Question 1

I had an angiography a couple of months ago, and it showed there's about a 60-70% blockage in a main artery. I've been on oral medication for it, but I'm curiousare there other ways to check how much blockage is still there or if there's been any improvement since I started the meds? Would love to get some advice.

Accepted Answer

Angiography is a common procedure used to diagnose blockages in arteries. To check the current level of blockage and monitor improvements during treatment, a follow-up angiography can be performed. This will allow the doctors to visually assess the blockage and determine if there have been any improvements with the oral medications. One commonly used oral medication for treating blockages in arteries is Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) at a dosage of 10-80 mg per day, depending on the severity of the condition. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Question 2

I'm experiencing this odd pressure on my chest, specifically on the left side where I've drawn a white line in the photo I sent. It's not quite pain, but more like an uncomfortable pressure. It tends to be noticeable when I lie down, which is pretty uncomfortable, but the pressure seems to go away when I'm up and walking around. There's no pain when I breathe or do exercises, which is confusing me. A few days ago, I was dealing with chest pain but it seems to have lessened. There's this constant pressure, though, especially when I'm lying down. Also, I had sinus tachycardia with a heart rate of 115 BPM during my first echocardiogram. The second one, however, was 77 BPM, and my blood pressure was 13383 mg. I'm wondering if all this is connected and if I should be worried about it?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing musculoskeletal chest pain, possibly related to inflammation or strain in the chest wall muscles. The fact that the discomfort increases when lying down and improves with movement suggests a musculoskeletal origin. To help relieve the pressure and discomfort in your chest, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Additionally, applying a warm compress to the area may also help relax the muscles and alleviate the pressure sensation. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

Should I consider getting a CT angiogram even though my ECG, ECHO, TMT, and chest X-ray have all come back normal? I'm experiencing some chest tightness and occasional shortness of breath, though its just for a moment. My cholesterol levels are a bit high, with LDL at 154 and HDL at 36. I weigh 108 kg, and my blood pressure is at 13075. My dad had bypass surgery back in 2018, so I'm wondering if having a CT angiogram is something I should look into given my symptoms and family history.

Accepted Answer

Considering your symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, high LDL cholesterol levels, and family history of bypass surgery in your father, it may be prudent to further investigate the possibility of coronary artery disease. A CT ANGIOGRAM can provide detailed imaging of the blood vessels in your heart and help assess for any blockages or narrowing that may not be detected by the tests you have already undergone. In your case, a CT ANGIOGRAM may be recommended to rule out any significant coronary artery disease.

I'm experiencing moments when my pulse rate shoots up to 200 or more, and it lasts for about 4 to 5 hours. Can you help me understand why this is happening?

More Cardiology Health Queries

Health Articles for you

10 Common Causes of Stroke

Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on Heart Health

Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

All About High Cholesterol: Understanding, Managing, And Preventing This Common Health Issue

Healthy Heart Water Substitutes