Worried that I might need to have an angiogram - can anyone reassure me ?

[Winetimeisfinetime]

I have been seeing a gasteroenteroligist about some bowel problems and mentioned to him, in passing that I am getting quite breathless on exertion { but also when resting }as I thought it might be something to do with indigestion. He did an ecg, took some bloods and ordered an ecg on a treadmill. I went back for the results yesterday to be told that I have high cholesterol and he thinks that, from the treadmill results, I probably have narrowing of an artery so the breathlessness is angina and that in his opinion I'm going to need an angiogram. He is referring me on to a cardiologist for his opinion.

I am really worried about this - the thought of an angiogram terrifies me but I am also worried that something could happen whilst I am waiting to see the cardiologist. I don't think that there's much I can even do, in the meantime, about the high cholesterol as I hardly eat any saturated fats anyway as I have never eaten dairy in my life and am vegetarian. I think it must be mainly genetic as my family has a history of high cholesterol.

Can anyone offer any reassurance as I am feeling very panicy about all this - I was worried enough about the bowel problems I have but this heart stuff has just totally freaked me out.

Hi - an angiogram is a very routine procedure - but you may find when you speak to the cardiologist that they offer other tests instead - there is a test called a MIBI which can be done as well - the British Heart Foundation have a great website with lots of useful information about heart conditions and the different tests - check it out.

Has your GP put you on a statin for your cholesterol?

Well you saw a very good gastroenterologist for him to give you an ECG and get you referred for a treadmill test!

It's very positive that you have had all of these tests and that they've picked up on what the problem is - because now that they know what the problem is, the doctors can do something about it!

Try not to worry. It's bad luck that you have high cholesterol, as it does run in families, but it's good that you know about it and you may be presrcibed drugs to control it.

You may or may not need an angiogram - wait until you see the cardiologist.

In the mean time, maybe go and have a chat with your GP about what you can do to help your condition? Maybe ask for a referral to a cardiac nurse who can give you advice on your lifestyle?

Thanks sundew - I will check out the BHF website. No I haven't been given statins as yet - I assume the cardiologist will deal with that. I have been told to take a daily dose of aspirin though.

Thanks belgo - you're right that it's better to find out there's a problem in time for it to be sorted, but I'm a real worrier about health issues - I can take most other things in my stride but this is very hard for me not to worry about. I'm particularly worried that something could happen whilst I'm at home on my own with my ds. He is a very good gasteroenterologist and I have a lot of faith in him so I feel fairly certain he is going to be proved right.