Anybody here have an angiogram lately?

[propita]

My Dad had one about 15 years ago, and I was wondering if they do anything differently since then.

Just got back from my follow-up appointment after my echocardiogram and stress test with my cardiologist. He said the pictures of my heart show a "reversible defect." Which is not something that can be reversed, but that the defect is reversed from expected. It could be an artifact from breast tissue; it could be blockage. He's giving my file to a specialist for evaluation, who will recommend either continue treatment, or have an angiogram to determine if it's blockage and how bad.

I'm not freaking out, but am concerned. I finally got my Mom to agree to get a copy of Dad's cardio history, so my doctor can see just how much, if any, I'm tracking his problems. So, next step is meet with this specialist. Nothing to do till then, so no point in worrying. I think Hubby and I will try to enjoy more.

I guess the stress of law school, Dad dying, and hypothyroidism just was too much all at once. Hubby says this kinda puts the kibosh on my working full-time. Too much damage done already.

Kinda disappointed in myself for not being able to deal with this better.

 

[Vendikarr]

I have one scheduled for next Wednesday. had a stress test last week and got a call with the results. Doctor saw what appears to be a blockage. Earlist I could get in is next week, so have to watch out for heart attack symptoms.

I feel like I am walking on eggshells right now. I had a heart attack a decade ago, and this is just stressing me out.

Don't worry about how you're dealing with it. If the thought didn't stress you then I would be shocked.

 

[propita]

They decided that the various chest pains I had during law school were "baby heart attacks" from the pains I described and the damage to my heart tissue.

But I figured that since law school was over and I had passed the Bar, stress would be down and things would be okay. They still may be okay. I'll find out with the specialist appointment, so I'm not OMG-ing or anything.

My disappointment is more that I let law school and the rest affect me this much. Lots of people go to law school and don't have heart attacks.

Shoot! I'm turning 48 in just a few weeks. Not all that old for this. Which is why Hubby wants Dad's records.

Let me know how things go for you? We can start a club on the BBS--people who fret too much.

 

[Kestra]

I'm sorry to hear both of you are dealing with health issues. Sending wishes for good health your way! I know that stress and heart disease are linked, but can stress cause blockage?

 

[Yeoman Randi]

Indeed. Sending both of you lots of positive vibes.

Kestra, i don't think stress can cause blockages, but what do i know? Im not a doctor, i only play one on tv.

Propita, my dad (and other members of my family) had to have angiograms and these days as opposed to years ago, they are very easy. I actually begged my cardiologist to let me have one due to my family history of heart disease. He refused and looked at me like i had two heads.

 

[propita]

Kestra, I’m told stress causes the body to produce cortisol, which has all sorts of effects, including blockage. No idea how, but that’s why stress is “the silent killer.” Stress itself doesn’t make heart attacks “happen,” it’s how the chemicals released due to it affect one's body.

Randi, thanks for letting me know it’s easier. I so cannot blame you for being cautious, which is why I want Dad’s records. I swear, the doctors ask about “family history,” and then when the patient gets nervous because of family history, the doctors are all, “why are you worrying?” Uh, maybe because I’ve seen the pattern?

 

[RJDiogenes]

Good luck with the test. Don't kick yourself for being stressed out by law school and stuff. Everybody deals with things according to their nature. Blaming yourself for being stressed is like blaming yourself for being nearsighted.

 

[ancientone51]

Hope all goes well for both of you. Good thoughts and Zen Hugs sent your way.

 

[propita]

Hope all goes well for both of you. Good thoughts and Zen Hugs sent your way.

Ooh! I always loved Zen hugs. I used to say that all the time!