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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Relevance Of Heart Attack Readings Of 62 And 17?

My mother is being advised about two different options as her drug therapy is not working after a recent heart attack. The first is a stent and the other is an EPG. We don't know what the EPG entails or why it is offered. She has a Pacemaker installed and has suffered from Angina and has had several heart attacks to date. She is 85 years old and suffered her first heart attack in 1989. A heart attack a couple of weeks ago had a reading of 62 and an attack a few days ago has a reading of 17. I don't understand the relevence of this number scale.



Please advise.



Thanking you in anticipation.



Kind regards,

M.J.Guy
Wed, 25 May 2016
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Cardiologist 's  Response
There are a couple of issues to address. The first is heart attack. Many people use this term for a variety of illnesses affecting the heart. Some of what you have reported suggests that is the case here. One type of heart attack is that due to a narrowing of an artery that feeds the heart. This is treated with a stent. A stent is usually needed when the heart is a source of discomfort that will not allow normal daily activities.

Another problem that is frequently referred to as a heart attack is a change in heart rhythm. Such changes are usually of two types, too slow or too fast. If the problem is too slow, a pacemaker is needed. If the problem is too fast, usually medication but sometimes special studies called EP studies are needed. This may be the source of the unusual numbers.

There is not enough information to guide you further but hopefully this will help in discussions with the treating doctor.

Is it an artery or heart rhythm problem?
If it is rhythm, is it too fast or too slow?

Good Luck
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What Is The Relevance Of Heart Attack Readings Of 62 And 17?

There are a couple of issues to address. The first is heart attack. Many people use this term for a variety of illnesses affecting the heart. Some of what you have reported suggests that is the case here. One type of heart attack is that due to a narrowing of an artery that feeds the heart. This is treated with a stent. A stent is usually needed when the heart is a source of discomfort that will not allow normal daily activities. Another problem that is frequently referred to as a heart attack is a change in heart rhythm. Such changes are usually of two types, too slow or too fast. If the problem is too slow, a pacemaker is needed. If the problem is too fast, usually medication but sometimes special studies called EP studies are needed. This may be the source of the unusual numbers. There is not enough information to guide you further but hopefully this will help in discussions with the treating doctor. Is it an artery or heart rhythm problem? If it is rhythm, is it too fast or too slow? Good Luck