Yearly Thallium Stress Tests following Angioplasty

[Cody]

Dear Physicians at CCHC,
Approximately 3 1/2 years ago I had an angioplasty performed on my LAD due to a 95% blockage.  Since then I have had about 4 thallium stress tests each a year apart.  All four thallium stress tests show normal and similar results.  My present daily medications consist of pravachol(10mg), atenolol(50mg), vasotec(20mg), imdur(30mg), hydrodiuril(25mg) and aspirin(325mg).  The medications and daily exercise(a slow 30 minute jog) help maintain my cholesterol levels(total:168, ldl:78, hdl:58), blood pressue(115/70), heart rate(50) and homocysteine level(10).  Is having yearly thallium stress tests adequate to monitor the progression of the lesion that was cleared by the angioplasty?  That is, since a thallium stress test usually will indicate a blockage of 70% or greater will comparing serial thalliums be an excellant indicator?  
Thanks - Cody

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Cody,
Yearly thallium testing is routinely used to follow people who have had angioplasty.  You are correct that a thallium will only show significant blockages.  However, your doctor is unlikely to do another intervention on blockages that are not significant so this is not an issue.  The most important indicator is symptoms so you should notify your doctor if you develop any chest pain or other symptoms.

[Juliebean]

I was wondering if someone could give me some hints on the best way to post a question on the forum. I have been trying five weeks now. Sometimes it even says that it cannot take anymore questions for the day, and then I come back later and someone has been able to ask a question. Am I doing something wrong? I have tried before when no questions have been asked yet for that day as well.

[mysticgal207]

Try around 8am in the morning.. I got on then... nearly fell out of the chair, I was so surprised...  Had been trying for WEEKS !  Of course probably just got lucky THEN.

[Juliebean]

Thanks, I will try that. There must be a lot of people on here.

[BraveHeart]

Hi, I am a 51yr. old W M, I have had 3 cardiac by pass surgeries
the 1st when I was 33, another in 1989 and another in 1996. In
December of 1997 I had rotational ablation w/stent placement. I
am looking for a good (on line) support group. I am new to this
internet thing, and any help would be appriciated.

[mia]

Sounds like you started young. I'm 43 and have just found out my sister has a blockage, though she has no pain or symptoms and it was discovered almost by accident. My father has had two bypass surgeries and one on the artery in his neck. I'm scared now of course. Theres been nothing on my moms side . What are the genetics in your family? You really are a brave heart.

[BraveHeart]

Thanks for your responce, I didn't think any one would. My father
died in 1958 at the age of 41, from his 2nd or 3rd heart attack.
My mother is 81 now but had by pass surgery about 10 years ago.
She has had high BP for several yrs before her by pass. I have an
older sister with BP problems and a younger brother that except
for being a "tad" overweight is very healthy. Sis is 59 and bro
is 43. Perhaps you should get checked out. Some simple things to
do are, just talk with your DR, Blood test for LDL & HDL. I pray
all will be okay for you. Thanks and may GOD bless you.