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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Abnormal Stress Test

abnormal stress test --new doctor wants angiogram right away. Should we do non-invasive tests first?
No symptoms now; stress test 2 years ago was normal. Should we question going straight for angiogram which has more risks--shouldn't we try a less invasive test like MRI or CT scan first?
Fri, 18 Dec 2009
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An angiogram gives the clearest picture of your heart's arteries. Doctors don't recommend them lightly. Consider yourself lucky. My doctors waited too long for an angiogram, and I need a triple bypass the next DAY. I had been having odd problems for 4 years. Two of three "widow-maker" arteries were 99% blocked. They were afraid I would not make it to the next afternoon. Complications are about 1 in 1200. Fatal heart attacks occur about 50% of the time. Which odds do you like better, 50/50 for life or death risking a heart attack, or 1199/1200 for life with a successful angiogram ?
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Abnormal Stress Test

An angiogram gives the clearest picture of your heart s arteries. Doctors don t recommend them lightly. Consider yourself lucky. My doctors waited too long for an angiogram, and I need a triple bypass the next DAY. I had been having odd problems for 4 years. Two of three widow-maker arteries were 99% blocked. They were afraid I would not make it to the next afternoon. Complications are about 1 in 1200. Fatal heart attacks occur about 50% of the time. Which odds do you like better, 50/50 for life or death risking a heart attack, or 1199/1200 for life with a successful angiogram ?