CT coronary angiography

Had a heart attack 6 years ago. Had angioplasty and 3 stents. Exercised regular, ate well etc. Wife has midlife crisis and I fell off my routine bad. Got very depressed and stressed, started smoking and drinking alot. Started to feel bad, went to Dr. said it was stress. Went to a cardiologist and had a nuclear stress test. Might be something there, they can't be sure. They want me to have a angiogram wich is not that bad but the wait is over 4 months up here in BC. I can go to a private clinic and pay for a CT coronary angiogram. Does anyone have any feedback on the CT. Stress of waiting that long is going to kill me.

Hi buster, I wanted to welcome you to healing well forum we are most happy to have you join us here.  I am sorry your going through this I know it is most stressful.  I am sure someone will be along shortly to respond to your post.  Please do feel free to post as often as you like we are always here.  Take care

 Hi there, Canada aye,,just a little teasing  sorry.  how much will the test cost> i just had one done and the dr. said it would show any blockages of over 50%  i hope that is right, but i have to confess, i really don't feel safe with anything but the angioram. they won't do those just for the heck of it here in the usa, i would suggest you stay on all your meds.  you are on some right, how about the aspirin, what else?

I had a the 64 slice coronary ct angiogram.  It discovered that I had 100% blockage in my RCA.  It also showed that my other arteries were fine - and that collaterals had taken over for my blockage.  My cardio told me that the ct angiogram can detect soft plaque (an angiogram can't).  Soft plaque is also called vunerable plaque - and that is what can break off and cause heart attacks.  I think the test is very reliable -and my cardio thinks so too.  I, did, however have to pay for it myself, because my insurance company wouldn't cover it - it was $1,200.00.  I'm not sure if you can have one if you have metal stents, however - but I might be wrong.

 tomah, was the 64 slice 1200 dollars, that is real cheap if so. Buster, what did you decide. i think i would worry myself too, if it is affordable do it, other wise, who knows what is going on. please let us know

 

Yes, the 64 slice ct coronary angiogram was $1,200.00  Then you have the fee for the cardiologist to read it, which was $275.00.  Didn't seem cheap to me LOL!!!

 thanks for that info, in a year or so i might spring for one.  once you have stents they do not like to do the 64 slice for some reason.  my blockages were about 80% so fortunately for me i so far have not needed a bypass. just saying that scares me silly, you are very brave,.

 tomah one other thing, if you just had you scans, it takes a while for the plaque to build back up, are you taking fish oil capsules, eating almonds and walnuts? that good fat will keep your arteries supple. i would like to say that stress and anxiety can cause lots of pain and symptoms, it took me a year to realize it, but i finally got on some meds and i feel soo much more at peace. i still keep my nitro close at hand, but i do beleive if you are an 'a' type you need to learn to relax.do you still work?

  sorry  i meant buster!!!!