Hi,I am Dr. Prabhakar Koregol (Cardiologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Hi! I had an angiogram last week and they found a 60% blockage along with a tear on the inside of the main artery of my heart. They called it borderline and decided not to do an angioplasty. When I asked them about it after, they said it would get worse and the only way I will know is when symptoms get worse. I already have shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain when I go upstairs or lie down. I don t understand why they just didn t stent it if it was borderline. I also have Fibromyalgia/CFS , severe OA and Sjogren s syndrome. I am on lots of meds including Crestor and aspirin. The problem is now that I am stressed out over this knowing I have a ticking time bomb in my chest. I have not been sleeping well. I don t know how to forget about what is going on when I also have so much more to worry about.
Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern you are right. Sometimes it is difficult to decide the right way when the coronary stenosis is borderline (around 70 - 75% which is the cut off for angioplasty and stent implantation). Several times a stenosis of less than 75% may cause serious damages. The best way to decide about clinical significance of a stenotic lesion is to perform its functional testing, that is fractional flow reserve (is measured in the cath lab). As FFR is not frequently available in routine clinical practice, the only measures to be followed is to be aware of clinical symptoms and always to consult immediately the cardiologist for a physical review, ECG and if necessary lab cardiac enzymes. Hope to have been helpful. Greetings form Dr. iliri.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
In What Circumstance Angioplasty Is Avoided?
Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern you are right. Sometimes it is difficult to decide the right way when the coronary stenosis is borderline (around 70 - 75% which is the cut off for angioplasty and stent implantation). Several times a stenosis of less than 75% may cause serious damages. The best way to decide about clinical significance of a stenotic lesion is to perform its functional testing, that is fractional flow reserve (is measured in the cath lab). As FFR is not frequently available in routine clinical practice, the only measures to be followed is to be aware of clinical symptoms and always to consult immediately the cardiologist for a physical review, ECG and if necessary lab cardiac enzymes. Hope to have been helpful. Greetings form Dr. iliri.