Intervel between CT (or cath) anigios for MI patients

[nspower]

I had MI in 2007. After treatment I had a 100% blocked LCx, a stented LAD and good RCA.  EF 35%. I had my last angiogram (cath) in January 2008  and results were same as stated above.

At this time I do not have any angina or SOB. But my EF is still low at 30-35%. My nuclear stress test was OK last year.

When should I go for next angiogram?

Thanks for your views in advance.

[kenkeith]

The best treatment for soft plaque buildup is by a healthy diet, exercise, etc.  And for some individuals that is not enough, and there may be a link to genetics.  Then there are individuals that smoke, drink poor diet, etc. and don't seem to have a problem?!

Yes, CT scan 128 slice angiogram does provide a score that indicates the degree of soft plaque within each coronary artery and the total score.  There has been some analysis of the score and MI's and the evaluation provides a risk calculation on a yearly basis.  My score (over 1000) indicates a risk of a 20% event within a year.  

Your medication should help prevent any progression and help prevent any rupture.

[nspower]

Thanks Kenkeith. There is so much written about gradual plaque builtup is the arteries followed by incidents of plaque rupture,causing MI.  It is also mentioned in many posts that many blockages do not necessarily manifest into angina or symptoms of MI prior to plaque rupture.

I was curious if CT angio is safe enough a test for periodically geting an insight into state of blockages. May be once in two yesrs in case of no symptoms.

Or, can the medications, which I (or many other MI patients) take, like asprin, clopidogrel, ACE-I, beta-blockers, statins etc. prevent plaque ruptures from being life threatening. Or can they altogether prevent rupture of plaque?
Thanks again.

[kenkeith]

I had congested heart failure 6 years ago, and at that time I had an angiogram and 1 stent.  Currently, I have 100% blocked LAD and 72% blocked ICx.  I have had 3 echos, 1 stress test, and 1 ct scan.  Not necessary to have another angiogram.

If you have chest pains or other symptoms that are heart related that can't be treated medically, the interventional cardiologist may advise an angiogram subsequent to a stress test that identifies any perfusion abnormalities.