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Is There Any Non-invasive Testing For Vascular Disease?
Question: I had a quadruple CABG two weeks ago. I am thin, active, and did not have any symptoms of my angina. I do have a strong familial history of heart disease on both sides though. Is there any non invasive exam I can take in the future to monitor my vascular cardiac health. Would coronary calcium score work to check the condition of graft? Thank You
I'd like to minimize radiation exposure as much as possible. Would hs CRP be a good indicator of any plaque build up and/or progressing CAD.
I'd like to minimize radiation exposure as much as possible. Would hs CRP be a good indicator of any plaque build up and/or progressing CAD.
Brief Answer:
Treadmill stress test would be the best choice
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I am Dr. Mody and I would be addressing your concern.
Yes considering you are young and had no previous heart attack ( suggestive of normal heart function ) , your doctor is right . We do expect complete recovery in such cases .
Now CT calcium scoring is not the best test _ Reason , Calcium is because of degeneration in the graft vessels which is a chronic process. So calcium will be present in the graft after 8 to 10 years , hence for the 1st 10 years after bypass it is not a good test . However if there are any symptoms like breathlessness or chest pain , CT angio can be done as to find the cause .
Hscrp is too non specific test to know the graft status and there are no studies to proves it's role in post bypass follow up .
The best non invasive test after 3 -6 months depending on the recovery is treadmill stress test. If you have a baseline, comparison with previous us very good for follow up.
Similarly if you want a more specific test, stress thallium is an alternative though not required every time .
Hopefully I could resolve your query .
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
Treadmill stress test would be the best choice
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I am Dr. Mody and I would be addressing your concern.
Yes considering you are young and had no previous heart attack ( suggestive of normal heart function ) , your doctor is right . We do expect complete recovery in such cases .
Now CT calcium scoring is not the best test _ Reason , Calcium is because of degeneration in the graft vessels which is a chronic process. So calcium will be present in the graft after 8 to 10 years , hence for the 1st 10 years after bypass it is not a good test . However if there are any symptoms like breathlessness or chest pain , CT angio can be done as to find the cause .
Hscrp is too non specific test to know the graft status and there are no studies to proves it's role in post bypass follow up .
The best non invasive test after 3 -6 months depending on the recovery is treadmill stress test. If you have a baseline, comparison with previous us very good for follow up.
Similarly if you want a more specific test, stress thallium is an alternative though not required every time .
Hopefully I could resolve your query .
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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