I have a history of high cholesterol and am currently on a cholesterol reducing medication as well as a medication to reduce blood pressure. I was offered several options as the next step and opted for a CT angiogram. Given my other results, should I have gone directly to the more conventional angiogram in spite of the slightly greater risk? If there is a good chance that I will need an angiogram anyway, am I not putting myself at risk by going through another step?
I was in the hospital recently due to vertigo issues. They ran a CT angiogram with contrast. The only thing listed on the radiology report was “minimal calcified plaque in the internal carotid arteries, no significant stenosis”. Does this mean I have heart disease. Also I read that if I have any plaque in my carotids then I most definitely have it in my coronary arteries and it is probably worse. Is this true?
Thank you for the post "brokenpen". My cardiologist has told me that bruits come from the mitral valve ... he never mentioned aortic valve. My thyroid is fine. Also I had a doppler of the carotids and they were clear. I've never had the bruit until recently so it's something of new original and the doctors can't figure it out. I'm so confused. He might be sending me for a CTA (CT of head neck / angiogram) to look further. Have you ever heard of this?
I was in the hospital recently due to vertigo issues. They ran a CT angiogram with contrast. The only thing listed on the radiology report was “minimal calcified plaque in the internal carotid arteries, no significant stenosis”. Does this mean I have heart disease. Also I read that if I have any plaque in my carotids then I most definitely have it in my coronary arteries and it is probably worse. Is this true?
I will soon be back on the table having stents placed in both of my carotids. I am telling you that the benefits far out weigh the down side of all of my medical problems. I will not turn 60 until late fall, but already my heart has 6 stents, my iliac atery has 1 and soon the carotids will have a few. My father's side of the family never made it to a "60th", so I am grateful for the medical advances in this field. Just my opinion.
t like the stent length or the increase risk of fracture due to their interlock, both of which increase risk of complications. My carotids were 20% blocked at the time as well.
So far no issues, except compromised heart function (systolic and diastolic dysfunction and LV wall stiffness) due to MI which I had 16 months ago as well. Not sure where that is going as I now also have pulmonary hypertension.
I have been exercising and eating well, and keeping LDL < 70.
Now, a different cardiologist has him scheduled for an angiogram next week, with the possiblity of inserting a stent on the lift side. When we mentioned the first doctor's concern, the current doctor said there was no cause for concern because "there are actually four carotids and two can do the job". At this point, we are very confused. One recommended doing nothing two years ago, and the second acts as if it's no big deal.
I started having heart palpitations/rapid rate about 5 months ago. My regular Dr had me wear a Holter monitor on May 10-11 and then referred me to a heart specialist. I have very low cholesterol/triglicerides, am a dailly walker and work out with weights 2-3 times a week. I am 5'4" and weigh 120. I had an echo cardiogram and it was good, but I took an echo stress test and they took me off the treadmill after 3 minutes because my heart rate was at 200.
Hi, I had a ct angiogram Dec 21 and my calcium score is 694. My cholesterol is 242. My doctor put me on crestor 10 mg per day. I just got the hard copy report today and my dr. is away for the holidays.... what does that score mean? I have chest pain frequently but they thought it was all in my head....
Since your son gets headaches after running, it is important to rule out clots in his carotids or jugular vein. An angiogram of the neck blood vessels and a duplex ultrasound is done to rule this out.
Other than this it can be a normal anatomical variation. However, a child should not get headaches on running—this does indicate a compromised blood flow to brain.
Please consult your child's pediatrician for primary examination followed by proper referral.
Take care!
The CT scan indicates there is substanital soft plaque buildup within the linings of the vessels. A couple of years ago, my total CT score was/is over 1000 and that is supposed to indicate a high probability for a heart event within a year....waiting for the other shoe to drop!...no problems, feel fine.
A CT angiogram is more sensitive than a straight forward angiogram. They both rely on a radioactive substance being injected into your blood stream and it's this which the scanners pick up. If a CT angiogram doesn't reveal a vessel, then no way will an angiogram.
I had a vein that was closed after a bypass procedure and they looked for 30 minutes in a standard angiogram procedure to try and find it.
Also, you refer to process in discussion is a CT scan. It is a CT angiogram and involves the anatomy of vessels (cross section) and is as good as a cath angiogram and a CT scan (256 slice is 3D) is much more inclusive and can include respiratory system, the heart, aorta (ascending, arch, and descending), etc.
How did this happen? We now have to get a CT angiogram of the carotid and other heart tests. He is on plavix, no statins. He quit smoking after the stroke. He is upset they won't clear him to take out the gall bladder yet. What are the risks of surgery with his current carotid function (40-45% on the right side) too? Is there an up side to his having some returning blood flow to the left side or do we need to worry more about another stroke??
The new test that usually gives the answer is very easy to do and is called a macular OCT if that is indeterminate than a retinal fluoriscene angiogram (of the eye not brain and carotids) is usally done at the same time. I don't know where you live but retina ophthalmologists would not let your mom walk out the door without one or both tests being done. See if you get her to a retina MD tomorrow. ERs are not equipped to do this testing.
Can you have a CT done every month? Of course not. A CT--even with the very slight risk of cancer--is safer than an angiogram. Angiograms are very safe, but not without risk.
The CT is noninvasive, and it would give you either information that you are developing heart disease, or it would give you piece of mind that you are not. Either answer would be useful to you.
I had a nuclear stress test that may have showed an issue in my right coronary artery. I have no angina and excellent exercise ability. My cardio suggested to get an angiogram to see if it really blocked or just a false positive. I'm scared of the angiogram. Isn't the new 64 slice CT scan just as good to detect blockages as the invasive angiogram?
t complained about being short of breath in the past. He only sleeps a couple of hours per night but takes a power nap when he comes home from work. The latest problem occurred late Friday night early Saturday. He complained of left side/back pain. We went to the hospital ER where they initially diagnosed kidney stones. They took x-rays, CT scan and blood work. About 3 hours later they said he suffered a slight heart attack.
the conclution was gold standard angiogram or the new 64 slice ct scan. im thinking of going for the 64 slice ct scan but in the past i remember my old cardiologist didnt like to order this test and said its not gold standard. ill be paying for this out of pocket and its more affordable than conventional angiogram.
s father had had a CT angiogram and now the doctor wanted to do a cath angiogram. I meant to say and said the cath angiogram was unnecessary unless it was agreed and understood that there would in all probablity be angioplasty (stent, balloon) with a cath angiogram. there is a higher than expected probability there would be a stent implanted with a cath angiogram ...there are statistics available).
I saw a new cardiologist at a different hospital and he thinks I should have a CT Angiogram.. A CT Angiogram is a none invasive procedure, it takes 3d pictures of the heart using a ct scane 64 slice method. The scane can pic up blocked blood flow and narrow blood vessels.. But I would like to know witch one of the two is more reliable test.. Considering I had a negative nuclear stress test.. Will the ct angiogram be a more persised test at pinpointing and finding a possible problem..
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