Constant Angina Attacks

[Taxilady]

My mother has had constant Angina attacks for over five years now. She has seen numerous doctors, has had numerous stress tests and M.R.I's performed, with no success. All the doctor's do is push different meds for her to try. Her current doctor has her on a slow release Nitro and Ativan. The Nitro definitely helps slow down the Angina attack, but she is still having it. She also takes Aspirin on a daily basis. Now the doctor wants to perform a stress test on her, and we are worried that she may not live through it. What can we do that will help my mother with this so called Stress Induced Angina, and who do I talk to to get her the care that she needs ? I hope to hear from anyone who can help me know where to turn.

[Jack54]

Your Mother can have the stress test and will not have to walk the treadmill. There is a drug that they can use to make her heart beat faster and reach her target heart rate. Some have adverse affects to this drug.

Remember that there is a fully qualified cardiologist there at all times while the stress test is being performed.

There is also a 64 slice coronary artery ct scan that is very accurate in imaging coronary artery blockages. I had one and it was 100% accurate. The radiation received is substantial for this test.

Your Mother had better not put these simple test off. Doing so could cost her her life. She has to put away the fear and go for testing. My goodness, this is why people have heart attacks. She must have "NO FEAR" if she wants to live.

She needs to find a good cardiologist. It is so simple to repair or "fix" coronary artery blockages that cause angina and then heart attacks. I have 5 stents. I could have died 5 times....but I went on for treatment.