I had a stress test performed with perfusion (Myoview) because of some left side chest discomfort during times of emotion stress. The actual stress test went well. The Dr. said that both the rest and stress perfusion test showed some reduced flow in one area. Because of the area of concern, he said a false positive was possible due to breast attenuation. He wants to do a heart cath now.
Because I know someone that died as the result of a heart cath, one that hemmoraged badly, and have some risk
factorsFactor ix complex myself with respect to a heart cath, I want to exhaust absolutely all other test options. I will not give from this position.
What are my options? Would a PET scan be a good alternative? My insurance will pay for a PET scan and I've heard that they are superior to the Myoview perfusion study.
Thanks
If you look at the mortality and morbility rates, a heart cath is really realatively risky. Here are a few numbers to think about. You are 12.5 times more likely to die from a heart cath that from being in an auto accident. 100 times more likely than a gall bladder removal, 93x a liposuction, 33x natural childbirth, 6.5x a C Section, 13x skydiving (200x a single jump) and 10,000x an international flight.
As far as serious complications go, the odds are the same as having fraternal twins - I have a set of fraternal twins.
I just believe that anyone would be foolish to expose themselves to the risks before all other alternatives were exhausted.
Erik
Now, the point is neither risk is acceptable if there is an alternative. If PET scanning (or other test) will provide sufficient accuracy to avoid a risky invasive procedure, which many say it does, then that is the best of both worlds.
Pardon my cynicism, but a lot of cardiologist, including mine (old and new), have their own cath labs. They have a vested interest in using it. I don’t want that clouding his judgment, intentionally or not. At some point a heart cath may only be a “gold standard” because it is more profitable for them. Not too long ago, exploratory surgery was the “gold standard”. Many were slow to accept the alternatives. Are we at or close to that juncture with respect to cardiac testing?
I want a cardiologist that will work with me and (I’ll say it again) exhaust all low risk non invasive alternatives. I am the patient, AKA Customer, and I don’t think it is unreasonable for the doctor to work with me. In the end if a heart cath is necessary, then so be it. But, I will not be rushed into it.
Erik
I got a second opinion from the best cardiac practice in the area. They determined that I had upper GI tract irritation from Vioxx. It was also contributing to high BP. They did do a doppler echocardiogram with no problems found.
2 days after discontinuing Vioxx, I became symptom free, my BP is back to normal, and I have been fine since.
Bottom line: always seek out the best doctor and always get a second opinion before undergoing any invasive or risky proceedures.