Heart Cath

I have had 2 ht caths which showed clear coronary artery.  This time (severe pain between shoulder blades & hugging feeling) the stress test showed ischemic activity verified by nuclear films.  The cath showed blkage of about 60%, but angioplasty & stent was not done (arrythmias hit & cardiologist thought it wasn't bad enough to go through with).  Placed on meds to lower HR & BP, helped w/both but pain in back & chest still occur during even walking any distance.  Cardiologist called this evening and said we would try Prilosec (tried various others, but saw no difference).  In short, if I show no difference by next week, he's going to go back in and do the angioplasty & stent.  He said numerous things can cause "hugging" pressure, so we're trying to rule out gastro as one.  By the feeling of the pain between shoulder blades, I'd say it's definitely not gastro.  Has anyone had this feeling?  I know women show this sign for heart problems, but has anyone had it that wasn't heart related?  Thanks for input.

I still have alot pain the shoulder blade.  My heart attack (had more then one) is more jaw, neck and left shoulder pain then the pressing pain type.  I have to use more Previcid since my heart attack.   Since I had the hiatnial hernia before, it gets tricky. Still tell myself that I am not having a heart attack and use a heating pad to ease the pain shoulder blade pain.  Whatever eases the symtoms.  I am trying to figure out the hugging part.  Not much help, but good luck.

Dear AnnieInOz: Great to hear from you. I had another heart cath on 12-13-06. Did angioplasty & stent. Feel great w/no more pain and chest tightness. Too bad they can't do it for my neuro problems! I can get around w/o any shortness of breath, tightness, pain, etc. Life is SO MUCH BETTER!

Hope you are doing better & have a nice holiday season!