point that sometimes it keeps me up all night. Had heart
stress test and all the others - everything fine. But the chest pain
has me worried although the doc said it is NOT the heart. I don't know
how to deal with this or if anybody else experienced this. Also, I
dropped cigarette smoking to about 10-15/day, trying to drop more daily
until
I quit by the end of the month. I appreciate anybody's
input!
Ted, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, August 16, 2011
To all, choose a holistic life style to increase your days here on earth.
Remove all white sugars, High fructose corn syrup, bleached flours, Monosodium
Glutamate & countless other poisons. Ck your PH , Blood sugar, Heart pressure,
cholesterol levels.Move
towards Fresh raw organic fruits & vegetables. We have become a slave to the
lender by not knowing what we are putting into our God given bodies. It is a
stewardship, we must be responsible and become educated, just because it looks & taste
good does not mean we should consume it. Before your temple snaps & your whole
world comes crumbling down, make the change. Doctor's are on this earth to help
during catastrophic events with God given knowledge but do not have the knowledge
of God. At age 54 I Just got my heart attack wake up call & refused bypass surgery,
stents & medication. Had only 1 balloon angioplasty to restore my 100% clogged
artery and am grateful. I have moved to an all natural lifestyle. Never felt
better, no longer crave 2 to 3 midday naps, I wake up earlier & go to sleep
later. Why didn't someone tell me sooner. I am awake now, but it took a punch
in the
chest to become aware my diet was killing me.
Mr. E, ESA Holistic, New York, USA, August 14, 2011
I think that what save my husband, Are Hospital Air Ambulance him to Orlando, FL Hospital. He was in the middle of the Heart attack at the first Hospital and they don,t have a cardiac cath lab .......That is what save his life Air ambulance ...People don,t know where there a cath lab and they just go to there local Hospital ...... Thank goodness for Air ambulance and DR.
Candy, Florida, USA, August 7, 2011
hello everyone I am a 51 year old male
that has smoked about one pack of cigs per day and have been smoking
for about 43 years, April 27 2011 I started have some chest pain and
thought I was having some heart burn? come to find out I was having
heart attacks four in all. I went to the hospital and they put a stent
in my
big heart, they told me that my heart attack was from smoking, they
said that everything else was fine. blood pressure and cholesterol was
all
fine, so they put the stent in three months ago and now I have not
smoked for three months thank God, and I currently am walking about four
mile
per day every day with my wife and am doing very good. just want to
given anyone help that may
needs it. God Bless you.
big heart of sheridan, Sheridan, Oregon, USA, July 31, 2011
Candy in Florida -- The Dr. was correct in
that your husband was born AFTER angioplasty was invented AND that he got
to a hospital that performed emergency angioplasty quickly (we assume that
he got to the ER within an hour or two of his symptoms). If the heart attack
got stopped with angioplasty, then his recovery should be pretty complete
(this was unheard of before angioplasty). Even if there was some damage to
the heart muscle, it was probably minimized. Again we are assuming he got
to the hospital and into the cath lab quickly. The cardiologist can take
measurements, especially one called the Ejection Fraction or EF which measure
the health of the heart muscle. Discuss these issues with the cardiologist
and let the Forum know your husband's outcome. And your difficulty with this
is certainly normal. What you have discovered is that you husband has coronary
artery disease. But with lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
and modern medications, you husband should "be great forever", assuming there
was minimal damage to the heart muscle. This is why we urge anyone who is
experiencing symptoms of a heart attack to call an ambulance and get to a
hospital that performs emergency angioplasty ASAP. See "Big Heart"'s post
above.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 31, 2011
My husband had a Heart attack last Fri or
Sat morning . It all work out . The medevac got him to the other Hospital
.The DR said he was luckiest guy
to be alive . He at home doing great now . He just turn 50 in good health but
only his low cholesterol was at the danger zone .He goes back for second stent
in a few weeks . He doing great , I am having a hard time with every thing
going on is that normal for me to feel this way? It is what the DR said
to us that
make me worry . The DR said he is fine for right now but, they just don't
know . I am praying he will be great for ever.
Candy, Florida, USA, July 31, 2011
Ian in England -- check out our Forum Topic
on "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting" and you will read that many patients
seem to have such symptoms immediately after stenting. These may last a few
weeks, as the body adjusts to the stent, and also to new medications. But
if you are feeling pains that are intense, or similar to the pain you felt
prior to the heart attack, call your cardiologist for a check up to make
sure everything is okay.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 31, 2011
Hi I am 47. Recently had a heart attack.
Over a period of two weeks I've had five drug-eluting stents fitted.
I'm home
and two weeks have passed, but I feel pains and twinges in my heart,
some days all day long.
Ian A., England, July 21, 2011
Worriedwife in Canada -- Hospitals strive for
a 90 min window from the time a patient arrives
at the hospital until he is on the cath lab table and his blockage is being
ballooned open -- called "door-to-balloon time". The other measure is "onset-to-balloon
time", or the time it takes from the onset of symptoms, something
not under the hospital's control. In any case, your husband's cardiologist
is the best
source of answers to your questions because he/she
will have the measurements and
hospital records to see. One measure is the ejection fraction or EF --
a measure of how efficiently the ventricles of the heart are working.
This is the area most often impacted by an acute myocardial infarction
(heart
attack). So his appointment with the cardiologist is the best time to
get this prognosis (we would urge you to accompany him. take notes, etc.
--
read
our article, "You
and Your Physician", to prepare). A recent study showed
increased benefit to starting exercise rehab ASAP after a heart attack
-- as soon as
one week. That, of course, depends on your husband's condition.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 28, 2011
My husband just had a massive heart attack
and it took about 4 hours before he could get an emergency angioplasty
where it was discovered he had four significant blocked arteries and
4 stents were
implanted. He stayed overnight at the hospital for a few days. How do we
know if/the extent of damage to his heart? Can we expect a full recovery
(through proper diet, therapy, etc.)?
Worriedwife, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, April 28, 2011
Dear
Kent from North Carolina -- thank you for writing in and our sympathies
to you as well. Smoking is a very big risk
factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). The nicotine and other elements
in tobacco smoke can irritate and disrupt the endothelial lining of the
arteries, much
like
excess
acid
can
cause an ulcer in the stomach. When the endothelium becomes diseased,
blockages can occur and/or platelets begin to collect, forming a thrombus,
blood
flow is reduced or, if it occurs suddenly, a heart attack is the result.
While
there may be a genetic disposition to CAD, our environment and how we
treat our bodies has a lot to do with it. Not smoking reduces your risk
considerably.
As for ongoing studies, you might want to contact the authors of the
study mentioned
below
in Texas.
They may
still
be working in theis area and, if not, they'd probably have a good idea
who is. Andlet the Forum know what you find out.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 7, 2011
Seeking Insight response -- I am the living
identical twin who wants to know if someone in the heart field is or
will be doing
studies on identical twins where my twin passed away on 3-1-11 from a heart
attack at the age of 59. He smoked for approx 45yrs while I the remaining
59 yr old identical twin never smoked and feel very well. Just curious
if there is any medical studies planned in the future where I may participate.
Any help would be greatly appreciated plus I want to thank my niece for
passing
on the info regarding my brother's death. She is in Nursing School and
I thank her for he sincere interest in me and her
profession.
Kent, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, April 7, 2011
Dear Seeking Insight -- first of all, we are
most sorry for your loss. It's very hard to say from your description what
happened: your father returned for "swelling" -- not sure what
that means. Perhaps the doctors
at the hospital can explain more specifically. And why they needed
to do another procedure. A heart attack is caused when the blood clots
(forms a thrombus) usually in or near a pre-existing blockage in a coronary
artery.
Getting quickly to a cath lab where the blockage can be reopened before
the oxygen
deprivation
damages the heart muscle is the gold standard for treatment. Sounds like
he may have formed another clot, even though many of the meds he got
would be blood-thinners (antiplatelet drugs) like Plavix, aspirin, or
possibly
Effient. His twin would genetically be identical. There is much discussion
in cardiology right now about genetics, and whether certain patients
are resistant to Plavix, for example. (Read our
interview with Dr. Eric Topol who is a leader in this area.)
So maybe his twin might want to get a genetic test to see if he is in
this category. Coronary artery disease definitely has a genetic component,
so
your uncle should definitely do what he can to minimize his risk factors,
such as smoking, diet, exercise, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
As for studies, here's one that might be of interest: "Identical
Atherosclerotic Lesions in Identical Twins". It's a
decade old, but certainly shows the genetic tie.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 7, 2011
My dad (59) passed away last month. He had a heart attack. When he arrived
at the hospital they sent him to surgery, where they placed 3 stents. After only
a short stay in the ICU, he was sent home on (I believe) 8+ meds. Two days after
returning home, he returned to the ICU for swelling. The last I heard from him,
they just needed to "tweak" his meds. However, upon further analysis, the Doctors
intervened with yet another operation. During this, he threw a clot. The end
result was death. I am curious, if you know of any studies with identical twins
(as his twin is healthy and alive). I am studying in the medical field and would
love to read research to gain further understanding and insight on "what happened?" Also,
my uncle would like to know about studies, and possibilities for comparing Cardiovascular
diagnostics from my dad's medical history to his (Uncle). Any information you
can provide me with will be greatly and forever appreciated. In advance, thank
you for your time. Take Care!
Seeking insight, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, USA, April 7, 2011
I had a heart attack at 3:00am this morning.
Wow that was scary. I had some minor tightness in my chest all week and
didn't really know what to think of it. Then at 3:00am I awoke to the
sound of the
rain outside my window. I got up to put away a few things that the kids
left out in the rain and I broke into a very heavy cold sweat and started
gasping
for air. I felt some tightness in my chest and fell to the floor. I Yelled
for my wife to call 911 and to get me the aspirin bottle. I took three
aspirin and waited on the floor for the ambulance. Fire trucks and
ambo [ambulance]
showed up and gave me oxygen and nitroglycerin and put me in the back
of the ambo. In about ten minutes I was at the hospital. They did some
tests
and gave me some more meds. Then I was in the cath lab getting shaved
for the procedure. All the while I'm gasping for air. They put in a stent
and
I have been resting since. I am meeting with the Cardiologist in the
morning for more
details on what happened. Right now I am just happy to be alive.
Flyfishtom, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA, April 4, 2011
Stoppullingmyheartout
in Houston -- not clear if you've been treated with angioplasty or stents
during this time. As for
an aneurysm being inoperable, have your doctors discussed the option
of a stent graft?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 1, 2011
TODAY is the 2 year anniversary of my first
MI. I have had 2 in 2 years. The last one was Dec 20, 2010. I then had
a cardiac asthma event in Feb 2011.. I am going today for a consult for
a defibrillator.
Between the 2 MI's, the cardiac asthma, pneumonia, and EF of 202, I think
it is time. If all of this was not enough, I have a rather large aneurysm
which I have been told they cannot operate on, so I run around every day
wondering if this could be the day?
Stoppullingmyheartout, Houston, Texas, USA, April 1, 2011
Deadpresident
(what kind of screen name is that anyway!!??) from Massapequa -- your
post is a testament to all readers that
they need to stop smoking. Smoking is a big risk factor for people who
have coronary artery disease. It sounds like your cardiologist saw something
that
clearly indicated a blockage and that he didn't need to do the stress
test. By the way, was that a nuclear stress test? In any case, he's scheduled
you for an angiogram, most likely. No way to know if an angioplasty (or
stent)
will be needed until he sees the angiogram. Sometimes, however, a stent
is put in during the same session to save you having to come back another
time.
It adds about 15 minutes to the diagnostic procedure. But we would strongly
suggest talking to your cardiologist in advance so that you understand
what the options are if they do find blockages. Read our article on Angioplasty
101.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, March 22, 2011
My cardiologist called me today to cancel
my stress test. I took an echo two weeks ago. Now he wants me to go for
an angioplasty because he states something
in the echo did not look good. I am a little overweight; smoked heavy for most
of my adult life until four months ago (I'm 54 years old). Does this sound like
prudent advice and just being cautionary or am i about to bite the bullet. Thanks.
PS: my dad died when he was 43 of massive heart attack. He was in decent shape
but smoked cigs regularly.
Deadpresident, CSEA Nassau Local 830, Massapequa, New York, USA, March 21,
2011
Further to my
post on 15th. January 2011 and Dear Editor's valuable
suggestion & comments of 4th
February 2011,
it is for all to note that Mr. Editor was correct in saying that COURAGE
TRIAL's things are not applicable to me since my RCA was dominant and
block was 95% at proximal and 80% at PLV. I got the angiogram on January
10th., but as the days passed by, I was experiencing chest pain and discomfort.
My echo started to show bad result (EF became 50% instead of 63% within
a month. Mild MR was detected in LV valve). I did not take further risk
and ultimately got stents on 8th of March 2011. One of the Stent is of
Abbott (DES) and another one of Vascular Concepts (BMS)of India. I got
the procedure done at B M Birla Heart Research Institute at Kolkata under
Dr. Dhiman Kahali. No problem till this time. Driving car as well. Taking
Prasita and ecospirin along with other
medicines.
Subhasis, Kolkata, India, March 13, 2011
Angelwings -- Not sure where you saw the figure you quote, that "38% of
women who have had a heart attack die within a year", but a
study published just
last month in The American Journal of Medicine quoted one-year survival at
92% for STEMI (ST segment elevated myocardial infarction) and 81% for NSTEMI.
This was a survey of over 3,000 patients in the Worcester, MA area, almost 50/50
ratio of men and women. As the authors write, and we agree, the survival rate
is extremely dependent on a number of factors, so any average figures, like these,
can only show trends. Given that you have stopped smoking and are otherwise in
good health, there's no reason to be fixating on getting a second heart attack.
Meeting with a mental health counselor is an excellent idea. Patients with heart
disease need all the emotional support and clarity they can find -- coming to
grips with the event, and processing it in order to move on forward is every
bit as important as any medical device or procedure. We'd love to hear from more
patients on these subjects -- they are very important
to all!
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, March 8, 2011
I really appreciate everyone sharing their
stories. As I posted earlier, I had a heart attack 12/30/10 and ended
up with drug eluting stent in my LAD. I am still very anxious and nervous
and emotional. I met with mental health nurse after cardiac rehab yesterday
and she said all this is normal. I still have pain in my jaws sometimes
and it scares me to death. I do not want to run to the ER every time
I have some pain. What are the chances of it being another heart attack?
I have also read that 38% of women who have heart attacks die within
a year. How true is this figure now? I am not sure how old the article
was that I read. My main concern right now is these pains and how to
deal with all the anxiety. Any ideas, suggestions are most welcome.
Thank you
angelwings, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, March 8, 2011
heart attack Dec. 2009 with 4 stents. Since
that actual time experienced intermittent jaw pain, burning cheeks
and lips (for one year) Cardio Dr. feels
it is nerve related and see neurologist. Neurologist found no actual cause
after x-ray of mandible. Any suggestions re cause? thank you. please
reply to E.B.
EB, New York, USA, March 3, 2011
Thank you for your reply. My cardiologist
was the cardiologist on call the day of the stress test/heart attack and
he was very upset that nobody had contacted him, let alone told him I was
even in the stress lab. He said it would be several months before we knew
how much damage and how much was permanent. I think he did say that most
of the damage they know about is in the bottom of the heart. I am just concerned
for others. Had I not known to chew 4 baby aspirin, and had I lived further
away from the hospital, the outcome could have been so much worse. Just trying
to make sense of all of this and deal with all these emotions I am experiencing.
I just think had something been done when they say the irregularities on
the EKG, maybe I would not have had the heart attack. I don't know...just
looking for some answers. I am sure I am not the only person "scared" about
what lies ahead after a heart attack like mine. Just looking for help.
Love this
forum because I read about others like me. Thank you!
angelwings, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, February 22, 2011
Have you discussed this incident with your
cardiologist? If you heart attack was "full-blown" an hour
after the stress test, then one might think that irregularities in your
EKG were
probably signaling something, but it's impossible to say
much
long
distance
and without
all
the data. Curious
-- did a cardiologist look at your EKG during the test? From your earlier
post, it seems that you
were revascularized
(opened up) within an hour after arriving at the hospital, so any damage
to your heart should have been minimized -- has your doctor discussed
anything about that?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 22, 2011
I have a question regarding the stress
test prior to my MI. I was having a thallium stress test and after the
actual
stress part of the test, the EKG had the nurse really concerned and she
kept commenting on it. However they still sent me home without asking
anyone to
look at what they were seeing. I was back in ER within an hour with a full
blown MI of the LAD needing a stent. Now, I know I would have needed a
stent anyway, but if they had called someone to look at what they were
seeing,
it is possible that they could have done something to prevent the MI and
damage to my heart by going in and opening the artery and placing the stent
prior to the actual heart attack? I just feel like something was missed
and there needs to be some kind of process in place that may help
the next person.
Angelwings, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, February 22, 2011
Retired
Nana and Angelwings -- sometimes angina is not entirely relieved by revascularization
(re-opening of the artery which
may be done by surgery, angioplasty/stenting or clot-busting medications.
You should discuss this residual pain, sometimes called refractory angina,
with your cardiologist. A variety of treatments may help: stress reduction,
exercise or anti-anginal medications, such as Renaxa, for example. Sometimes
it just takes time. Additionally, women experience these symptoms differently
-- and there is some research being done now into the microvasculature
of the female circulation -- i.e. the very small arteries branching off.
These are far too small for stenting or
surgery, but may be causing pain nevertheless. No damage to the heart
is a
very good result. Stopping smoking will do wonders in many ways. Light-headedness
m ight even be due to all the new meds you are taking -- and if this
continues, discuss a possible adjustment your drug regimen with your
cardiologist.
Reducing the risk factors under your control, averting damage from the acute
event of
the MI, and staying with optimal medical therapy will do much to prevent
this from occurring in the future. And because of angioplasty and modern
medications, the prognosis for heart attack patients has radically changed:
30 years ago one out of four patients who arrived at a hospital in the
midst of a
heart
attack
died;
today
almost
99 out of 100 survive!
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 19, 2011
I am a 52yr old female. Smoker for several years until day of MI on 12/30/10.
100% blockage in LAD. Was in and out of cath lab within 1 hr of arriving at ER.
One DES placed in LAD and was told other arteries look good. Have had lightheadedness
and pain in lower legs in past week. I am currently on Effient, aspirin, coreg,
metformin, lipitor, and hydrochlorot daily. What are the odds of having another
MI? I presented with severe lower jaw pain and at times since stenting, I feel
tinges on pain in jaw (not really lower) and it goes away quickly. Don't want
to be panic stricken all the time, but scared still about what to expect. Looking
for some support and answers.
angelwings, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, February 19, 2011
55year old female. Heart attack almost 2 years
ago. Tests found a blood clot at a junction of a small artery on the front
of the heart. During heart attack, EKG, blood pressure, O2 level were normal,
blood works showed enzymes elevated. Only symptom was severe chest pain.
I now take Plavix, baby aspirin, blood pressure pill and a cholesterol pill.
Problem is, I still get angina like
I did prior to the "big" event. Dr. say, clot was not in a spot they could
fix and I was lucky there was no damage to my heart. I take nitro when I
get these
pains and always after 2nd nitro pain stops. All tests they give me are still
normal. What else can be done?I retired from my job and the pains reduced
in frequency but not gone. The pains come later in the day when I am resting.
I am active and still 40 lbs over weight. I do have sleep apnea. Been using
bi-pap
and O2 for several year. Last sleep study was done 1 year ago. I just wonder
if there is something else I need to do. Thank you.
Retired Nana 55, Canon City, Colorado, USA, February 18, 2011
XYZ
in India -- Obviously getting a total blockage at age 25 is a relatively
rare occurrence and would indicate that your son
has some specific needs that should be addressed by his cardiologist.
What patients can do for themselves is lowering all their risk factors
as much
as possible through diet, exercise, stopping smoking if they do, stress
reduction, etc. But modern medications are a significant help. We suggest
that he see
his cardiologist for specific recommendations and set up a rehabilitation
plan. Let us know how he fares.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 10, 2011
my son aged 25 got heart attack, one XR-pronova
(SES) 3x18 mm stent was installed since 100% blockage in proximal LAD. post
angioplasty tests show homocysteine 38.22 umol/l total cholo 147.10 hdl 36.4
TC'HDL ratio 4.04 c reactive protein > 1.09 mg/dl. He has been advised
to take 2 medicines PRAX-10 and Disprin 325 permanently.Pl advise what
should
be his routine? what should he do so that such a situation
do not recur.
xyz, Chandigarh, India, February 10, 2011
Subhasis in Kolkata
-- chest pain with a 95% blockage is usually grounds for a stent -- in the
COURAGE trial, published
in 2007, stents plus medical therapy had no better results than medical
therapy alone. However, these were not patients with a 95%, 80% and other
disease who were experiencing unstable angina (not sure if that's what
yours was
classified as). Stopping smoking definitely an important step forward
no matter which way you go. If you're not sure, maybe get another opinion.
Were
the doctors who suggested medicines and exercise cardiologists? For more
information, read our article, "Answers
to Top Ten Questions About Stents and Angioplasty vs. Drug Therapy".
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 4, 2011
I am 52 years male with good health and normal
ECG, Echo and Sugar, Lipid level is also ok. I was a heavy smoker before
7 days. Following a chest pain 7 days ago, Angiogram done, with 95% blockage
in RCA (proximal area), 80% PLV and 40% LAD. Interventional Cardiologist
suggested PTCA with 2 stents for RCA & PLV. But other docs. suggested to
go for medicines and exercise without smoking. Cannot understand what to
do! I am in India near Kolkata.
Subhasis, West Bengal, Kolkata- Durgapur, India, January 15, 2011
I had angioplasty 18 years ago after a massive
heart attack, often referred to as the widow maker. nothing but a baby
aspirin and statin since, i watch the diet, exercise and completed a marathon
several years after my recovery. We are now saving lives with our stories
in Heart to Heart. please cut and paste the
link brucejohnsonhearttoheart.com
life after angioplasty, Washington, DC, USA, December 9, 2010
Hi, My dad had an heart attack a week ago,his
condition says 80% blockage in right artery and 75% blockage in left artery.
Dr suggested for stent or by-pass (open
heart). Now we are not able to make up our mind which is better in terms of long
life. Could you please suggest and tell the pros and cons of both. Thanks
Aditi, Delhi, India, October 12, 2010
BJ in Colorado -- the guidelines for "door-to-balloon
time" are for revascularization (opening up the culprit artery) within
90 minutes of presentation at the hospital. Why the delay in your husband's
diagnosis or treatment occurred we cannot say. Hospitals that perform emergency
angioplasty to stop heart attacks normally have protocols that include things
like the
cardiologists on call must live within a short commute to the hospital (e.g.
15 min) and that all systems in the hospital are in place to deliver these
therapies quickly and successfully. The American College of Cardiology and
other organizations have been very active in promoting these guidelines and
have achieved good results. Unfortunately not all hospitals are so equipped.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 10, 2010
husband had angina at 4:30pm,sept 16, first clinic
not equipped for total heart care. airlifted to another hospital,arrived
there about 8pm. blood test showed troponin level at 5.1 at about midnight,
increased to9.1 at 3:30 am,topped off at 15.8 by 6:55am sept17. cath
and angioplasty not performed until 11am on the 17th. ekg was done on arrival
but we understand that he could have had an MI early on the 17th, was
the
cath and angioplasty done too many hours after the troponin levels remained
high? Also, IV nitro was given around 5pm with the onset of chest pain
on the16th at the first clinic and given continuously through early in
the morning the next day,was this too long? My concern is, should he
have had a MI in the hospital, with the troponin levels consistently high,
or
could this have been prevented with much earlier intervention at the
second hospital? Cardiologist was on call, but as far as I know never showed
up,
no doctor talked to us until 11am the next day, right before the angioplasty,
when a DES stent
was inserted. please respond
BJ , Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, October 5, 2010
Bharath -- it's impossible to answer this question
long-distance and without access to her medical information. We're most sorry
for your loss. Stroke can be of two types: hemorrhagic, where the blood vessel
bursts, and more commonly, ischemic stroke, where a blood vessel to the brain
gets blocked. The ischemic stroke is like a "heart attack" of the brain and
is
caused by
the
same disease process: atherosclerosis. A CT of the brain can tell the difference
between these two -- very important because the treatments are the opposite:
for example, giving drugs to dissolve the blockage or clot will make a hemorrhagic
stroke worse.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 30, 2010
My Mother aged 81 years was admitted to hospital
due to a fall in the bathroom after an attack. she is undergoing treatment
for unstable angina since
2 years. There was no external injury. In order to rule out stroke I questioned
her and she responded in a feeble voice. She was obeying my commands and also
shook my hands which I asked her to do. She had difficulty in swallowing and
was vomiting too. She could not stand without support. Unfortunately in spite
of the heart attack symptoms she was treated for Stroke. The CT scan of the
brain was negative. Moreover due to aspiration she was inserted with a
NG tube to flush
out the liquid and food particles. All of a sudden the same day night she collapsed
and never recovered. I feel that the proper treatment was not given for heart
attack and the Doctors were of the opinion it was stroke. Please let me know
the exact cause for her death. Is it due to heart attack or stroke or due to
aspiration Pneumonia. To my knowledge she was not given the treatment for Heart
attack. Her death report says CAD and Hypertension and stroke was not mentioned.
Please let me know whether due to her age she could not withstand this attack.
Bharath, Mannar and Co. , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, September 27, 2010
Shivalika from Punjab -- Stenting and angioplasty are
used to stop heart attacks from progressing (or starting) in acute cases
like your dad's. Before this procedure, an acute coronary syndrome could
easily an quickly progress to a full-blown heart attack in which the heart
muscle is damaged by lack of oxygen. Sounds like your dad's was caught in
time and before any muscle damage occurred. This solved the immediate problem
-- the long term problem is a chronic one: coronary artery disease. while
there's nothing we can do about inherited risk factors for this disease,
it is possible to reduce many risk factors for a recurrence through diet,
exercise, smoking cessation, and modern medications to control blood pressure,
cholesterol, etc. Your dad's cardiologist should be able to work with him
to help achieve these goals and live a healthy life going forward.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 10, 2010
recently ma dad chest pain and was diagnosed
with acute coronary syndrome with 99% blockage and stenting is done.
but ma mum is very worried for him and me too. can ny1 tell me the prognosis
of stenting. and what all precautions should be taken. I'm very much
stressed
plzzzzzzzzzzz help!!!!!!!!!!
shivalika, pathankot, punjab, India, September 1, 2010
Amini from Iran -- Your clinical situation is
a complex one and the decision as to whether to do stents (PCI) or CABG
will probably depend on the cardiologist or surgeon you ask. One question
might be answered by whether or not the blockages in your LCX and RCA
are causing functional problems. Yes, one can SEE the blockage on an angiogram,
but is your heart getting reduced blood flow/oxygen or not? This can
partially
be answered via a nuclear
stress test, or during the cath itself, using
FFR (Fractional Flow
Reserve) to measure directly the flow. As for costs, you
can look over our topic on "Costs
of Stent and Angioplasty", although these
vary widely.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 17, 2010
I am 49 yr old male, in excellent health (no
diabetic, no high cholesterol, no hypertension, etc) had a heart attack
10 years back, LAD TOTAL OCCLUSION AT OSTIUM, LCX stenosis 60-70 percent
at three location a small area of dyskinetic at apex, failed to reopen
LAD put three stent in Lcx at same time ( medication ASPIRIN, LIPITOR
10 mg/day). 10 years after 1st MI did angiography week back because of
chest
pain ,all three stents were patent with an excellent retrograde filling
from RCA and antegrade filling to LAD, in new angio More than 70percent
blockage of LCX at trifurcation ares 60 percent block in distal segment
of RCA were reported. RCA is dominant no symptom.my father had MI at
age 50 with same trend of blockage and did BY PASS AT 64 and now he is
80 healthy
and active without any symptoms .my cardiologist Cannot decide confidentially
because of location of LCX stenosis and says chances of restenosis is
about 20 to 30 percent so prefer CABG but my preference is PTCA. After
1st attack
MY EF was 45 and remained same till today . at present no cardiac medication
.considering my problem could anybody give the second opinion and how
much is the average cost for Two stent angioplasty
in usa.
Amini, Iran, July 15, 2010
I was told that I had a slight heart attack because
of 90% blockage in Rt. Coronary artery. A stent was put two months
ago. I am having moderate to severe burning sensation in both legs below
knee
and feet. I am only getting 4-5 hours of sleep per night. help!! I
told the Heart DR., but he showed little interest.
EKC, Central Louisiana, USA, July 9, 2010
Stenting increases blood flow. However, heart
muscle that has been damaged from an infarction (heart attack) may or
may not be able to function correctly, no matter how much blood flow it
gets.
Ask your cardiologist about this and what your ejection fraction (EF) is. Also
note that some posters in our topic "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting" report a period of discomfort
for a month or more that in time does go away as the body adjusts.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 8, 2010
how long does it take for ischemia weakened heart
muscles to revive after stenting? I have a stent in for six weeks and
feel intermittent 20 to 30 minute discomfort in heart area, no pain, ea
with
light headedness and need for deep breaths. I thought the increased blood
flow after a stent would stop this.
oldie, Villa Nueva, Guatemala, July 2, 2010
Stephen79 -- your cardiologist, the physician
who best would know you and your clinical condition, is really the person
to ask this question of. There are many variables at play here. Obviously
you need to do whatever you can to reduce risk factors (via smoking cessation,
diet, compliance with medical therapy, etc.) for the advance of the coronary
artery disease that keeps blocking your arteries
and causing
these MIs, but this is challenging, especially in diabetic populations.
Let us know how you are doing and good luck to you.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 2, 2010
I'm 31 year old male. Type 1 diabetic since age
4. First MI in 2005 with stent placement in LAD. 6 months later 2nd MI
with 100% blockage at stent. 2007
3rd MI major with 3 stent placement. At that time I was dismissed as a candidate
for bypass surgery due to a minimally viable myocardium. Since then my EF has
been 20-25%. I had another minor MI in 2008. How long can a person live with
CHF?
Stephen79, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, June 11, 2010
Forum Editor - Thanks again for your prompt reply.
As per your question about inability to do certain things; I am very
active and can do most everything except when it comes to weights and sprinting.
Being in track all my younger days and an active athlete it is frustrating.
I can walk for 1 hour a day without any difficulty, but when I try running
or jogging I can't run more than a few minutes (not sure if it is heart
related). Also lifting heavy objects anything over 40 - 50 lbs does get
me tired. For reference I am 5-8 and 160 lbs. One thing I would like
to
add is that I get less tired now than before. In the first year after
the MI I got tired very quickly and needed a lot more sleep than I do now.
RD, Dallas, Texas, USA, April 26, 2010
An ejection fraction of 45% is below normal (normal
value is 55-70%) but it's not bad. Do you find yourself unable to do
certain things? But having gotten the stent during an active MI probably
saved
a lot of your heart muscle. (See our recent article on this subject, "Heart
Attack and Angioplasty: A Public Education Challenge".)
As for your family decision, there's no advice but just to say if everyone
suffering
from
coronary artery
disease
decided
not to
have
children, we'd be a much smaller nation than we are -- it is still a
very
widespread disease. It is in fact very important to be aware of the family
history, so that you can be extra-vigilent in controlling all your risk
factors. Genetic tendency is just that -- a tendency. Environment and
lifestyle can go a long way toward negating those tendencies -- or amplifying
them.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 26, 2010
Forum Editor - Thanks for your reply. The original
stent put in while i was in active MI. My EJ fraction is 45%, which i
am told is not good. As per the cardio there was some damage to the walls
and the heart muscle itself. I know if my wife and I plan to have kids,
there are greater chances for the kids to have heart disease due to my
condition. I would like to know if others have had kids after such an
incident?
And if my wife and I do plan to have kids will it be the right thing
to do since they may be at a greater chance of having heart disease.On
a side
note, after i changed cardios (cause the first one did not have technology
to conduct CTA scans) they found lumps in my chest and luckily I did
not have lymphoma cancer, but have granulomatous lymphadenitis, which does
give me chest pain, but is unrelated to the heart. Thank you for your
reply
and
looking forward to your advice.
RD, Dallas, Texas, USA, April 26, 2010
Raja -- these questions should be answered by
your father's cardiologist, including the correct medicines. For your
information, stents have been used very successfully in all ages, including
very elderly
80 and 90-year-olds. And RD -- was there damage to your heart
from the heart attack -- or was the original stent put in during the
heart attack, and kept the heart muscle from dying?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 9, 2010
Should I have kids after a MI? I am 32 now and
at age 30 had a MI with 100% blockage in my LAD. I have had to go back
at age 31 (within 6 months of my first stent) to get a drug-stent put in.
Have had history of high BP. I am healthy, with normal body-weight and
exercise regularly. Wife and I are thinking about starting a family. Want
to know if anyone has had children after an MI. Any doctor's advice you've
consulted with would be great as well.
RD, Dallas, Texas, USA, April 7, 2010
Just few days back my father got a heart attack.
doctor suggested two stents needed for his heart. now he is 65years
old is it correct age and one more thing is his heart is supports with
that
stent can any one suggest the right medicine and his heart is supports
or not
Raja S., kbg, India, April 7, 2010
Rosammajohn -- sounds like your brother didn't
have a heart attack (the topic here) but is suffering from congestive heart
failure (CHF) -- what happens when a damaged heart is not functioning --
as you report, it is working only 15-20% normal on a ventilator, which
is pretty low. This is a complex situation and you should ask your doctors
about your brother's
prognosis
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, January 22, 2010
My brother had a heart failure. he is in ICU and in ventilator. The time
he was admitted his blood pressure is 100/60. his heart beat is 120.There is
fluids in his lungs and was very difficult to breathe. Pumping of the heart is
only 25%. After 2 days in ventilator, his pressure is normal, heart beat is normal,
but pumping of the heart is only 15 to 20% with ventilator. doctor says it is
critical. what is the risk?
Rosammajohn, Kerala, India, January 21, 2010
My 77 yr. old mom has always been very active
and healthy with her only daily medication being a multi-vitamin. On
Tues. of last week, she had a massive heart attack with 99% blockage of
right
coronary artery. She had three stents placed in the artery. Had bleeding
from blood thinners, 4 units of whole blood, 3 of plasma, has developed
pneumonia. Her vitals have been good, but she is experiencing a lot of
anxiety. Was moved into room today from ICU but is so weak and still
complains she can't breathe. She has sat in chair a few times but it is
almost a
week later and I'm concerned she can't walk yet. Will this get better
and when. They are talking about dismissing later this week from the hospital
and I don't feel she is in anyway ready. Has anyone experienced a parent
that panics and
has trouble breathing from this? Is this normal?
Deb, Healdton, Oklahoma, USA, January 4, 2010
Aileen -- much depends on the clinical status
of your father's heart -- was there damage done during the heart attack.
Angioplasty and stenting is best done as soon as possible once symptoms
of an infarction occur. There is debate about the value of stenting
that long afterwards -- but much depends on whether those blockages are
blood flow-limiting and whether they pose a risk to another heart attack.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 28, 2009
Hi, My Father has a heart attack 5 days ago.
He had an angiogram 4 days ago and two blockages were identified. They
think one of the blockages can be treated by putting in a stent but the
other is too close to the heart so may
need to be treated with drugs. From any reading I have done it does not seem
advisable to treat a blocked artery using a stent this long after the attack?
Is it normal to do one anyway and is it not better to try and treat both blockages
with drugs or a bypass? Any advice much appreciated.
Aileen M., Budapest, Hungary, November 23, 2009
On May 18 I had a serious heart attack at that
time I had two stents placed in my right coronary artery. Prior to leaving
the hospital the operating physician,
not my normal cardiologist, scheduled me to have a nuclear stress test in
order to determine the amount of damage if any done to the heart muscle.
That was
to have been done on the 24th of June, on the 18th of June my cardiologist's
office
called to notify me that the nuclear stress test was not necessary. They
wanted to do a regular stress test and get me into cardiac rehabilitation.
I was wondering
if someone would be able to share with me the tests that they had after having
a heart attack. Your insight and information is greatly appreciated.
Fay, New York, USA, June 20, 2009
My age is 38, male. . I was admitted in the hospital
on 1st january last year.Medication started from 1st jan to 18th jan.I
have been underwent angiogram on 14th jan and two stents were plased on
18th January. My present condition is moderate lv dysfunction with BP 90/60
and 40% ejection fraction. I fere some damage took place to the heart.
Now I am walking, doing all works without any difficulty, with occational
mild burning pain for little time. Is there any medication/procedure to
get back good BP and good ejection fraction.
Narendar, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, March 16, 2009
Mr. Singh -- very sorry for your loss. Your father's
case sounds very complex and there's not much anyone without specific knowledge
can say, except for some general facts about heart attack treatment with
angioplasty. It is the "gold standard" -- emergency angioplasty, opening
up the culprit artery during the heart attack, can actually stop the attack
and save the heart muscle. Your father had angioplasty after the attack
(MI) was completed. The internal bleeding can be caused by a number of
things, but it is a complication of interventional and surgical procedures
and definitely is associated with increased mortality. There has been much
debate about whether opening an occluded artery well after the actual heart
attack is beneficial -- the OAT trial in the States showed it was not.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 5, 2009
My father,67,one night ,with no history of any
heart ailment or complaint till that time, had an attack was revived
with an electrical shock and after 2 hrs. again had same attack and was
revived.
In the morning angiography was done and angioplasty procedure was performed
the next day morning and one stent was put. after 3 hrs. of the procedure
he had another attack and was revived with the shock again. After 3-4
hrs ,he was put on ventilator and the doctors said he is bleeding internally
and started the blood transfusions and gave him about 21 units . then
they
started giving blood plasma transfusions and in total they gave about
32 units of blood plasma over the next two three days. The we were told
after
another day that he has developed ARDS and the next two days we were
told he is having septicemia ( very bad lungs ) the fight ended after 19
days
with Multiple organ failure and ultimately he passed away.We wonder still
! Was angioplasty really required ? Was there anything wrong done during
angioplasty procedure ? Shouldn't the stent be put at the time of angiography
only ? shouldn't he be kept under observation for some time after the
attacks before the angiography ? Could he have some how survived ? Please
help
in understanding
this,please...!
N P Singh, New Delhi, India, January 25, 2009
In 2007 my husband (64 years old) had one coronary
artery drug-eluting stent placed. The procedure went fine. He was 70 %
blocked before stent, completely clear after stent. He spent the night
in the hospital, came home at 7:00 a.m. and at 2:30 in the afternoon developed
massive chest pain, nausea, tightness,fullness, etc. We took him to the
emergency room of the hospital where the procedure had been performed (It
was only 4 miles away). He was at the triage window within 10 minutes of
the beginning of the chest pain. They triaged him within 3-4 minutes, gave
him a level "2" rating and put him in a patient room. There he stayed for
a little over 3 hours with no pain medicine for the first hour and a half.
BP 224/109; sweating profusely; horrible pain, in chest, up neck, and down
left arm. The ER physician refused to call a cardiologist when I requested
one. I reminded him of the time window for various treatments to reduce
heart damage. He told me that it might not be a heart patient. He said
only time and tests would tell. The 3rd EKG came back ACUTE MYOCARDIAL
INFARCTION. Still he did not send him to the cath lab. I had left a message
on my husband's cardiologist's phone (it was his day off)and when he happened
to check it, he came right to the hospital - 3 hours after Bob's admission.
In 3 minutes Bob was headed for the cath lab. I feel the ER physician made
a terrible mistake and my husband has to pay for it with a severely damaged
heart which will greatly decrease his quality of life and decrease his
remaining years of life. I am in Florida and there's not much you can do
if your ER physician makes a mistake.
Kathleen, Florida, USA, October 5, 2008
LB Ohio, your husband may have pain in the scar
area for months. As long as the Drs rule out infection, it takes up to
a good year to feel 99% better.
If he's lucky, sooner. I had same surgery and the scar area and my entire chest
hurt for many months after. I don't know if it has to do with diabetes (as
I am diabetic also) or if this is the norm but hang in there.
Kathy F., New Jersey, USA, January 30, 2008
my husband david 43, had a quadruple bypass on
jan.4th of this year. on jan.2nd was his heart attack. he was on the
vent for 2wks. a diabetic since and now a non-smoker. its the 28th and
for the past couple of days david has been suffering spasms in his chest
around the scar. at times bad ones! his drs. dont know why. everything
else ok. has anyone else know of this?
LB., Ohio, USA, January 28, 2008
Steve -- Tenormin (a beta-blocker) and Lisinopril
(an ACE inhibitor) can possibly cause light-headedness and it's possible
that an adjustment to dose may be indicated. While dosage is usually
done by clinical assessment and body weight, some individuals are more
sensitive
to meds than others. If these symptoms persist and are potentially limiting
your functioning (you don't want to get an attack of light-headedness
on the highway) definitely put in a call to your cardiologist and describe
your symptoms. Couldn't hurt. But don't stop or reduce your meds without
talking to him/her first.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 23, 2007
Thank you for your reply. it's been 3 days since
the procedure and sometimes I feel little light headed. I noticed on
the medication plavix, tenormin could cause this as well as I am taking
lisinopril
for bp, and addition of tenormin could be lower my bp too much? my follow
visit is still 10 days away, should I be concerned or is my body getting
used to the medication?
Steve, Woodside, California, USA, November 23, 2007
Steve -- you're correct. The LAD (Left Anterior
Descending) artery IS one of the main vessels. As for your fears about
correct placement of the stent -- you must have been reading some of
our articles about intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)
-- and why some cardiologists urge its more widespread use. The good
news is that these concerns and this message has been getting out to the
cardiology
community and physicians have been more aware of this. There's no reason
to think that your stent was NOT placed correctly -- especially dramatically
opening up a 99% blockage. Also, the message is less that the stent has
not been placed correctly, but that it needs to be fully expanded.
If you
have concerns, certainly ask your interventional cardiologist. You are
in an
area where
there are
many
excellent
facilities
and cardiologists. (In fact, IVUS was developed not very far from Woodside.)
There's no non-invasive test accurate enough to test the precise expansion.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 23, 2007
I am 42 yr old male, in excellent health, but
was found to have had a heart attack, I just received (Nov 21st) one DES
due to 99% blockage in my "LAD" I believe it is one of my main vessel,
I understand all my other vessels are in great condition. Although, the
before and after image they showed me after inserting DES is dramatic,
I am concerned, after reading the articles on the site about misplacement
of DES, I do have a follow up visit with my cardiologist soon, is there
a test they can do to confirm the correct insertion of the DES?
Steve, Woodside, California, USA, November 22, 2007
Hi, my Dad had 2 stents put in his main Coronary
Artery it was 99% blocked. He had a major heart attack and thanks to
my mother she took him to the ER fast. They told him he is very lucky to
be
alive anyway, he had this done 8 months ago and is doing great! The technology
today is awesome thanks to this I still
have my Dad in my life.
C., Illinois, USA, September 3, 2007
Rick -- family history is certainly a risk factor.
The fact that you have had negative nuclear stress tests is good, showing
low probability for coronary artery disease. What does your cardiologist
say about the near-fainting episodes? Has he
run a test that would show potential valvular problems, for example, a
stress echo (not sure what you mean by a sonogram)?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 8, 2007
My two younger brothers, ages 49 and 51 respectively
have had heart attacks, the younger one just a few days ago. After the
older one had his which he survived with 5 stents to deal with his 95+
blockage, I had a nuclear stress as well as a sonogram, both of which were
negative conducted by my cardiologist. Now the younger one, a former world
record holder in distance events just suffered his heart attack a few days
ago and also survived. He would appear to be in excellent shape with daily
workouts and not a likely candidate compared to me, his oldest and much
heavier brother, age 53 but also a former runner. I have had no chest pain
but a two instances of almost passing out that weren't fully explained
along with several of lightheadedness and just not feeling right that have
lasted from several hours to a day or two during the last year. Should
I seriously be thinking
about a angioplasty?
Rick, Tehahchapi, California, USA, July 3, 2007
MMD - I am very sorry to hear about the way that
your husband was treated. My experience was almost exactly the opposite
as that of your husband. I experienced an MI in February. As soon as
I arrived at the ER, I given an EKG and 15 to 20 minutes later was in the
cath lab where a balloon angioplasty was performed and three drug-eluting
Taxus stents were placed my LAD. As the result of the prompt treatment,
and possibly because I had a system of collaterals as the result of frequent
exercise prior to the MI, damage to my heart muscle was minimal. Six
weeks
after the MI I had an echocardiogram which indicated an ejection fraction
of 65%. I would also add that as the result of both luck and knowledge,
I happened to have selected hospital that has an interventional cardiologist
either physically present at the hospital 24/7 (as was the case when
I arrived) or who is on call and could be at the hospital within 15 minutes.
Larry T., Virginia, USA, May 24, 2007
MMD -- one of the challenges with emergency treatment
of heart attack is for hospitals that can perform angioplasty to have a
system in place to get the patient diagnosed and on the cath lab table
within 90 minutes to two hours. In this way, the infarct can be stopped
and damage to the heart muscle minimized. It is one of the undisputed benefits
of angioplasty. Sounds like the diagnosis took place later in your husband's
case. An important measure would be how well your husband's heart is pumping
-- sometimes called an ejection fraction.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, May 22, 2007
Recently my husband had his 5th heart attack and
this is the 6th stent. He is only 41 years old, thanks to good old genetics.
The majority of the stents was boston scientific the latest on was Cypher.
He had his MI on Friday 1am, he was not cath till Monday am. His cardiac
enzymes increased on Friday was never diagnosed until Monday. This is totally
out of character of what we are used to. His last cath was done by military
med, within one hour he was being cathed. It appears that that Friday the
cardiologist had a Saturday family commitment and the hospital was going
to release my husband to come home that Saturday. I refused to bring him
home. We have an appt with a new cardiologist...Does anyone else have any
ideas we can look into.
MMD, Ohio, USA, May 22, 2007
|