Drug Eluting Stent

[cn65]

I had some chest pain on July 4, 2009 and I had gone to the hospital for them to run some test all test came back normal but my enzymes were a little high.  And each time they took my blood to test the enzyme levels were elevated.  So the following week my dr. suggested that I have a catherization done so she could take a better look at my arteries to see what is going on.  Well come to find out I had a 80% blockage in my RCA and a drug eluting stent was inserted.  Well after that procedure and lots of medicines later I had to go back to the hospital because the Plavix was making me feel not well at all and lots of test were performed as well.  Now that I am on Ticlid I feel a little better have more energy but I am still having some chest pain here and there.  But not all the time.  I am only 44 years old and I am shocked on how this has come out.  I am very scared and wondering if there is something else going on with my heart.  Or am I just anxious.  I take so much medicine now and I am just curious if I will continue having to take aspirin, ticlid, norvasc, crestor, and zantac for my stomach, for the rest of my life.  I also must quit smoking which I am trying really hard in doing, but it has not been easy.  If I continue to smoke off and on am I hurting the stent or can it create more heart problems?  Stupid question and I know smoking is very bad for you, but I am just having such a hard time with it.  Any suggestions?

Thanks
cn65

[Cleveland Clinic]

Yes, having such severe heart disease at your age you need to first immediately quit smoking, and adhere to the medication regiment prescribed by your physician. Most likely you will be on a similar medication regiment for the rest of your life. This should also include a beta blocker in addition to your regiment. If you are having symptoms then there may be a problem with other coronary arteries or even with the stent and you should let your cardiologist know urgently.

[guddoohira]

cn65
i hear you loud & clear . but you'll be just fine.. as this is not at all the end of anything .
all is same as before.. it's just that you are taking better care of yourself .

i am 36 years old . not obese , slightly overweight BMI 27 .
played sports on & off & was even captain of some events . i was a smoker & drinking was also moderate .
abt. 2-1/2 months back (may-2009) i had a heart attack.. yes at 36 i had a heart attack (AMI) !!
now i have one drug eluted stent in my LCX-OM1 .
i am on plavix , aspirin , lipitor , beta blocker . one more tab named Imdur was also there but the cardio stopped that one just today . plavix & ASA will be long term medications or maybe for life .
the first thing that i did was i kicked the stick(ciggerretes). it is a MUST & you have to do it anyhow . the angioplasty which you have got done.. will not be guaranted at all if u continue smoking .
infact i now say this one liner to my other friends who still smoke.. "quit now or you can quit in the ICU...your choice"
second... cardiac re-hab & exercise DAILY . it helps sooo much !!
third... eat smart.. no more junk food.. eat healthy & that does not mean you have to eat the worst tasting things on earth .. trust me !!
fourth... stay away from stress.. this is the tough part (in this recession) but i am trying on this too .

on a short note.. i have a better body & i am more healthy now as compared to before the heart attack .
i am sure you can work your way out of this .. good luck !