Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Heart Catheterization Necessary For Ischemic Myocardial Damage?
Question: Both an ultrasound and a follow up nuclear stress test showed the basal and mid inferior wall and basal inferolateral segment are hypo kinetic. All remaining segments are normal. My cardiologist wants to do a heart catheterization next. Is this proper protocol? I have family history and seem to be asymptomatic. Is a cath warranted and what will they be looking for?
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking to HCM!
Yes heart catheterization (coronary angiography) is the proper protocol in your case. Based on the data you provided there is a strong evidence of ischemic myocardial damage (abnormal myocardial segment movement or hypokinesias).
So I recommend running coronary angiography in order to determine the cause of myocardial ischemia. In most of the cases ischemia is due to atherosclerosis plaques which are best seen on angiography. Moreover angiography will also determine the proper way of treating atherosclerotic plaque (coronary stenting or bypass surgery).
Hope this answer all your queries!
Dr. Benard
p.s: If you have more queries about your disease don't hesitate to ask me again.
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking to HCM!
Yes heart catheterization (coronary angiography) is the proper protocol in your case. Based on the data you provided there is a strong evidence of ischemic myocardial damage (abnormal myocardial segment movement or hypokinesias).
So I recommend running coronary angiography in order to determine the cause of myocardial ischemia. In most of the cases ischemia is due to atherosclerosis plaques which are best seen on angiography. Moreover angiography will also determine the proper way of treating atherosclerotic plaque (coronary stenting or bypass surgery).
Hope this answer all your queries!
Dr. Benard
p.s: If you have more queries about your disease don't hesitate to ask me again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Can both my prior tests have been false positives? Is there any non cardiac reasons for my test results? I am apprehensive about having a XXXXXXX due to concerns of something going wrong during the procedure. Thx
Brief Answer:
Rare cases for false results...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
As mentioned earlier, based on medical data you provided, there is a strong evidence for ischemic myocardial damage (abnormal myocardial segment movement/hypokinesis). The most common cause is atherosclerotic plaque.
In rare cases, this might be caused due to coronary spasms. It rarely occurs to have false positive results.
Unfortunately angiography is the golden standard test in these cases (in order to determine the exact cause).
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Rare cases for false results...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
As mentioned earlier, based on medical data you provided, there is a strong evidence for ischemic myocardial damage (abnormal myocardial segment movement/hypokinesis). The most common cause is atherosclerotic plaque.
In rare cases, this might be caused due to coronary spasms. It rarely occurs to have false positive results.
Unfortunately angiography is the golden standard test in these cases (in order to determine the exact cause).
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
