Risks

I am a 23 year old White female with lupus. I was hospitalized for 3 days due to chest pains and shortness of breath. They gave me nytroglycerine and it helped. They are now scheduling a cardiac cath after 2 abnormal stress tests and bloodwork. I would LOVE to know the risks and long term affects of the Cath and the Nytroglycerine.

[curmudgen]

risks of nitro are minimal...benefit of taking it is better blood flow to heart during angina.  As for risks with Cath...you will be given form to sign...range will be little discomfort to damage to blood vessels or heart...basically though usually a well tolerated procedure and the long term benefits outweigh not doing it... all of this should have been discussed with you by doctors?see this web site.. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cath/cath_risk.html

[ed34]

Yes good reply. I would just like to add that unnecessary risks are not taken. For example, if the blockage is large and in a tricky location, it is likely they will down tools and recommend you have bypass surgery. Most of the time though, the blockages are easily treatable and you will feel much better when the culprit blockage is opened up.
You are obviously awake during the procedure and if you feel very nervous, ask for some extra meds :)  these are great at relaxing you.