I'm sorry your Mom is having these problems. I'm not a health professional, but chest pain and shortness of breath certainly are red flags for blockages.
Normally, insurance companies don't want to pay for stents when the blockages are less than 70%. I'd request for an operative report from the Angiogram and read what was reported. The fact that they wanted to do a stent but didn't do it on the spot surpises me, as it isn't much more invasive than the angiogram. As for being invasive, I suppose it is, but I've had so many of them and so many stents I find a root canal more intrusive. Stents have helped me a great deal. Treating blockages with medication is necessary, but I believe medications are more intrusive in one's life than a stent. There are very good arguements both ways on this issue, stents vs. medication.
To repeat, I'd look at the operative report during the first stent and see what was reported. If you have trouble understanding it, print it here, someone will be able to transcribe/translate the information to you. Stay in touch.
Hello there,
Thanks for your prompt response. I will check out the operative report fo the angio. Just one question. Does one still continue with medication ( blood thinners, statins, etc) in the event the required stents are put in place.
I wish you good health and all the best. We'll be in touch.
If stents are placed, I believe all cardiologists will continue Plavix for at least three months and sometimes for life, depending upon the type of stent that is installed. Coated stents usually require Plavix for at least a year. 81mg aspirin is usually prescribed for life as well. I've been taking a statin for at least ten years and suspect I will for the rest of my life. I detest the bruising effect on my skin that Plavix and Aspirin cause, but it's far better to get bruises than clots.