Is a second heart catherization within two months safe?

[jace102]

On February 25, 2011 I underwent a heart catherization and had a stent placed in the LAD artery.  I did have a complication form the procedure, a DVT and am now on Coumadin. My orginating symptoms, chest, left jaw and arm pain did not go away. My cardiologist ordered a nuclear stress test on March 15, 2011 and conveyed everything looked fine. I have been sick since the intial cath and am very worried that something was missed or there is a problem with the stent (bare metal stent) not certain why they did not insert a medically induced. This Thursday, I am scheduled to have a second cath, this time a radial procedure--through the arm as I had complications with the last. I believe my cardiologist is simply doing this procedure to prove to me that my ongoing symptoms are not cardiac related. I am scared but feel I have no other options. Just for the record and at the urging of my family I did see a second cardiologist to review all of my records initial cath report. The cardiologist said to me that he would not have inserted a stent as the blockage did not meet the criteria (in his opinion).  Unfortunately, too late for me  I am 47 and have never been sick.  I now have to worry about this stent, DVT complication, and now the anxiety of having a second cath. I don't know if I am doing the right thing but am concerned that my aggravating and persistent symptoms are cardiac related although I am being told is is likely not.  Can anyone shed an guidance, advice or generla comments.  I do not know where to turn and am cocerned about my mortaility. You can also e-mail me directly at : ***@****.  Thank you.

[ChatterAlly]

If it is just the time in between tests that worries you, I have had 2 caths in the same month.  I never really experienced any angina until after I had the stents put in my RCA.  I went to the ER because I was short of breath and had other symptoms, but not really angina. The ECHO report showed some reasons for concerns and so I had the cath that revealed the 95% block. As soon as the stent was placed and while still on the table I experienced the most awful chest pain that radiated into my face and down both arms.  That is when the episodes of angina started.  I have now been diagnosed with coronary artery spasms, and in my opinion it is being caused by the stents. But that's all it is. My opinion!  Take care and take solice in knowing that many of us have gone through this.  I would opt for the cath just for a look see.  Ally

[Flycaster305]

There are a number of possibilities than come to my mind.  Certainly it's possible that the stent occuded again.  Are you taking 81mg aspirin and Plavix, those blood thinners are commonly prescribed after a stenting procedure.  It's also possible that an artery was nicked during the procedure, causing a new clot to form. In that case, another stent would be inserted.
Sometimes in a very small artery, coated stents don't fit, I've been told.  Keep in mind I'm not a health professional.  I have a mix of coat and uncoated stents.
I just went through a procedure to open an occluded artery, but the attempt was unsuccessful.  The doctor had to work through seven other stents in a very twisted artery to get to the blockage.  The procedure lasted 3.5 hours, and I'm told I've reached the end of my nuclear endurance, so to speak, factoring in all the other procedures, so I've had the last angiogram I'll have.  I'm betting you are good to go with another procedure.
One has to be confident in one's Cardiologist who is doing the procedure or the stress level is going to be very high.  If you lack confidence, I'd talk to your Cardiologist about your concern, ask for more information, and perhaps have someone you trust more do the procedure.  The first question I would ask is why was a stent implanted, and what the degree of blockage?  Usually an artery is blocked at least 70% before a stent is implanted.  
I agree with Ed.  You are still symptomatic, so you undoubtedly have something going on, and I'd have the procedure, but not until you were confident with the provider and reason for the procedure.
I've been there, done that.  I lacked confidence with my first Cardiologist, and went with another.  It was the best move I ever made.  Let us know what you decide to do.  

[ed34]

Even with my LAD being totally occluded and only being fed by the smallest number of collaterals, my Nuclear scans always seemed to look great. This test never reinforced my symptoms and the angiogram results. It is possible that your stent has formed scar tissue, so due to your symptoms, I think you are taking the right measures. I had an angiogram and a CT scan in the same week, and was told that I would have to wait a few months before having any more radiation.