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
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.
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.