nitroglycern injected prior to angioplasty

[cartoot]

During my heart cath a 90% blockage was found in my LAD, before angioplast my Dr. injected nitroglycern into the catheter and the blockage was reduced to 45%. Is this common? What does the
nitroglycern do to the blockage?
Thank you,
cartoot

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Cartoot,

Thanks for the post.

Yes, many blockages serve as sites for spasm.  So a fixed obstruction of 50% can become 90% when the artery develops spasm in that area.  Nitroglycerin often relieves spasm, but not the fixed blockages, thus after getting the nitroglycerin your obstruction went from 90% to 45%.

Hope that helps.

[MacyMaid]

Did the doctor insert a stent for the blockage?  Just curious as I seem to have spasms also and have always wondered what they do for spasms.  My spasms are caused by emotions.  Every time I think of a rude doctor I saw 3 years ago, I get chest pains that do respond to nitro but cardiolite test was good meaning that perhaps cardiolite only shows blockages greater than 50%.  FWilson, your comments are appreciated.  This makes sense to me.

[cartoot]

No, he injected the nitro & when he saw the results he decided not to do anything. I am scheduled for a thalium stress test next week.

[nitro man]

Does anyone know what causes spasms in a heart artery?

[janne]

Sorry, I cannot tell you what causes a spasm, but I have also been told that I may have that. I am 39 yr old female, no history of heart trouble, high blood pressure or high cholesterol (also no family history). I had heart attack about a month ago, 90% blockage discovered in LAD.  I had angioplasty and a stent put in. The first week I was okay, but shortly after, felt discomfort (choking, squeezing, feeling in throat and chest that was similar to heart attack , but to a lessor degree).  IV nitro got rid of the feeling and ECG normal when on IV so doctors said I was fine.  I was sent home on nitro patch but am still having discomfort off and on (only 2 or 3 out of 10 on pain scale, so no big deal).  My gp thinks it may be spasm of artery or stent blocking up, but cardiologist sent me home from hospital insisting stent blockage is never gradual (like I have experienced), so I'm okay, according to him(he made me feel it was in my head). I would be interested in what you learn as I know I will never go back to hospital unless I have the crushing chest pain again. Best of luck to you.