cardiac catherization

[Pattina]

I am not sure to have the catherization, becouse I have two opinion , one cardiology want me to wait and have some pills meantime, and the other want to make the cardiac catherization.According to my nuclear stress test show I have ejection fraction 36%, small zone of ischemia in the anteroseptal segment, and in the inferobasal segment. Thanks for your answer


This discussion is related to Ugly bruise after heart cath--normal?.

[ed34]

I've lost count how many cath's I've had now, I know it's more than 8. I would go for the procedure because they can just keep filling you with medications not realising the real extent of any internal problems with the arteries. Once the images are gained, then Doctors can make a professional opinion about the best option for you. I agree totally with flycaster on this one.

[Pattina]

Thanks a lot, for giving me your opinion, I read so much about the risk of this procedure, I had the stress test becouse my phisical shows abnormal EKG, and the medical doctor sent me to a cardiologist.

[Flycaster305]

A heart Cath is generally quite routine, and is the gold standard to determine the condition of your heart arteries.  I'm your age, and in the last twelve years I've had ten heart caths, and they have been vital in determining what was best for my cardiac health.  If you have the insurance/can afford it, I'd suggest you have a heart cath.  Drug therapy to me is much more invasive than actually observing the condition of the arteries.  

You didn't tell us why you had the stress test, I assume you are tired, or breathless, or have angina.  

My EF is now normal, mine was lower than yours, and good drugs, exercise, and most importantly, heart caths have really helped me.  I'd procede with confidence to have the cath.

[Pattina]

But I forgot to tell I am 74 years old,I had hypothyroidism.My mother used to suffer heart failure, but beside that, I was always a healty woman, but a year ago I lost my husband and mother (she  died at 98 years old, pneumonia). I was very stressful. I will appreciate any answer. Thanks

[vienna13]

I would wait that’s for sure!