I don't know what to do

[fallow]

I have had Angina since the early 90s.  About 4 years ago I had a mild Heart Attack, hospitalised 4 days, no damage sustained to Heart muscle.  No tests at that time were carried out for cause.

2 years ago I asked to see a Cardiologist, various tests were undertaken, monitors, heart rate, tread mill all the usual test associated with this condition. Then about 18 months ago it was decided to do an Angiogram which showed I have a 90% blockage of the Right Coronary Artery:  It also showed I have a small calibre R C Artery, which I was probably born with.  Angioplasty was going to be performed then, but the Cardiologist decided the risk was too great and it was suggested not to do this unless the benefit outweighed the risk.

I saw the Cardiologist last December and 4 weeks ago when Angioplasty was discussed, and which they now want to carry out.  I was told I am leaving myself open to a Heart Attack. My symptoms have not changed, and I take medication twice daily. What I don't understand is why they want to do it now when they were not prepared to do it 2 years ago, the risk as far as I can see is still the same.

I am unhappy about having it done and I have to admit a little afraid.  I was told 2 years ago when diagnosed that because of the severity of the blockage and the small calibre of the artery, this reduced my odds from 1 in 100 to 1 in 10.  

I would very much appreciate your input on this matter as I am having great difficulty in making a decision whether to have it done or not.  

Thankyou



    

[fallow]

Hi Sonny

Many thanks for your input and all the trouble you went to to find that Website for me: I will certainly log on and see if there is anything there for me.  

I am truly sorry about your Father.  I know what it feels like because I lost both my parents and two of my siblings with that same insidious disease. My young brother went to bed one night and didn't wake up: He was just 35 years of age.  I suppose one could argue that he escaped it.

I know eventually I will have to make a decision one way or another.  Can't help feeling a bit of a coward for being so frightened.

[SonnyC]

Hi, fallow. It's such an unfortunate position for you to be in. I remember the helpful answers given to you previously by flycaster and BrokenPen, yet you have an unusual situation.

I just took a look and found recent guidelines here:
http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/reprint/j.jacc.2008.10.005v1.pdf

The length of that document shows the complexity of the decision, between medical treatment and PCI. Maybe there is something in there that applies to you, though your situation is a special one.

When my father had cancer, I realized that you can never know for sure what to do, but you do have to take a guess. Afterwards, you can't even necessarily know for sure if it was the best decision, though hopefully it will turn out well for you. Best wishes to you.