Not Feeling Well After Stenting

Current Postings (147):

• SS in Connecticut -- Thanks for the additional info. An echocardiogram would be the first test if your cardiologist is concerned the fatigue is heart-related -- and yours was okay, ruling out a valve problem, along with some other concerns. There are more invasive tests, but they are probably not indicated, given your symptoms are of fatigue, not angina. But maybe other readers out there have some insight into extreme fatigue 5 months after stenting.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 18, 2010

• Additional info to my post (SS in CT). Yes, I had a bare metal stent placed in my circumflex artery in March of 2010. Dr. took me off plavix at 2.5 months due to bruising. What type of tests would be done to test functioning of stent? I've had echocardiogram (couple of months ago), EKGs, etc. With respect to the Lyme testing- no, I don't recall being bitten by tick, no rash. I think it is due to my main symptom of fatigue that they are checking.
SS, Connecticut, USA, August 18, 2010

• 50 year old male. Had double by-pass at age 42 (not due to heart attack). No problems until recently. July 1, 2010 - started having pain in upper abdomen with shortness of breath, light headed, slight numbness in left arm. Went to ER. First diagnosed with bad gall bladder, but this did not explain shortness of breath. Had to rule out possible heart problem with past history. Did cath and found a blockage that had clotted. Received a stent. Immediately felt better. All symptoms gone. Symptoms came back one month later. Primarily upper abdomen pain and shortness of breath. Had another cath to make sure stent looked OK. Checked out fine. Nuclear stress test also checked out fine. Doc took me off Simvastatin for awhile to see what happens. Feeling a little better - less Ab pain, but still short on breath. Doc thinks it may be gall bladder. After reading everyone else's input, it looks like it may just take time to adjust to stent or reaction to Plavix. Any words of advice. Meds - 325 mg aspirin, 27.5mg Avapro, 75 mg Plavix, 25 mg Toprol, 40 mg Protonix, was on Simcor (1000mg/20mg)+additional 40 mg Simvastatin. Went from 10 mg Simvastatin to 60 mg Simvastatin! Thanks.
Karl H, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA, August 16, 2010

• SS in Connecticut -- you didn't mention if you had gotten a stent and, if so, what kind. Has the cardiologist done tests of any sort to see if the stent and arteries are functioning correctly? 6 months is sort of the first "hurdle" for any restenosis (reclosure). Also, you mentioned Lyme Disease. Is there some reason to suspect it? Had you gotten a tick bite? Be aware that the tests for this disease are relatively inaccurate with a high number of false negatives. Since you're in Connecticut, you might be able to find a "Lyme Literate MD" (LLMD) to consult.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 16, 2010

• I'm a 44 yr-old woman; ran 4 miles a day; had heart attack (? trauma-induced) in March 2010. Recovered fine, back to running, etc., but 2 weeks ago developed onset of extreme fatigue. Cardiologist does not believe it's heart-related. Primary Care Physician has checked blood, vitamin and iron, levels, tested for Lyme etc. - all negative. For 2 wks now I am plagued by same fatigue. Generally okay in the am, but as the day progresses, I become increasingly tired with no explanation. Please, can anyone offer any insight?
SS, Connecticut, USA, August 15, 2010

• I had bypass surgery 2006 / 1 stent 2009 / 3 stents July 2010. I felt really good 2 weeks after the stents. I now seem to get extreme fatigue and heart symptoms. The symptoms I am experiencing now is shortness of breath / lightheaded / some fullness in chest. It gets relieved by taking nitro. I have not gone back to any exercise, because the cardio wants me to do rehab before a gym. I honestly do not feel like exercising with these symptoms. I am taking nitro almost everyday now to relieve symptoms. I have noticed some odd heart beats, but I don't know if it means anything. It is discouraging at this point, because I felt good after the bypass and the first stent.
Clara, Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA, August 14, 2010

• Karvy in India -- has your father seen the interventional cardiologist who placed the four stents? There are tests that can be done to assess your father's condition more specifically. "Weakening of heart muscles" means that his heart has been damaged by a heart attack -- the interventional cardiologist would have done a "ventriculogram" during the stenting to measure this. Or perhaps the valves he had need to be redone (after 20 years, articial valves can become less than 100% -- it depends which type of valves he received).
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 14, 2010

• my father had stenting done before 4 months, drug coated and suddenly he has started feeling unwell, increase in heartbeat, neck pain,weakness and all.....before that he had to two valve transplantations 20 years ago. The local doctor here also suggested weakening of heart muscles. now whoever would go thru my matter...i would like to tell him that my father has sacrificed his whole life for me and my brothers...he will be of around 65 years old now...at least if you help me in resurrecting him completely then i will dedicate my life, my prosperity to you all. My request to you would be to take this matter with utmost seriousness and help me do something for my father..if required and possible I am prepared to do a heart exchange with my father...our blood groups are same...the question is are you up to it. Regards
VERY URGENT......PLSSS HELPPP, Karvy, India, August 12, 2010

• Pete -- angioplasty and stents can open up the coronary artery, in order to deliver more blood (and therefore oxygen) to the heart muscle. However, if the heart muscle becomes damaged, as in a heart attack that is not treated in time, then that damage remains -- that part of the heart muscle is dead and delivering more oxygen to it won't do anything. However, making sure that the part of the heart that is working gets sufficient oxygen is even more important in cases like yours -- we assume that's why and where you got your stents. There are medications that can help lessen the existing load on your heart -- we assume you've been prescribed these and are taking them. Obviously, losing weight, stopping smoking, etc. are all lifestyle changes that need to happen as well -- anything to lower unnecessary stress on the heart muscle.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 8, 2010

• I am a 56 year old male. I have 9 stents 2 in my left leg area and the other seven on both sides of the heart. I have never gained my full strength back. It takes me all day sometimes two just to do my small yard. Before the heart problems was done in 20-30 minutes. I have almost constant chest pain cramping buttock going to sleep as well as pain in the groin and pelvic area. Heart disease runs in my family and of course I smoked. I have been hospitalized 16 times in the last 17 months. But my doctor says my that I have severe heart damage and really by-pass may not be an option for me. I had a severe heart attack March 09 and my then cardio doctor basically did not do much for me in fact he was terminated from the office and I see another doctor there who told me he would not trust him with his worst enemy. He then on two different occasions place 5 more stents but it has not made me improve much.
Pete, Lakeside, California, USA, August 8, 2010

• Susan in Illinois -- obviously you're keeping an eye on your symptoms. Posters have reported similar discomforts which do go away in time as the body adjusts. After all, you had a heart attack which only a couple decades ago would have caused significant disability (see our Editor's blog, "Heart Attack and Angioplasty: A Public Education Challenge"). But you're doing the right thing in consulting your cardiologist about this -- especially if symptoms change or increase. Plavix and aspirin can cause gastric-related problems -- but it's very important to keep taking these very important medicines to lower the risk of blood clots inside the stents -- this may be why your doctor prescribed heartburn meds. You're also doing the right thing working out -- staying active, eating right and enjoying it when people compliment you!!
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 2, 2010

• I am a 53-year-old female who had a heart attack on February 21, 2010, with no warning symptoms and no typical risk factors. I underwent an immediate angioplasty and received two drug-eluting stents in my LAD artery, followed three weeks later by another angioplasty to insert a bare-metal stent in my RCA. I added Plavix and Coreg to the aspirin I've taken daily for years. I felt very well for several weeks but then started feeling mild chest pressure about 20-30% of the time, sometimes (but not always) after exertion, sometimes (but not always) after eating, sometimes just on waking, sometimes when I was simply sitting. A stress test revealed no blockages. It's now been five months and the episodes of chest pressure, and sometimes palpitations, continue on an irregular basis. My cardiologist suggested heartburn meds, which I take, but the discomfort just doesn't seem to be gastro-related. I'm a bit frustrated about all this but not particularly depressed. At least now I work out regularly, and people say I look good (compared with being dead, I should hope so!).
Susan, Illinois, USA, July 28, 2010

• Tish in South Africa -- thanks for your kind words. Regarding your mother, was her BP normal BEFORE the stent?? Have you consulted specifically with the interventional cardiologist who performed the stent procedure?? This blood pressure reading of 184/104 is extremely high and needs to be lowered ASAP. Does your mother have any kidney problems? She had a reaction to the iodine in the contrast dye, too much of which can affect the kidneys. Kidney disease and high blood pressure are related.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 20, 2010

• Hi All, Great site and valuable discussions. But all I read here is problems and no solutions. I found this site in pursuance of some answers as my Mom had a stent done. Since then her blood pressure is 184/104 every evening. Why? she takes 3 different tablets for BP but still this problem. PLUS she gets out of breath which never happened before the stent? During the stent procedure she had a reaction to the iodine. Thank God she survived that traumatic experience. Can't we get a Professor to comment on some of our questions? Doctors and Cardiologist are just milking us dry on every visit, but can't really help!
Tish, Johannesburg, South Africa, July 14, 2010

• Mr. Hegde -- if a patient is not feeling well post procedure, it's never a bad idea to consult with your cardiologist. If there's nothing wrong, it sets your mind at ease and can relieve some of the anxiety. If there is something wrong, medications can be adjusted, or other measures taken to help -- the idea is that after angioplasty, the patient is supposed to feel better, not worse.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 1, 2010

• I am 62 years old. I had angioplasty 4 weeks ago and one stent has been put for a single block. I have been discharged two weeks ago. Since discharge I have been experiencing mild pain in the mid chest area and breathlessness all the time & my throat becomes dry. Is this common ? or should I see my cardiologist?
R.K.Hegde, Consulting Engineer, Dharwad, Karnataka State, India, May 30, 2010

• almost 1 year ago I had two stents put in due to blockage. They caught this when I was having a very hard time breathing with chest pains. After the stents I felt good for about 1 month and the chest pains came back. They went back in and every thing was good. It took about 7 months until I felt good with out chest pains. The Doctors think it was some small veins of the heart that were not 100% plugged and could not have stents put in. For me I thought I would never feel better but I do. so do not give up hopefully it will work out for you as it has for me.
Andy L, Two Rivers, Wisconsin, USA, May 24, 2010

• hello, i had a stent put in 1 month ago, for this last week i have been getting all sorts of pain in my chest and back, it's as though i have strained my back and when i move suddenly i tense up, causing the pain. i have also got fresh bruising on both sides of my chest, on the right side there is an underlying lump. and generally feeling unwell. help!
Barry, UK, May 22, 2010

• Margie -- if you check out our topic on "Complications from Catheterization, Angiogram or Angioplasty" you will find many stories, unfortunately, like yours. It is a complication with catheter-based procedures done from the femoral artery or groin -- only 2% or so, but it's a 100% if it happens to be you. It may be a traumatized nerve or other related problem. Have you reported this to the interventional cardiologist who placed the stent??
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 15, 2010

• I am a 51 year old female who had a medicated stent put in on 3/26/10. It is now six weeks later and I am still walking with a limp...the insertion area was fine, no lump, no redness, bleeding stopped just fine. I wake up feeling good, then as I go about my business, my leg starts to just wear down. By the end of the day, I feel as if I am dragging a dead limb around with me. I also get a pulling sensation around my groin that lasts for about 2 secs. The back of my calf bothers me, not pain, just an uncomfortable feeling, the top of my thigh is tight...The problem with my leg is what kept me out of work for six weeks....couldnt go up and down stairs or walk for very long periods of time. Very frustrating since my favorite activity of ALL time is walking. Has anyone else experienced anything else like this?
Margie, Long Island, New York, May 13, 2010

• I am a 62 year old male who had a heart attack in November 2008. Had 2 stents inserted and felt weak and endured slight pain, until I had a 5 graft by pass in March 2009. Once again suffered bad chest pains and was hospitalised about a month ago. They found out that 2 of the arteries that were grafted were totally blocked. They inserted 2 more stents. It’s nearly a month since the insertion and I feel pinching pain, sensations in the chest and squeezing pain. I try and walk 15 mins twice a day with great difficulty. I will be seeing the Cardio next week. Never felt so bad and my self esteem is quite low for an outdoing person like myself. Anybody with similar problems?
Allan, Melbourne, Australia, May 2, 2010

• I am a 52 year old male, good shape, non-smoker, healthy eater who experienced shoulder, arm and chest pain while on a golf vacation in Charleston, SC. Was admitted to Roper, had a cath and stent put in Mid RCA due to a 99% blockage. This was 7 days ago and I feel great. Starting to exercise a little with no immediate issues. The last two nights, I woke up to a little should and arm pain. I am on Plavix, Toprol XL, Vasotec, Aspirin and Omega-3 Fish Oil. Blood Pressure averages 100/60. I am thinking that while at rest sleeping, my Blood Pressure lowers and thus causing the minor pain? Does anyone else have this or thinking this way or am I on the wrong track.
Rob G, Ontario Canada, April 30, 2010

• Got 4 stents over a year ago - exercise induced angina. My hunch is I only needed two stents. I had pain (that I never had before the stents) immediately after and it has become less, but never went away. Beware of over-stenting -- some of these doctors are looking out for their pocket-books instead of the patient. Make sure your doctor is using IVUS and/or FFR - I would opt for bare metal stents.
Karl, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, April 26, 2010

• En -- actually 50% is the "tipping point" figure as you call it. However, this can be misleading. We've written about other technologies, called FFR and IVUS, which some cardiologists think are better ways to judge if a blockage needs stenting. FFR actually measures the blood pressure inside the artery, across the blockage. It may seem counter-intuitive, but what may look like a significant blockage on an X-ray angiogram (the "gold standard") may not actually be reducing the blood flow to the heart. The FAME study proved this and showed that stenting guided by FFR had significantly better outcomes than stenting guided by angiography alone. We see that you live in Washington. The cardiologists at the Washington Hospital Center are big believers in IVUS and FFR (read our interview with Dr. Waksman). The question of menopause is not one we can comment on. Again the idea is to reduce risk factors as much as possible. There's no reason to think that this disease, if kept under control and treated, should result in a heart attack.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 26, 2010

• Followup to April 4 post -- The pain - those pinching sensations - have gone away fortunately. Thank you for your support. The doctor didn't seem to want to add another medication (anti-smoking) to my list. I do feel lucky being alive but it's an adjustment trying to alter life style and outlook. I have a couple of other questions: Why do they put a stent only after a 70 percent blockage? Is that the tipping point? Do you feel much worse after that - risk of heart attack increases? One other question, I haven't hit menopause yet. Is my heart disease going to get worse after that? They decreased my aspirin from 365 to 81 mg because of all the (monthly) side effects, which was a good thing.
En, Washington, DC, USA, April 25, 2010

• I received a stent in Dec. 09. Currently my pulse rate is low. Is that dangerous? My doctor put me on another blood pressure pill and wants to hook me to a heart monitor. Should I look for another doctor?
Ron R., Nevada, USA, April 19, 2010

• En -- After three months, much of the stent will be healing, getting covered by endothelial cells. The body is very smart and it sensed this foreign object immediately! That's precisely why it's important to start taking Plavix and aspirin ASAP -- to keep the blood from clotting around this unknown interloper: the stent. So your body isn't "rejecting" the stent. However, and this will be something you've heard before, you must stop smoking -- even two cigarettes a day. It is the highest risk factor there is for coronary artery disease -- no question about it. If you are looking to feel better, you need to seek out help to stop (it is really hard to do this alone!) -- your doctor should be able to at least prescribe something to aid you in this. Consider yourself lucky that a technology exists that opened up an almost totally closed LAD without surgery. You've gotten a second chance -- now do the best you can to reduce your risk factors.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 8, 2010

• Around three months ago they put a stent in my heart - LAD. 99.9% blockage. There are other blockages down the road but not up to 70%. I started feeling some pinching now and then on the left side after they did an echo about a month ago. If I exerted myself it got worse. It felt like the body is rejecting or squeezing the stent to me. As if it's just detected it and is feeling its way around it. I haven't been able to quit smoking (twice a day). Not the athletic type, have had thyroid problems. Now after a couple of weeks it seems to be subsiding. Causes please?
En, Washington, DC, USA, April 4, 2010

• RS -- thanks for your experience. Your observation that stress can play a large part is true. Especially since the surprise discovery of a blockage is a big and stressful realization for someone with no history or reason to believe they have coronary artery disease. (It's those genes!!) One addition -- if you are experiencing heartburn, there are drugs you can get to reduce this -- H2 blockers or PPIs. There have been studies that PPIs may reduce the effectiveness of Plavix, but nothing has been proven absolutely yet.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 4, 2010

• After being treated for reflux for a month, stress test revealed a problem. Coronary catheterization revealed a 95% blockage so stent put in. I'm 44, never smoked, pretty healthy and active, good weight, normal cholestorol...even before...so why is anyone's guess. 3 weeks later and still get some "weird" chest feelings, odd sharp pain, and shortness of breath at times. Trying to return to more activity but it is slow. I believe I have a good idea what causes most of our symptoms. First off, the aspirin is VERY hard on the stomach and can often cause heartburn. Secondly, the blood thinners cause dizziness and shortness of breath...also probably the "weird" feeling as the blood flow is very different now and we must adjust. Finally...good old paranoia, stress and anxiety. Prior to any heart issues most of us would probably not even notice what we do now...and of course our fears cause an overreaction from our minds and bodies. And no doubt the fact that these symptoms almost always go away...after a week, a month or 6 months...means it just takes time for adjustment. Obviously if so many of us have it, seems pretty normal to me. Hell...Im alive. Not gonna stress this anymore. Cheers!
RS, Canada, April 1, 2010

• contact me at any time re stenting or heart attack questions tnk u
Elaine, Long Island, New York, USA, March 29, 2010

• Rukhsana and others -- many in this topic, going back 5 years even, report discomforts of sorts right after stenting. This may come from a number of sources, but usually resolves after a few weeks. Sometimes it's the addition of new medications. Most important is if the symptom of angina returns -- you should definitely see your cardiologist to rule out reblocking of the stent.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 20, 2010

• Hi, i'm 46 years old female. I had 3 stents placed in LAD and RCA which were severely stenosed with 90% blocked. I feel pain in my chest with radiating to my left shoulder and jaw. I feel pain in my chest on going to the bathroom. I am really anxious.
Rukhsana, Islamabad, Pakistan, March 15, 2010

• Hi, I am a 69 year old female. I had a Taxus Liberte stent placed in the right coronary artery on Sept. 10, 2009. On Sept. 22 I went to the E.R. as my blood pressure went to 210 over 120. They worked all night to get it down. No Blood Clot. I am on Plavix and 81 gr. aspirin. The next day I started with heat spells and high blood pressure immediately after. I am allergic to M.S.G. and that is the reaction I have to it. and Benadryl will stop the reaction ,so I took Benadryl and it stopped it. After that every evening it would start about 8pm . Then it went to part of the day and all night. I have had this reaction for over three months. Taking up to 8 Benadryl a day. All the heart Dr. said was it's in my head or try to give me more high blood pressure med. My blood pressure is normal except when I am having a reaction. I am allergic to a gold ring. I never had this problem until I got the stent and I believe it is the stent. The medicine on the stent is supposed to wear off in 1 month. The allergy Dr. I went to said it might still be the med. on the stent. I do have irregular heart beats some since also, and it feels like a butterfly sometimes. Has anyone else had these symptoms?
Cynthia C., Pearce, Arizona, USA, February 26, 2010

• I had pain after first stent and more after the second stent which was inserted after restenosis. Hoping it will go away tomorrow, it has been 24 hours.
Tommytooth, New York, NY USA, February 20, 2010

• anyone have jaw pain after stenting and heart attack? Thank you for all the wonderful info.
Elaine, Southold, New York, February 18, 2010

• Hi, i'm 54 years old. i had a bare metal stent installed march of 2009. On feb10, 2010 I had a medicated stent installed in the same spot to alleviate the scar tissue that formed. Now 7 days later I feel numbness in my left arm and sometimes in my chest especially after walking at 4 mph for 5 min. Is this normal or has the stent closed. By the way I'm on plavix and aspirin325 with perfect blood pressure.
Skip P., Holmdel, New Jersey, USA, February 17, 2010

• I had angina upon exertion and coded during my treadmill exam. LAD 99% blocked, two stents later, beta blockers, Plavix, etc. I feel well at resting heart rates but begin to feel the burn whenever I exercise moderately, go out in the cold or after a heavy meal. I take a nitro tab and that relieves the angina but I get the nitro headache. I'm glad it's not my imagination as it seems I'm certainly not alone. All the tests say I should be like new, I am very much improved but not what I'd hoped for. It seems to be gradually improving or I'm getting used to it, It's been three months.
Sam Young, San Lorenzo, California, USA, February 13, 2010

• I had angioplasty very recently (8th Feb) and experience more or less the same as mentioned above. Very similar to hypo.
MD Randall, Hong Kong, February 12, 2010

• bodyfortheages.com This may be the best site to help us who have angina/severe chest pain post drug eluding stent. See my earlier posts on this ptca.org forum. I have had severe terrible chest pain since morning after large Cypher implanted. Tried 50 or more types of prescriptions, all statins, all beta blockers, hundreds of types of supplements, painkillers, EECP, stem cell surgery in Thailand (waste of $30,000), chelation, Phosphytidlcholine IV therapy, 4 angioplasties, Ornish diet, various aerobic exercises and on and on, all useless for me. Creatine Pyruvate with light weight training (important combo) helps me reduce chest pain better than anything now 2.5 months into it. Not perfect, but reduces my pain very noticeable say 50% at times. Still watching this to see if it continues. Studies show pyruvate could restore endothelial function of coronary vessels. When I stop pyruvate, pain very severe in 2 days. Back on, big pain reduction. Tested this over and ove r. 2 other companies also make/sell creatine pyruvate, but only this one seems effective on me. Best thing I tried by far. Will report back in 3 months. Note: make sure it is creatine pyruvate, not calcium pyruvate.
Steve from Florida, Palm Beach, Florida, USA, February 4, 2010

• I had a stent placed on 1-19-10 for 75% blockage. I am 62 yrs old. My main symptom was shortness of breath. That has been mostly relieved. Since coming home, I have not felt very good with slight chest pressure, lack of appetite and low energy. Is this just part of the recovery period?
Gayle V., Kearney, Nebraska, USA, February 2, 2010

• had 2 medicated stents placed on jan 7 2009. 95% blockage in descending lad. my symptoms were crushing pain in my chest with minor exertion. since the stents i have had regular soreness in the center of my chest, even when resting, almost every day. doc says i am fine, several visits and an echo cardiogram all normal. the soreness leads to serious anxiety. going for an exercise stress test tomorrow.
Mitch, New York, USA, January 27, 2010

• my husband has got a heart attack and underwent angioplasty and one stenting. It is three weeks past. what precautions has to be taken now. Can he start the regular activities like walking etc. Yesterday i observed him taking a deep breath and now and then he is belching and burping and gas release through anus. pl suggest us the remedy.
Jayashri, State Bank of Hyddrabad, Bangalore, January 26, 2010

• My husband went into surgery for renal artery Stent, came out with heart Stent. That was Oct. 09 and he has never recovered. He is EXHAUSTED and sleeps all the time, he falls asleep as soon as he sits down somewhere. He has had 2 bouts of Bronchitis since October and is now having night fevers. He is 58 but I swear he seems older then my 78 year old dad. Hubby is adopted so no family history. I feel like I am losing him and his family doctor is pretty useless, just keeps ordering more medications. He is currently taking, Procardia 30mg and 60 mg, Toprol XL, water pill, Metformin, Insulin, Simvastatin,Plavix,Aspirin,Bystolic, Clonidine, Lisinopril.
JJP, Chicago, Illinois, USA, January 25, 2010

• Year 2000 I had an Heart Attack and was given a Stent in the right artery and following week, due to breathing problems had a double bypass on the left side (No Plavix). In Dec 2009 had a rock feeling in the middle of my chest, so all X-rays/blood test showed normal but due to my CABG the hospital perform an catheterization which showed the lower right artery blocked and the double bypass was also blocked, so I had 3 Stents,Cordis, inserted. the following day was discharge and started taking Plavix,the next day I developed sleeping problems and a modest chest pain. I didn't have a follow up doctor appt until the next month, so after 2 weeks of this I went back to ER and was told I had Aerophagy. Well the med's for this didn't help so I went to another hospital ER and their ER placed me as an inpatient and I was given an Echo/Ct Scan and the following day another Catheterization, and to my knowledge the doctor didn't give me a dye for looking at all the arteries, but the doctor stated all 4 stents were Clear? Could you answer a question Please, What's your Opinion about possible Breathing difficulties after stent placement?
David H., St. Louis, Missouri, USA, January 19, 2010

• Ok folks here is my story. My name is Tom , 53 year old male I though i was in reasonable health for a Diabetic. I am not over weight 6'2 200lbs, Had chest pains, shortness of breath and cold sweat on an afternoon in Nov of 2007. Blew that off till returned a week later went to the emergency room and had a stress test. Nothing showed up however I new something was wrong fired that doctor hired another and had a cardiac cath 30 days later. The doc was great and inserted nine drug-eluting stents 5 in left coronary artery and 4 in the circumflex artery. A year later i had two more put in just for good measure. I was depressed and scared all to hell to tell you the truth. Since then I am doing great. I take plavix, aspirin, and a host of blood pressure, diabetic, and Cholesterol medication. I exercise 3- 4 days a week and feel good. To all that have had this done all I can say is you know your body, fight for knowledge like i have. I fired the first doctor because i knew something was wrong and the second did not think he would find anything, SURPRISE SURPRISE. Keep the faith and good luck
Tom Knight, Dunbar, West Virginia, USA, January 17, 2010

• 48 years old had one stent in 5/09 at U of Iowa. Have felt bad ever since. Think twice before you go in, it might change your life. Dr Johnson was Cardiologist haven't heard from her since. Was told she will be calling to check with me. Don't hold your breath.
Lee McLaughlin, Bettendorf, Iowa, USA, January 16, 2010

• 65 yr WM. On 9/2/09 had two drug-eluting stents installed, one in proximal LAD and one in right coronary artery. Already on Lisinopril, post-stent, doc prescribed Clopidogrel, Simvastatin and 81mg aspirin. 20 days later broke out in hives with extreme pain and itching in both hands. Took myself off Simvastatin, told doc what I'd done, and within two weeks most of these reactions cleared up. Doc disagreed, however, that reactions were triggered by Simvastatin. Since stenting, have had first: intermittent"pangs," "twinges," minor "stabs" (seemingly triggered with quick turning of the head when (say) looking over shoulder to make a lane change), and other assorted minor--but disturbing--discomforts behind and above my sternum. Have commented to wife that it feels like the stents are "sticking out" in my chest. Doc thinks it's in my head. More recently, mild "blooming" angina-like discomfort--nearing pain--is often continuous and in same location. Doc talked me back into the Simvastatin in early December and, so far, hives/pain/itching hasn't re-erupted. So, I'm 4 1/2 months after stenting and still wondering what's really going on in there. Sound familiar?
AA, Amarillo, Texas, USA, January 15, 2010

• I had a stint [stent] placed in last may 2009 and now 7 months later I'm still having chest pains. I take plavix and aspirin and beta-blocker and i think God for the Morphine i was put on years ago for migraines. the only think that helps me forget the pain is the Morphine and walking. I live in michigan and i walked 3 miles each day. Now it is winter and i can't walk so i am moving to florida to walk. If i did not have the Morphine to sleep i would be in so much pain i want to end my life.Gone without pain pills one night and prayed all night to Jesus asking for help to get me through the night. Been to the heart doctor two or three time checked me out and said i was fine.They do not care.Told them if i have to live with the pain the rest of my life i rather not had the stint in. well you would have died and i said at least I would be home. Listen up people i am a christian man but i so want to sue the makers of this stint. yes it is a medicated stint. the only way to help people is find out why these stints are giving us so much pain. Everyone thinks i am crazy and say nothing is wrong with me. I know my hands is in are Fathers hands so i pray and think him for the life he gave me.
CH, Michigan, USA, December 28, 2009

• Hi , my mother had a stent put in October of this year and since then has complained of tiredness and muscle pain. She is taking medication but recently has felt muscle spasms in the arm that she had the angioplasty.Is this normal? I Would appreciate any response as this is causing my mum anxiety and stress.
Nadia, London ,UK, December 24, 2009

• I have recently received two medicated stents. (One on Wed. 12/16 and the second on Friday 12/18) One for an artery that was 99% blocked and another for a 70% blockage. Because of a snow storm here in DC the Drs. office is closed and I can not make a follow-up appointment until tomorrow. I feel well, but do have some funny sensations. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I don't want to go back into the hospital...but don't want to ignore signs.
BG, Washington, DC, USA, December 21, 2009

• Hi folks I had a stent put in on 1/6/2009 after a heart attack im on all the meds but still have chest pain that lasts for 15 to 20 seconds I used to get it 20 to 30 times a day but now it can be 50 to 60 times a day when at rest. I have been back to the doc ECG clear blood tests clear they say im fine problem is its not them who have to live with this I get days when im so tired I cant do anything and that in turn leads to depression I can see from the other posts that im not alone. Please if anyone knows the cause of this pain or a way to deal with it I would be grateful for any help as this not only affects me it also has an affect on my family thanks
Gerard, Northern Ireland, December 19, 2009

• Feedbacks of a 54 years, male, chronic smoker(since quit),slightly diabetic (113/140), normal BP0ne stent in april 2008 and 2 more in nov 2008 for 98&99%On both occasions for a fortnight felt sharp pricks in the heart, that gradually vanished.All activities restored including walking 5 miles a day,driving my car, riding my son's bike, and climbing stairs to my 4th floor apt.Good diet control. Persisting pain in left chest area found to be muscle-related and cured with light exercises.Feeling fit now with occasional bouts of fatigue due to a thickened valve which has to be replaced in 3/4 years time.I have forgotten that I have 3 stents in my heart and lead a happy - but careful - life with wife of 28 years and 2 grown up children.I don't panic or feel pressure.While walking up gradual gradients feel tightness in chest which vanishes on reaching level ground. But this tightness is not felt when climbing stairs.Why?I have found that (at least in me) that physical conditions roll back to normalcy once you remove that consciousness about stents that adorn your heart! I wish all who read this, this gift of God, better still a clean heart not requiring any meddling up at all!
N. Gangadharan, Pune, India, December 12, 2009

• Hi, i'm a 52 year old male, I had a stent placed at LCx 80% back on 15th August, 2000 and unfortunately the same clogged again. Yet another stent was placed at the same position on 02 May, 2005. From last few week I am feeling pain in my left arm and in the chest and this normally happens after consumption of meal and is more frequent if go to sleep immediately after the meal. Shortness of breath after doing small amount of work is also felt. Till the time I am sittng or relaxing I am perfectly fine. As soon as I do small exertion or even walk for 10 min, I get pain in my left upper arm and heavyness and pain in chest Is it normal or should I worry. Should I keep on walking or I should rest? I am also diabetic with high levels of cholestrol, can it be related to that also?
Mustafa K., Karachi, Pakistan, December 12, 2009

• Jean -- there may be a physical component here, but another possibility is depression -- a study was just presented at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando that discussed this issue after bypass surgery, but we think there may be implications even for patients who have not had surgery, but angioplasty and stenting instead. Part of the issue is how to deal with the unexpected and often sudden presence of coronary artery disease (was this your first encounter with heart problems?) -- Although geared towards surgical patients, some of the information on the study's website may be of benefit. It's called "Bypassing the Blues" -- a government-funded study done via the University of Pittsburgh. Let us know what you think.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 8, 2009

• Just had double stenting on 12/2/09, discharged 12/3, caught infection in hospital and sick since (4 days). Am completely lethargic, immobile, depressed, unmotivated, no appetite, don't want to talk to anyone, answer phone, emails, texts, facebook, etc. Could this be side effects of surgery, medications, etc.? Taking Plavix, Isosorb, Cozaar, Lipitor, Atenolol. No noticeable improvements. Comments/suggestions? Thanks.
Jean A., California, USA, December 7, 2009

• This is the best article to explain what is wrong with us... there are newer articles and american written that say the same thing... but I like this one as it is so easy to understand, has pictures of the problem, etc. I will later post another article that tells what some doctors are trying drug wise to help, but none of the drugs helped me really. One is Celebrex, for example, or prednisone, dangerous drugs perhaps, but tried by doctors. Note other recent articles written by american doctors and scientists about patent (completely open) stents, yet severe chest pain/angina, are by some very esteemed doctors. Some others suggest it is the plastic (polymer) coating around the Drug eluding [sic] stent adding to the already big problem of constant non-bending and stretch. The problem of post (after) stent pain would occur with the bare large stent, but not as much as with the Drug eluding [sic] stent... ..if you really take time to search the web, you will see dozens of well written articles about it... only way out I think seems to be to somehow have a bypass around the stent, eliminate it. ..In my case (now 5 years old) it would mean perhaps a 5 way bypass, since the stent is sticking into the left main, though the blockage was originally only in the small part of one vessel, the LAD ostium (end). So I am screwed. Others I know were able to bypass and remove the stent with out much trouble, single vessel, etc., though it was open chest, heart out, heart lung machine, full bypass, but only one vessel. In my case, a 5 way bypass would be too dangerous, so I have sought other means without success. I have tried all natural anti inflammatories with no success. I feel time is running out. I have severe chest pain every nite and morning since the morning after it was installed. Including now.
Steve G, Florida, November 20, 2009

• Hi im glad that im not the only person to still get a sharp chest pain that lasts for about 15 seconds after getting a stent on 1/06/09 it has started to increase to about 30 times a day doctor said im fine but I dont feel fine If its not the stent what is it?
EG, England, United Kindom, November 16, 2009

• Hi my dad had a angiogram a month ago, when ever he walks he feels pain in his chest and i am deeply concerned. He is also a diabetic at the same time. Please let me know what could be the cause of the pain.
Sara, London, England, United Kingom, November 6, 2009

• Hi, I'm 32 years old female. I had 2 stents placed 2 months back, one in RCA (95%) and other in LCx (90%). From last one week I am feeling pain in my left arm and in the chest. Shortness of breath after doing small amount of work. Till the time I am sittng or relaxing I am perfectly fine. As soon as I do small exertion or even walk for 10 min, I get pain in my left upper arm and heavyness and pain in chest Is it normal or should I worry. Should I keep on walking or I should rest? I have stones in Gall Bladder, can it be related to that also?
Meenu N., Delhi, India, October 29, 2009

• had 5 stents put in jan.30, 09 recovered great now for the last 3 months when i breathe it feels like i am breathing ice cold air.
John C., Virginia, USA, October 28, 2009

• I had a renal angioplasty to the left kidney 5 days ago which was ballooned because I am allergic to metals. Since this time I have less energy than I did prior to the procedure. My abdomen feels bloated especially after walking and I also have a hard pea-sized lump near the site and still feel discomfort (stinging/achy). I was told I could resume work in 2 days but still do not feel strong enough to return at this time. Are these normal reactions? I was given a script 3 days before surgery for of am Plavix 75 mg for 30 days.
Denise C., Florida, USA, October 25, 2009

• 48 yr male with a family history. Started having occasional flutters in my chest...angiogram was done...blockage was found and a stent was put in two months ago. I still get the occasional odd feeling in my chest. Not a debilitating pain or sharp pain just a discomfort. Sometimes when i take a deep breath I get a very slight discomfort much like the one you get when your fighting a cough or chest cold. Sometimes its a pain in the shoulder blades or a dull pain right in the center of my breastbone up near the clavicle. These pains all seem to come when resting or at times of inactivity. They are minor enough that when I go about my business I don't even really notice them....but they are still there. Since the procedure I have gone back to working out and walk 3 miles a day five times a week on the treadmill and get NO discomfort when exerting myself. It seems the only time the discomfort sets in is while at rest. I am on plavix and aspirin in the AM and crestor and metoprolol in the PM. After reading all these posts my mind is put somewhat at ease to see that others are going through the same things however I'm going to mention these to my cardiologist when i see him in 3 weeks.
Jim, Buffalo, New York, USA, October 21, 2009

• I had 2 cardiac stent placements about 2 months ago and ever since have experienced severe GERD symptoms. I can't sleep, have large amounts of foam regurgitation, burning in my throat and chest,and the feeling that something is stuck in my throat. I have tried prescription and over the counter antacids without any relief! Why has this been happening since the stent placements?
Sandra, Arkansas, USA, October 11, 2009

• I had a medicated RCA stent implanted on 9/3, I am a 54 y/o female. Although i am happy the blockage was found and opened i have been having issues since 9/3. I am taking Plavix, Simvastatin, 81 mg aspirin and Toprol XL 25 mg 2X per day. Initially I had terrible palpitations but they have subsided. Currently i have pain/heartburn under my breastbone within 5 minutes after I eat, I have occasional pain/pressure in my left arm/in the back of my shoulder usually associated with exercise. I am now taking Zantac 300 mg 2X a day as well as Xanax as needed. I am upset that i still don't feel remotely like i did before all of this started, i take multiple pills and more pills to counteract the other pills. I used to ride a stationary bike 50 miles a week, now i have arm discomfort after 2 miles. I really thought/hoped that once the stent was in things would be great. Now i wonder if things will ever be good. Thanks for your thoughts.
Ellen, New York, New York, USA, October 2, 2009

• I am writing on behalf of my mother who is 57 years old and who recently suffered a heart attack and as a result had a metal stent inserted due to a narrowed artery. I have read the various articles below and it is good to hear finally that other people have encountered the same conditions post the metal stent. My mother is suffering from dizzy spells, numbness in the arm, throbbing feeling throughout her body and heartburn, it has been now been 6 weeks since the stent was put in. She is also on a lot of medication which again has been mentioned below from others also. She is feeling very down and depressed can someone tell me good news in that this will get better, as the doctors are just telling us everything is normal and not to panic. If you do feel better now how long did you have to wait ?
Margaret, Northern Ireland, September 27, 2009

• I am a 61 yr old wf, and have 5 stents in the upper LAD and LAD. The first was in 2002, bare metal, and other 4 were between 2007 and 2009, I have had the nuclear tests and the last ones did not reveal my blockages -- on the CT revealed the blockages, I am on about 12 medications. I do not feel well, have chest pain and chronic angina, the doctor says I am fine, but I have the radiating chest pain again, shortness of breath, very exhausted and depressed. I am pretty scared, my father died of a heart attack when he was 50, I am an only child. I keep telling the doctor of my signs and he keeps telling me I am okay. Do any of you run into that after awhile you just don't complain to anyone, even though you know something is going on.
Sharon, Alabama, USA, September 25, 2009

• To: Everyone Now 5 years later, same very severe chest pain every day, after very large Drug eluding [sic] stent placed 9 mo after 2004 MI in ostium of LAD. Done at Cleveland Clinic Weston FL. The Cleveland Clinic interventionist just ignored me for no reason. Said it must be esophageal ulcers!... Later went to top Cleveland Clinic Gastero, who did extensive studies, said everything in esophageal area perfect and sent me back to Cardiologist who again blew me off for no reason... Cleveland Clinic intervention dept. could care less... Refused to look into it... Still now just as bad as first day. I have tried everything to no avail. Dozens of drugs, Renexa, all B Blocker brands, C Channel brands, Ace Inhib brands, hundreds of types of home remedies, supplements, best Co Q available, Chelation, Phosphitylcholine IV therapy, Stem Cell angioplasty in Bangkok Thailand with Theravitae (complete waste of $30,000.00). Nothing natural I took made me worse or better... but all drugs would actually make my condition worse, so I would search around, or stop them... Also complete IVUS of stent at Mt Sinai in New York by top interventionist, and investigation of stent over and over, including extensive esophageal investigation, and aorta CT's... all super normal. Records sent to top 7 interventionists in USA, heads of departments at major hospitals: Current thoughts: Doctors at U of Texas Austin, and N Western U Chicago told me that they have documented thousands with severe pain like mine from Drug eluding [sic] stent. Johnson and Johnson blew me off when I contacted them, could care less... The Texas/Chicago study is on web. It involved 11 major hospitals and thousands of cases. Read it. (Editor's note: you can read Angioplasty.Org's article about the Texas/Chicago study here,) Possibility now: one Florida top interventionist (and U Texas Drs also) recommended he gives Celebrex to many of my type of cases, of which he said there are far more than reported (and steroids perhaps cortisone or other steroids, if Celebrex does not work) to reduce severe constant stent caused inflammation. The Texas Dr's also try these remedies. Have tried all over the counter and natural inflammatories, hundreds... none work. Will now consider dreaded Celebrex, but he said to increase aspirin a lot when taking Celebrex, if not on Plavix. Now off Plavix for years. Local Cardio does not like the idea of celebrex, and especially no way to Cortisone, and I agree that Cortisone (steroid) not an option. Any one extensively investigate this as I have?
S J Greenwald, Palm Beach, Florida, USA, September 21, 2009

• Beverly -- a 20% narrowing normally is not considered significant enough to perform an intervention. One question, which the stress test might answer, is whether the 20% blockage is "ischemic" (is it reducing blood flow and causing your angina)? A newer way to have measured this would have been to use an FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) catheter during the angiogram. A few extra minutes, and less expense, etc. would have yielded a more accurate assessment. Unfortunately only about 5% of cath labs use this technology.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 19, 2009

• Thought I was a pretty healthy 62 yr.old female. Stopped smoking 4 yrs ago , don't drink at all and I am very active. Complained of pressure in the chest to dr. and had an ekg, negative. One month later 04/03/09, had two strong pains in arm and chest, more like hot pressure, ended up with drug eluting stent in lvef 75%. First two months felt great, then it went down hill have had this pressure in left arm and chest, they think I am nuts. Had another cath 09/17/09 found 20% at sight of stent now have to do stress test to see if it is more than 20%!!! May have to have another stent. Still have the pressure and shortness of breath and low HR 30-40 till I want to pass out. anyone else? There trying to adjust my medication and say maybe a pace maker may do the trick, anyone out there have this problem?
Beverly Austin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA, September 18, 2009

• I had two stents done on September 3rd, 2009. I am just not feeling right. Have pains in my chest but Dr. at PT says this is normal and should pass after a month. But after reading this Forum "will It"? It also seems like I have these weird thoughts. Just glad to be alive.
Andy, Wisconsin, USA, September 12, 2009

• Good morning: I had a stent placed in LAD (80% blockage. I really hadn't had symptoms but discovered this problem in a pre-op exam. Since placement of the stent I have had jaw & ear pain and headache and shoulder discomfort. Am on Lipitor, ToprolXL, Plavix, Lisonopril & aspirin. Are these symptoms normal, am I adjusting to stent or meds? I am nervous and anxious about all this.
Gloria, California, usa, August 28, 2009

• I had angioplasty in February 2009 and was diagnosed with angina, irregular heart beat and had one stent inserted into the proximal LAD artery as there was significant disease involving the mid to distal LAD artery amounting to 60 to 70%. I received a 2.75 x 33 mm stent and it was recommended I have a repeat angiogram in two to three months with planned intervention to the mid to distal LAD artery if no evidence of restenosis in the proximal LAD stent. Restenosis occurs when the "treated" artery starts to close over again. I was prescribed medication for my angina and irregular heartbeat (6 tablets each day). After several weeks I stopped all my medication and started eating foods that contain the same medical properties. I bought a blood pressure monitor and check my pressure several times daily. I stopped eating transfats and started eating flaxseed oil with cottage cheese, onion, garlic, avocados, almond nuts, oats, natto, corn, fresh fruit and vegetables, folic acid tablets, and I have normal blood pressure and feel very well. Unless heart attack victims change their diet and simply rely on medication they will continue to have heart attacks.
John T., Canberra ACT, Australia, August 24, 2009

• First, thanks to all who've posted before as I've taken comfort from your kinship. My circumstance is MI 03AUG2009, medicated stent LCX OM 05AUG2009 with follow-on cath on 17AUG2009 leaving medicated stents mid-LAD and RPDA. First cath post-op went well with no oddities so I was receptive to follow-on cath's as in my assessment they would 1) improve blood flow and 2) reduce the likelihood of a future MI. I now find myself with odd "ghost pains" (small quasi muscle aches but inside the chest), what I presume (hope) to be acid reflux / heartburn under the sternum and high in my throat, and lot's of anxiety which merely compounds / muddies things. I'm also frustrated as I was previously active and am presently restricted to convalesce. My son is weary of being my arms and legs and my wife if bravely enduring as my therapist. I definitely share the conflict I read in many of the posts about should I go to the ER / I am a wimp / is my circumstance "normal." One thing I haven't read but have found to be of some use is to take the Plavix and aspirin with food. I also remind myself that I am fortunate to have survived the MI and that angioplasty with medicated stents is a far superior option to earlier procedures like CABG. Bottom line my MI was a blessing as it allowed me to "remedy" a problem that could have resulted in far worse outcomes (just not always easy to view it this way given post-op feelings).
Matt, Dallas, Texas, USA, August 23, 2009

• Thomas -- you're unfortunately an example of a patient for whom the standard nuclear stress test did not pick up the coronary artery disease (CAD). Many of the imaging experts in our Imaging and Diagnosis section have suggested that a CT Angiogram might be a better test for identifying blockages than the standard nuclear stress exam.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 23, 2009

• Jan '05 suffered heart attack - 99.5% blockage of LAD. Had complained to GP about being tired, etc. Prescribed EKG, Echo, and nuclear stress test - all showed there was no problem. Three stents in LAD. Two stress tests showed I was doing great. July '07 went to dr with chest pain - eventually placed two additional stents. Two more stress test, Echo, and Doppler show no blockage and good function. Have occasional chest pain (10-20 seconds). Is there a connection between the chest pain and the stents. On Plavix, Coreg, Altace, and 320 mg aspirin. Just put on Imdur in response to chest pain complaint. Can't help but wonder what's next.
Thomas Ferguson, Middletown, Pennsylvania, USA, August 20, 2009

• Elaine -- read through some of the other posts and you'll find that you are not alone in your "post-stent" adjustment. Definitely write down all of your complaints and get your cardiologist to address them. Tiredness, joint pain, etc. can all be possible side-effects from some of the medications, which may need adjustment. Depression is a not uncommon reaction as well to your new situation -- perhaps your hospital or cardiologist has a cardiac rehab program available. Very often sharing these feelings with others is the first step to feeling better.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 20, 2009

• Hello everyone, my name is Elaine I had a stint [stent, ed.] put in July 2009. On plavix, Lipitor, aspirin, Atenolol, Quinapril and Hydrochlocrothiazide. I am tired all the time my limbs are so heavy. Plus depression. What am I going to do can't keep going this way will see doc in two weeks. This is really hard because I walk now it is so hard. Any advice out there?
Elaine, Pennsylvania, USA, August 20, 2009

• hello on dec 18 i had a bare metal stent installed, through diet and a new look on life i lost 37lbs and thought i was in the clear, till last month the pain returned in my left arm and some sharp 1-5 secs jabs in my chest. they put in a drug alluding [eluting, ed.] stent inside the bare metal stent and for the first 7-10 days i felt great however last sunday, pain and tiredness returned. This sucks i am 37 and have no known family history.
Larry, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, August 18, 2009

• Wow! It is enlightening for me to read all the posts here. I had a Promus stent in LCA less than two weeks ago due to an 80 t0 90 percent blockage. Prior to that, I had always exercised vigorously for 1 to 2 hrs a day, so this came as quite a surprise. A few days before the cath, I began feeling pain in chest and numbness in both arms. The procedure went quite well, with no complications and there had been no MI. A few days afterwards, I tried to resume some of my activities-biking a bit, running- and was astounded to find that I had shortness of breath just walking a few hundred yards. Also, constant fatigue and loss of appetite. After reading your posts, it seems that all this is normal and I am being impatient. I am age 66, female and want to run a marathon before I croak, and this site has given me hope.
Jan F., South Carolina, USA, August 15, 2009

• To recent posters -- you're right that this question is asked all the time. It seems that people react to stenting differently: some are fine right away, others seem to need a period, sometimes a longer period, of adjustment. Assuming there are no vascular complications to recover from (that's a whole other story) it's more of an adjustment to the increased blood flow and often the medications that are prescribed. Very often an angioplasty is the first time the patient has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, and the first time several of the standard meds have been given. These drugs can have side effects from shortness of breath and muscle pain to coughing and drowsiness. We certainly suggest that all patients having ANY unexpected symptoms should discuss these with their cardiologist. Assurances can be given, meds can be adjusted and, in the rare cases where something is amiss, corrective action can be taken. As for activity after stenting, this is also an individual case-by-case decision to be guided by your doctor. For more stories on weight-lifters, marathon runners and bicyclists, read our Forum Topic on Exercise After Angioplasty.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 15, 2009

• I am 43yrs old male. LAD 99% blocked. I had 2 medicated stents, but even after one month experiencing pain and discomfort in left upper part of chest. I consulted 3 doctors and all necessary tests undergone were normal. The doctors are having no answers other than saying that everything is normal. My concern is still the same as why is this pain? and why the doctors are not having any answer to my problem?
Dr S, Oman, August 14, 2009

• Just had a stent in the LAD (1 week ago). Post procedure, occasional clamminess, burning sensation in the chest (comes in waves), strong heart beat and raised pulse that subsides with 25-50mg metoprolol. Trust the cardio and the post op tests (all ok) but he seems a little light on when it comes to explaining these disturbances. Seems I have company, thanks, its reassuring hope they subside over time. The way I look at it all these are better than the alternative, I don't want to join the turf club yet! Will check in from time to time.
Kevin Darke, private citizen, NSW, Sydney, Australia, August 11, 2009

• Hi. In Early July 09 I had to have a Stent placed in my mid RCA as a result of a 98% blockage. I only have one stent in there and was placed on plavix, aspirin and a couple BP meds and cholesterol med. After 10 days, my Cardio told me to resume normal activities. I got back on my skates and started my program but found that after about 15 min or so, I feel pain up my throat and jaw particularly in the jaw joints. I occasionally get some chest discomfort when lounging around. I know this is asked a million times on this forum, but no one has really answered it clearly. Is it typical to have an adjustment period after stent placement? I have never taken BP or Cholesterol meds so is my body adjusting to that stuff? Am I just being a baby and should just suck it up? Most others I know who have had them said that they felt 100% afterward, but none of them really exercised like I do. Any input here? It would be appreciated.
Jake, Michigan, USA, August 4, 2009

• Just a note of follow up. It has been 10 weeks since I have had new alluding [eluting] stents put in to open bare metal stents that closed up on me. I have had the burning, angina and a feeling of mentholatum in my chest for the entire 10 weeks, but it has begun to subside. Taking Plavix, Aspirin, Diovanin (HCT) and Isosorbide. Something I didn't realize is that my symptoms occur heavily after I take the meds or after a meal and then taper off. I took 0 meds prior to my MI last November. Not even a tylenol....so my system isn't used to these meds for sure. I took a TUMs after a meal and wouldn't you know, no symptoms. I believe the aspirin is making my stomach irritable and maybe the other meds as well. So maybe this is just gastro related and not stents after all. I will post when I know more.
John N., Indiana, USA, July 28, 2009

• I had two stents placed in the right coronary artery on Friday. Today, with almost any activity, I get a burning sensation. Has anyone else experienced this? It subsides rapidly with rest. I welcome any comments.
Arthur, Cranston, Rhode Island, USA, July 27, 2009

• AD -- you're welcome and thank YOU for following up. TO ALL READERS! Look over AD's initial post here -- it's very detailed in the way he is feeling poorly, to the point where he thought he might want to go to the ER. Then read his most recent post below -- even just a few days and he is feeling better.

As for BP monitors, the electronic ones with cuffs are not bad -- a good idea is to bring it with you to your doctor's appointment and "calibrate" it by having him use it on you right after he takes your BP with his office monitor. That way you get a sense of how accurate it is, and whether it reads high or low. Also BP can vary over the course of a day. In taking a reading, SF cardiologist and blood pressure expert Dr. Colman Ryan has told us he throws out the first reading and then averages the next two or three to get the most accurate BP.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 27, 2009

• Forum Editor, many thanks for your response and alerting me on Prilosec interactions with Plavix. I have contacted my cardiologist and PCP and awaiting response. I am sure even they are unaware of this latest development.The discomfort I was feeling on left side has gone away since for the most part. Still experiencing some Gout, blurry vision and at times light headedness but Its been exactly two weeks now since the DES placements and I am feeling much better now. Any recommendations for BP monitors? The electronic ones are always some points off from the mercury ones. Any guidance will be helpful. Regards, AD
AD, Leesburg, Virginia, USA, July 27, 2009

• Hi! I'd been on several prescriptions for heart failure but still felt shortness of breath. In December 2009, I had 3 stents placed for radiation damage from radiation therapy from 1972. Since then I've had lots of trouble with shortness of breath. Finally starting to feel better but it's been a long uphill journey. Glad to see I'm not alone!
Robin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, July 27, 2009

• AD and others -- you are right that the stent booklet states you should not feel the stent itself, but a number of posters in this topic do feel discomfort. This is documented, and in some this discomfort lasts a bit longer than in others, as the body gets used to the increased blood supply and other changes. Some of these changes are new medications that are prescribed, especially if the patient had not previously been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. These meds can cause a range of side-effects, from coughing to light-headedness, muscle ache, etc. If you experience discomfort, we recommend discussing this specifically with your cardiologist. Perhaps your drug regimen can be adjusted, or a specific drug swapped for another. Or, if he/she suspects anything serious, it can be tested for.

And AD, you mention you are taking Prilosec. Are you taking this over-the-counter on your own? You should definitely discuss this with your cardiologist. You should read our article, "Heartburn Drugs Increase Cardiac Events for Stent Patients by 50%" about the fact that PPIs like Prilosec may interfere with the anti-clotting properties of Plavix.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 25, 2009

• I am a 43yr old south asian male and experienced gastric and acidity symptoms over the weekend two weeks ago. The heartburn pain radiated from chest to neck and up to my jaws. Abnormal ECG lead to blood enzyme test in the ER that showed Troponin I level of 31(normal=0.3).I was medivaced and catheterized the same day where two DES stents (one in Ramus -fully blocked and one in LAD-partially blocked) were placed. I was discharged on 3rd day and my Troponin I was at 3.7 at discharge. Its been 13 days and I have been getting better gradually but started feeling a strange discomfort (not pain) on left side of chest just under the nipple area since last night. Feels like burning sensation. Its constant. The stent booklet suggests I should not feel the stents. Haven't tried nitro yet. Not sure if I should go to ER. Just walked a mile at normal pace and felt fine breathing wise. My BP is in normal range with meds. I am on Plavix, Aspirin, Zocor, Lisinopril and Lopressor. Some side effects I am feeling are: Gout, Blurred vision mostly at night and gastric stomach. I am taking prednisone (tapered dose) for Gout and Prilosec for gastric issue. Would love to know if anyone has tried any remedies for such side effects. I have primary care and cardio appointments next week. Hopefully I will get my dosage adjusted. Right now I am trying to decide if I should go to ER with this chest uncomfort? I thank you all for posting your stories here. Very helpful.
AD, Leesburg, Virginia, USA, July 25, 2009

• I am a 55yr. old female and had a heart attack. I had 100% blockage of my Right Coronary Artery and had a medicated stent put in. That was June 3, 09 I have a poking feeling in my chest sometimes it feels like something is stuck there. Is that normal? Will it go away? Maybe it's the stent I feel. Anyone else have that feeling?
Lynn S., Rochester, New York, USA, July 24, 2009

• i had a stent put in my heart a couple of weeks ago and i still feel discomfort and little pain is it normal or what is going on?
Dighto Lane, Towanda, Pennsylvania, USA, July 24, 2009

• Wanted to call attention to Joyce's posting on July 13, 2009 in the topic "Angioplasty Recovery Period" -- addresses many of the questions being asked here.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 23, 2009

• If you read through the over 400 posts on this topic, you'll see that a number of posters have described chest pains for a while after stenting. Although some describe this going away after a few day or even weeks, pain can be an indicator of any number of things. As for what action you should take, nothing on this Forum should be used in place of medical advice -- every patient's clinical situation is different. Certainly continue trying to contact the cardiologist who did the procedure and impress on his/her office the urgency of your concern. As for a trip to the ER, you really have to judge for yourself if there's a problem needing emergency assistance. Can other readers chime in here? Definitely let the Forum know how things pan out. Also, when you say "stent 25 and 26" are you saying your father has had 26 stents placed??
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 23, 2009

• Hello, I'm new to this site. My father just had stent 25 and 26 place in circumflex on the 21st of July. He has been home since yesterday afternoon, but when I talked to him this morning he states he had chest pain since last night continuing into this morning. He states it's a 5 out of 10 and the pain lasts longer than he is used to then ends and comes back within just a few minutes. My father is not one to c/o pain. Had him call MD office and let them know he was having increased pain that he was not having in hospital and he needs to talk to someone. That was 2 hours ago and still no RN or MD has returned his call. I think he should let me take him to ER, but he "doesn't want to bother anyone". Has anyone else with stent placement had this increased specific pain after procedure? Like I said he has had many angios with stent placement and has not had this problem. Any help!?!?!
KNJ, Ontario, Canada, July 23, 2009

• I just got an stint [stent] last Saturday and it's coming to Wednesday now and i kinda still have the fluttering and little pain what is up with that does anyone know? And does the Ramipril really help fluttering?
GH, Manitoba, Canada, July 22, 2009

• I WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS A PINCHING PAIN IN THEIR CHEST AFTER HAVING A STENT?
Gloria, Meridian, Mississippi, USA, July 14, 2009

• I am a 68 wf who has 8 stents placed 6/13/09 & 6//15/09 & later developed pylonepnritis which required hospitalization for 8 days. I am now home for a week & feel extremely tired & weak. I don't know if it from the stents or infection & I am getting very depressed because I thought I would be better by now. I am seeing the cardiologist on Mon. I hope he has an answer.
Betty, New York, USA, July 11, 2009

• Had a myocardial infarction November 2008, immediate response from our wonderful EMS personnel, got me to the hospital in time to control the heart attack and transport me to another hospital for cath and bare metal stents. Got two in my LAD to remove 80% blockage. Felt fine for 3 weeks during convalescence and then started feeling angina symptoms. 6 weeks to the day I drove myself to ER and was there all day. All tests were negative, but I got cathed again, where they found the bare metal stents had closed up. Got eluding stents placed in same locale and now feel weird all the time. Burning in chest, numbness in arm and face, dizziness or lightheaded. First time all the symptoms hit, about three weeks after operation, I went to ER after taking four sublingual nitro pills. They had no effect what so ever. ER found no indications of MI in progress and Cardiologist said it was Angina. Released me, go to cardio rehab and had a check up. Docs all say I am in great shape with my heart. But symptoms still occurring and they say I am good to go till next year's follow up. Scared every time it happens that it is a MI, but how does one tell... I feel foolish and like I am a whiner for complaining, but what does one do when no one believes you?
John N., Indiana, USA, July 9, 2009

• I had 2 stents put in 2 weeks ago, 06/15/2009 95 percent blocked.48 years old female I feel no better. still have angina and chest tightness, get tired and out of breath easy, chest also feels warm inside when I get the angina.Not sure if it is working as I feel it is not. Going to doctor tomorrow. starting to get depressed.
Helena, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, July 5, 2009

• SK, hi, just to reassure you about your husband, i had stent for lad occlusion 7 weeks ago , one month later i got the same symptoms as your husband , i was subjected to a 2nd cardio-angiogram but every thing was ok. As my doctor told me that what cause this pain is stretching or spasm of the coronary artery because of the stent.What i think the case of your husband is a type of neurosis, he will need a psychological rehabilitation.
Salam, Alislam, Saudi Arabia, June 28, 2009

• In December of last year, I underwent LCX stent placement for a 50% blockage. Since then, I have been dealing with a 'pinching' sensation in the left side of my chest, and the irregular heart rhythms I used to feel once in a while are now occurring several times a day. The doctor says everything is okay, but a lot of these times I feel as if I'm about to pass out. I've also been feeling very tired since then. Any ideas?
Dove, New York, USA, June 27, 2009

• I just completed angioplasty and 2 stents were placed in my coronary distal artery about 3 days ago. When I took my medication after that I experienced pain in the center of my chest every time I swallow. I also feel that same pain whenever I eat but only when I swallow. I didn't have these symptoms prior to my heart cath...what is going on?
Julie, Kansas, USA, June 26, 2009

• Hi, I'm a 60 year old male with a recent heart attack and 2 medicated stents that followed due to significant blockage. 8 months later I am still experiencing minor "ache" in my upper left chest, and occasional "strange" sensations apparently only other stent recipients can understand, because doctors just look at you like you're making it up. I believe a lot of the strange sensations stent recipients believe are heart related are actually just acid reflux: pain, of course, is in an entirely different category, and seems unexplainable in my case, since my cardiologist says "everything's fine!". Hang in there and try different statins, NOT just your doctor's favorite!
Hank, Los Angeles, California, USA, June 22, 2009

• My father has undergone a PTCA procedure done on his left circumflex artery on 10/6/2009. Now he has got a swollen ankle with complaints of short breathness too. He is on ecosprin and clopidogrel and few other medicines. Could these have an effect?
Pranjal, New Delhi, India, June 13, 2009

• I have had a MI, 11 yrs ago. I had my first stent inserted in my LAD it was a bare metal one. Following that five yrs later I had another bare metal stent put into my mid circumflex. I experienced fatigue and chest pains following my first procedure, but felt most of it had to do with med adjustments. The 2nd time I thought something was wrong, I called my cardiologist and she stayed in touch with me throughout the day and the next followed up with me, as she felt what I was describing was a spasm as the interventional cardio inserted a large stent. In time it did let up. 4 yrs later I again had to have angioplasty and had 2 DES stents inserted in my right coronary artery and 1 bare metal stent in my mid circumflex again , and again I suffered pains following and strange sensations. I also had a suffered a infection in my artery and my artery closed down in my arm, I had a lot going on and the discomfort I felt was not very comforting that all was well. It did take a few months for all to calm down, maybe this will help others feel a little comfort. I take a lot of meds and have never completely felt myself again, but I feel pretty good. Just remember doctors prescribe the meds, but I think unless you're taking all these meds yourself, you can't say for sure how your patient feels from them. To end, I think a lot of discomfort some feel after stenting is the body adjusting to the insertion and healing.
Donna G., New York, USA, June 9, 2009

• Wow! To each person's article I've read, God bless each of you. I'm somewhat scared for my friend now. He's getting a stent in tomorrow, he has a partially blocked artery. Right now I don't know much of what's going on because he's not telling me much. He's in Texas and this is the route that he decided to take. I wish him as well as everyone else, the will power to keep going and stay focus on the positive side of life, that's YOU and FAMILY!!!!
Lisa, Missouri, USA, June 1, 2009

• Nilakantan -- muscle or joint pains are a known side-effect of statins. Perhaps your cardiologist can adjust the dose, change to a different statin or you can supplement the cholesterol-reducing effects of the statin through a stricter diet -- although this is not always successful. Re: your earlier post, the Forum is a place for sharing information and not a Q&A vehicle (we'd need a full staff of physicians for that). That being said, your doctors were good in motivating you to change life-style, but progression of coronary disease sometimes does not respond to that (although it's hard to say where you'd be if you hadn't made those adjustments). Medications (such as statins) can also help, but why blockages continue to occur is the mystery of coronary artery disease. Researchers are learning more every day, but for now the use of stents and other catheter interventions, when lifestyle and medical treatment aren't enough, can be very effective in preventing or reducing angina.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 1, 2009

• An year after stent, and six months after further 2 stents in different locations, muscle pains occur. Cardiologist rules out angina and attribute muscle pain to Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor, ed.) which is common. Any therapies for that? By the way my queries of 10 May 2009 still unanswered.
Nilakantan G., Pune, India, May 30, 2009

• I'm a 48 year old male, I had stent put in 10 days ago. Went home with new prescription Metoprolol 25 mg. Also on plavix and lipitor. At night I take a ambien to help go to sleep, but I'm now getting some feelings of Anxiety during the day. Is there a certain time of day I should be taking the Metoprolol. Dr. said she eventually wants to increase Metoprolol to 100 mg. Will this make anxiety worse? or is there something else I could take?
Lee, Iowa, USA, May 26, 2009

• I had a stent put in made by St Judes. it was the drug coated coated, since the stent and the Angioplasty I feel 100 per cent better. I had it done at Staten Island University Hospital, excellent hospital and doctors there. (Editor's note: St. Jude doesn't make a coronary stent -- perhaps Steven is referring to the vascular closure device Angio-Seal, which IS made by St. Jude.)
Steven K., New York, USA, May 23, 2009

• To Madi, Kat and all readers -- the major concern after an angioplasty/stent procedure is an abrupt closure of the artery, something that rarely happens in the stent era -- and something that would have very strong symptoms. Also if patients feel significant angina, this is certainly of concern as well. But, if you look through the almost 400 posts to this topic since it was started, you'll see a similar pattern and complaints, usually somewhat undefined discomforts, strange feelings, etc. These are certainly disturbing, however, many report these do go away as the body adjusts. Some of these complaints may also be due to new medications prescribed. Plavix and aspirin, for example, can have gastric side effects (heartburn, etc.) which is why sometimes antacids, H2 blockers or PPIs are also recommended (but recent studies have shown PPIs -- Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, etc -- may reduce the effectiveness of Plavix). Other drugs may have side-effects of fatigue, muscle pain, etc. And finally, anxiety about these discomforts, and certainly about the discovery of one's coronary artery disease, is known to have physicial manifestations. Some posters report that a visit or two to the cardiologist to adjust the medications or help with these discomforts have provided relief. Relaxation exercises also can ease anxiety. And sharing these concerns, as many do here, is useful just so you know this is a not uncommon experience. Hope this is of some help.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 23, 2009

• Hello. My father suffered a heart attack and had a stent implanted in his artery about 6 months ago. However, he keeps complaining that his chest area feels hot or warm till this day. Many trips to the hospital produces results that there was nothing wrong with him. This burning sensation has made him very tensed and very stressed. Please, please, what is going on and what is the solution? Thanks a million!!
Madi, New South Wales, Australia, May 23, 2009

• I'm a 52 yr old female, just had my second stent in my LAD, and I've been having these 'sharp' pinching kind of pains, and occasionally a 'fluttering' feeling in my chest. Is this normal? My cardiologist says nothing is wrong, everything looks good but he also scheduled me for another stress test. The last one was a week before my latest stent. Does anyone have an explanation for the 'pinching' pain?
Kat, Millville, New Jersey, USA, May 22, 2009

• Hi, On April 22, I had a nuclear stress test and blood work...well 8000.00 worth and got the green light! My heart was in perfect shape..On the 25th I had a major heart attack in the ladies restroom at a roping. I died and then came back..Needless to say, I had 85-95% blockage in 4 arteries. I am home now, my Dr. put 5 stents in, but I am having chest pains quite often and a little shortness of breath. I take the nitro and get some relief but I don't know how many times a day I can take it? For every episode? Are these chest pains normal? I am trying hard not to be afraid!! Anyone have any answers?
CA, Monahans, Texas, USA, May 17, 2009

• Rhonda -- thanks for sharing your situation and feelings with us. Yes, this is a scary time but we urge our patients to communicate as much as possible with the interventional cardiologist. Especially after reading through the materials on a site like ours, the patient is in a better and more informed way to understand what their situation is -- hopefully with less "dread". Your nuclear stress test was possibly positive, but the only way to be sure is to take a direct look via an angiogram. The advantage is that, should something be found, it can be treated in the same procedure -- although you should discuss this with your cardiologist BEFORE the cath lab, if possible. It's possible your existing stent is closing up (in-stent restenosis) -- something which can be addressed by redilating it with a balloon, or possibly another stent inside of the existing one. Or perhaps there is a blockage in another part of the LAD or even another artery. These days bypass surgery is pretty much reserved only for patients with very severe diffuse multivessel disease. There is also the possibility that nothing has changed and the angina is not related to a blockage -- women experience coronary artery disease differently from men. Good luck and please let the Forum know how you fare.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 16, 2009

• Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I was doing some surfing since my latest nuclear chemical stress test and very scared and looking for answers. I had a stent inserted in my LAD in July of 2008. I haven't' had any heart related issues since the stent was put in, until recently. I had one day of mild chest pains on and off through out the day. I reported this to my interventional cardiologist that had me come in for an ekg and a subsequent nuclear chemical stress test. OMG that was the most horrible test. The drugs make me feel like my lungs were collapsing and on fire. I had an immediate headache and became nauseated and throwing up less than 2 minutes into the test. The nurse that day told me everything looked fine. The next day Friday at 5 pm I got a call from his office telling me some ischemia was noted in the test that they want me to go in for another angiogram. The test indicated some further blockage but that my heart was pumping well. That's literally all she could tell me. Now I'm terrified. I don't know anything other than the blockage is on the left side again. So could it be my LAD? do I need yet another stent in that area? Could I be looking at having heart by pass now? I wasn't able to speak to my Dr. 5:00 on a Friday of course he was unreachable. I'm 44 years old. I never expected to be dealing with all of this at my age. My family does have significant instance of heart disease though. My Dad had bypass surgery at the age of 46. Until reading this site I didn't even know it was possible to put more than one stent in the same vessel like the LAD. Maybe that's what they will do? I guess I wont have any answers till after Monday's angiogram. I'm just really scared.
Rhonda, Marble Falls, Texas, USA, May 16, 2009

• Saeed and others feeling pains after stenting -- take note of Natalia's post below from May 13 (thank you Natalia!!) and also read my post from March 21.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 16, 2009

• i am 35 year old an Had a stent placed in L coronary (85% blockage) 2 months ago. After the blockage was discovered thanks to a persistent PCP, and the stent inserted, now some time I am feeling chest pain. i have tested the blood and treadmill walk, the result seemed fair but still i am feeling pain in my chest some time can you please explain?
Saeed, Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 14, 2009

• THIS MIGHT HELP -- My mother, 74 y/o. prior to stenting she experienced chest pain once every 3 ms radiating to the jaw. She was recently stented. After the 1st stent, she developed severe chest pain several times a day. Her cardiologist did another angiogram and put another stent in. The chest pain subsided for a week and came back with the same severity radiating to the left arm and jaw and back. She went back for another angio which showed 10% occlusion which is minimal. Her cardiologist explained that the heart is having spasms and they need to come up with the right cocktail of meds to relieve those spasms. They have tried many different medications for 4 months. The pain is basically gone now. She is taking: Lopressor 25mg twice a day;Norvasc 5mg twice a day;Plavix 75mg once a day; Aspirin 325mg once a day;Nitro patch 0.4mg 8a.m-8p.m.; Zocor 20 mg at night. Also, try to take some Xanax .25 at night it calms everything down. Once in a while she gets some numbness in the tongue and jaw and some residual chest pain but not as sever as before She takes nitro spray for that and she gets instant relief. I hope this helps. Good luck to all of you.
Natalia, New York, USA, May 13, 2009

• I had a stent placed in April 2008 for a 96% blockage. At that time 2 smaller blockages of 45% and 50% were also present, but the doctors assured me that they would at least remain the same with medication, diets and exercises. I followed that regime to a T, but again in Oct 2008 felt the same symptoms of an attack. Angiogram revealed that the minor blockages had escalated to 96% and 98%, which necessitated in implanting two more stents. Now I feel fine and fit, with walking of about 5 miles a day, strict diet control, but sometimes feel a slight pain in the chest, which is NOT activity related. My questions are
1.Can another blockage develop within 6 months?
2.Can I increase my exercises to include swimming too?
Nilakantan G., Pune, India, May 10, 2009

• I had a stent placed on 4/24/09 in my LAD. It's a week later and I'm experiencing chest pressure and it feels more difficult to breath. For the past 6 hours I've been feeling what can only be described as stabbing pains in my back. They are like spasms, that come 5 or 6 in a row and subside for a while and come back an hour or so later. I still feel winded climbing stairs, but my heart isn't racing like it used to when I'd get to the top. I don't feel much different than before the procedure (I had one artery blocked over 70%.) How long do the pressure and breathing difficulties go on for? Also, has anyone ever experienced this stabbing pain. It feels like a knife being stuck in my back.
Sherry, Burlington, Wisconsin, USA, May 3, 2009

• It's been 4 weeks since I had a stent placed in my left ccm. Prior to my heart attack, I was feeling great and never was sick a day in my 57 years. Since I had a stent put in, I been having weird chest sensations, it feels like my heart to moving and I constantly seem to be taking deep breaths. I went back to my doctor and he told me that everything was fine. I wonder how long these sensation will last, I am awoken most nights out of my sleep with heart sensations.
Larry, Naples, Florida, USA, April 23, 2009

• Hi There my name is Sean and I am 32 years of age.On the 16/01/2009 I experienced severe central chest pain and shortness of breath which lasted an hour or so, it got to the point I went to the hospital. I was diagnosed with a spontaneous right coronary artery dissection and required a bare metal stent. A month later I started to get the pain again but not as bad but in the same place, all my other arteries are clear, I have no blockages and a fasting Cholesterol of 3.3. I went straight to the hospital where they decided to do another angiogram just to make sure all was ok with the stent, it had started to heal well and there were no obvious problems. Since then and it's now april I have been in and out of hospital with the same pain, I have had every test under the sun and nothing! So they send me home with anti-inflammatories and panadiene.This is driving me crazy, is this just stent pain? I thought stent pain only went on for a week or two after insertion? Does anyone have any ideas,I have seen 3 cardiologists who cannot explain the pain which makes it all the worse. Regards.
Sean Clark, Australia, April 5, 2009

• Update from my 10/2/08 AMI and stent in my circumflex: After a visit to the emergency room on 3/19, I went in on 3/27 for Ad Hoc Angioplasty. Two Medtronic DES stents were placed in my LAD to correct a 90% and 80% blockage. I feel great, better than I have in years, except for the headaches. I hope they will subside soon as my body adjusts to the increased blood flow.
Eve, Petaluma, California, USA, April 5, 2009

• GR -- many on this Forum topic have noted feeling "abnormal" for a week or more after a procedure (balloon or stent) but different patients have different experiences. New drug regimens also can have effects, especially on the elderly. Sometimes dose adjustments or changes in meds are done. (But don't stop taking anything, especially Plavix, without consulting your doctor.) Specifically fatigue is listed as an uncommon but possible side-effect of statins. Fatigue can also come from feelings of depression which are not uncommon -- pretty normal actually. But don't take any of this as medical advice -- that's something only your cardiologist can give. If you are having a communications problem with your doctor, perhaps a second opinion would be a good idea.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 4, 2009

• I had a DES and ballooning in RCA last month, placed on aspirin, Plavix, statin and metoprolol. Have not had a day where I feel my "normal" self since. Went back this week and saw the case manager at the cardiologist's office who sternly assured me that none of my meds could be causing my fatigue. She ran an EKG and did thyroid, which I knew would show nothing. My EKGs were normal even with the blockages. She all but dismissed me as a whining little ole lady. Trust me, I am not. I located this forum to see if it were just me or if others had the same problem. I'm afraid of going off this stuff now that I have read about the possibilities. I'm becoming very despondent over the whole situation.
GR, Florida, USA, April 3, 2009

• I am a 57 yof I had a stent placed in my RCA in Aug of 2008 I never felt good after the stent. I work in a hosp as a Resp therapist and work 12 hr shifts on my feet most of the day. I started having SOB and extreme exhaustion. I came home on a Sun night at 8 PM and slept until Tues morning. I went to my cardiologist and had a positive stress test I had to have another stent put in the LAD for blockage in Mar of 2009. Now I am worried this is going to be an ongoing thing, stent every 6 months. Everyone I talk to too in the Drs. office has multiple stents, lil scarey.
Jill Asaro, Houston, Texas, USA, March 21, 2009

• To posters who are concerned that something is wrong, what we read from a large number of you is that there is a tightness or heaviness in the chest immediately post-stenting. This has been reported before and may be an adjustment to the stenting, and the increased blood flow. It may also be a symptom of anxiety, which naturally follows any type of significant medical issue. But we always urge patients to listen to their own body and, if they feel something is not right, not to hesitate calling their cardiologists, preferably the interventional cardiologist who did the stenting procedure -- he/she is trained to spot potential problems post-procedure. As for tests to see if everything is ok, you should discuss these with your doctor, and also read our section on Patient Guide to Heart Tests.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 21, 2009

• my father had heart pain since few days and doctors advised to have tmt test and it was +ve and doctors did angiogram and they put stent 5 days back , but after putting stent he is feeling discomfort like he has pain in between heart and shoulder and he is depressed and tense. We consulted several doctors for second opinion and they took ECG and say it might be muscular pain as they find ECG doesn't show any problem. What could be causing this or are than any suggestions on what our next step should be?
Suniath, Dallas, Texas, USA, March 18, 2009

• I am 50yrs old and had 2 stents done in my heart artery in Jan 2007. To date, I feel worse than before the stent. My heart feels very tight and pain. I experienced missed heart beat. I have breathless days. My shoulder and heart area feels very tight and as though I cant breathe enough oxygen. Went back to the Doctor and went through more test but the result the doctor said is " I am ok. Everything is fine" I still feel the stress in my heart. What should I do?
Phil, Singapore, March 12, 2009

• It has been approx. 2 months that I have had 2 stents inserted with a blockage of 70 - 90%, am currently on Plavix and Lipitor, symptoms include not as energetic, my left arm, from my forearm and down, I feel as if someone is applying pressure, A little tingly, my chest doesn't hurt but I do feel some pressure in middle of chest. I will be scheduling appointment with Dr. i want to schedule as a precaution. Is this normal or should I worry?
Manuel P., San Antonio, Texas, USA, March 11, 2009

• Eve -- sorry to hear of your story. Our Forum Topic, Complications from Catheterization, Angiogram or Angioplasty, contains stories of others who have experienced femoral access site complications (currently reported as around 3%) some with extensive bleeding, such as yourself. (You might be interested in reading about the alternative of using the wrist or transradial access site, which has radically reduced bleeding complications.) Let us know how you fare with the new stents.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 11, 2009

• On 10/2/08 I thought I had a bad case of indigestion. I quickly did some research on the web and determined it was either indigestion or a heart attack. I drove myself to the nearest emergency, got hooked up to the monitors and it was determined that I was having a myocardial infarction. Emergency intervention and an ambulance ride to a different hospital found me in the cath lab undergoing the stent procedure on a 99% blocked circumflex artery. During the procedure they perforated my femoral artery and I lost 5 pints of blood. 4 days in ICU - 1 day in a regular room and I was released from the hospital. I found out that my LAD also had two blockages (80 & 90% respectively) which were not addressed at the time of my heart attack. On now what I call "heart bean soup" I take numerous medications daily. Recently I underwent the Thallium stress test since I have been having some difficulty exercising and dealing with normal every day activities. The stress test showed now abnormalities with my heart muscle but the EKG was positive for ischemia. My cardiologist had me get a copy of my CD rom from the procedure in the hospital and we looked at it together. NOTE: I have never had chest pains, pain radiating down my arm, etc. - just the horrible indigestion I felt when I had the heart attack. I have been diagnosed with "silent ischemia" and am now scheduled to have two additional stents on 4/2/09.
Eve, Petaluma, California, March 10, 2009

• SK -- stress can play a large part -- anxiety, shortness of breath are all related. This is not to say there's no other problem, but if he has had caths that show the artery open, then it's probably not the stent. As for allergic reactions, could possibly be to the drugs. Is he allergic to metals of any sort? Some studies have shown the polymer coating on first generation drug-eluting stents to cause inflammatory responses, but the Endeavor stent actually has a very biocompatible polymer. Has he gotten a second opinion, specifically from another interventional cardiologist??
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 3, 2009

• My husband had an 80% blockage to LAD. An Endeavor stent was placed. Since then he has been having shortness of breath and chest pains. He was sent for a second opinion. He has had all together 4 caths since Nov 24. The shortness of breath gets worse. The physicians say that the heart looks fine and we saw a pulmonologist that says that all pulmonary functions look ok. He is on Plavix and Lipitor. He tells me that he is dying slowly. I don't know what to do. No one will listen to us. He is very sick and has been to at least 5 doctors. Any suggestions?
SK, Canton, Georgia, USA, March 2, 2009

• Bill -- see the "stent study" at the top of the right hand column. Also read our 2005 story, "Drug-Eluting Stents May Cause Allergic Reactions".
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 27, 2009

• In December of 2007 I had a Taxus Express 2 Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stents implanted (2). For the past year I have developed a severe rash on my entire body and large dark red blotches on my arms. I am suffering from severe itching and burning. I was taken off Plavix and Hydrochlorothiazide as a possible cause but to date have had no relief. After reading similar postings, I feel that all these problems are related to the stent implant. My cardiologist disagrees. I've been to several dermatologists (given creams, cortisone, prednisone) and am now considering an allergist. The question is what can he do for me. I'm desperate for some relief.
Bill, Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA, February 21, 2009

• Donna -- everyone reacts differently -- on this Forum hears mostly from people who are having problems -- remember the vast majority of patient don't. Sounds like you've suddenly got to make significant lifestyle changes (diet and heavy smoking) as well as adjusting to new medications -- not to mention the anxiety of discovering you have CAD, which is normal. That's a lot to deal with, but get help from friends and medical professionals (e.g. smoking cessation -- which is VERY important, but you know that). The stent itself is probably not the cause of these symptoms. Luckily you did not progress to a heart attack, which means your heart is working ok, so use this chance to move forward and make those changes that ultimately will make you feel better. If you continue to have symptoms, definitely see your cardiologist. You might need to have your medications adjusted.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 10, 2009

• Hello, I underwent a cardiac cath 3 days ago that resulting in the placement of one drug-eluting stent placed in a previously 80% blocked artery. I have two other "minor" blockages that will only be treated via my new medication regimen, my new diet and the fact that I MUST give up a rather heavy smoking habit. For the record, I am a 51 year old female. Since the procedure, I am experiencing mild chest pain on a regular basis that I can only describe as "twinges of pain and a fluttering-like feeling". I also am experiencing some pain and discomfort in my left upper arm, shoulder and neck. There has also been some twitching or spasm on the underside of my forearm about mid-way between the bend of my elbow and my wrist. I have also had mild headaches, dizziness, some mild nausea and a few episodes of breaking into a cold, clammy sweat. This is my first stent, I realize that on am also adjusting to new medications: Plavix, aspirin, Crestor, Coreg CR, Digoxin....the problem is that I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT TO FEEL, NOR FOR HOW LONG!! Is the normal, when will it subside???? I do not wish to not react if I should be reacting, nor do I wish to over-react! Can anyone help out a fellow panicky person who is adjusting to CAD??? Much appreciation!
Donna, Maryland, USA, February 2, 2009

• following placement of 2 cardiac stents after some months of what was thought to be reflux pain I am finding the pain to be more frequent and severe, a burning ache type pain which can come on at rest or with exercise, only hoping time will heal.
TT, Australia, January 25, 2009

• Arthur -- check out our related topic, "Complications from Catheterization, Angiogram or Angioplasty" -- you'll find many patients who have had similar problems at the femoral (groin) access site -- and some who have suggestions.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 24, 2009

• hello i had a stent inserted due to arterial blockage... after the operation....July 2008.....i was also diagnosed with PAD..... the problem is.... in the right leg where the femoral artery was accessed..... i have developed severe pains from the calf and below ....... particularly while sleeping....... the right foot gets cold...and severe sharp pains in the foot awaken me.... also when i walk..i develop pains and need to rest my leg after walking a couple of hundred feet...... i had none of this before the femoral incision and stent placement... any help you can offer me would be greatly appreciated... thank you
Arthur Dinkel, Denville, New Jersey, USA, January 21, 2009

• Wow I just found this site...I'm not crazy. I have complained to my Dr. every year for the last three years at my yearly exam about weird chest pain but the EKG was negative Then in May 2008 I went to a cardiologist and a hour later I'm in the hospital getting a stent. Everything written on this site is true ...I have weird pain in chest Dr.s looks at me like I'm nuts. Shoulder pain at times. Heavy breathing at times, bleeding from nose, The list goes on and I'm sick of it. Wife is in her own world and has turned against me and has become anorexic. Don't eat this Don't eat that. Exercise ....if I get on a machine the way I feel It will be the last thing I do. Do Dr.s know about this stuff? and not saying anything. or do they just don't know what's going on! What do I do? What do I do? Living in fear. Help.
George L., Clinton Corners, New York, USA, January 19, 2009

• I'm a 48-year old male diabetic who suffered a heart attack early Jan 2009, and had 1 stent inserted. My anxiety is not as bad as in the first few days after the procedure, but I continue to experience some chest discomfort in the area of the pectoral muscles on and off during the day, & a weakness in my left arm. Am on Plavix, Bilicor, and Ecotrin (aspirin). Also Simvastatin for cholesterol.
MT, Johannesburg, South Africa, January 14, 2009

• 5 stents 12 months ago and still have chest pain. Shortness of breath everyday. Is it common? I am 47 years old.
Steve, Napa, California, USA, January 11, 2009

• Hi, I'm 46 years old female. I had 2 stents placed 2 days ago (1/09/09) one in the RCA (80%) which already had 4 stents in it and a small stent placed in the Circumflex (90%) Since then I'm feeling a new feeling of tightness in the chest almost like if you were getting a chest cold. Now it's hard to take a deep breath that heavy /tight feeling. With no wheezing at this time. I've also have had slight right jaw pain which is one of the signs that got me in the hospital to begin with, this started as I was coming up the 6 steps to enter my house after leaving the hospital and a pain between my shoulder blades which was there before I had the stents the same pain I'm hoping maybe it is something else and maybe it is. The heaviness/tightness started during the night I woke up trying to get my breath. Can anyone relate to these same signs??
Brenda J. , Maryland, USA, January 11, 2009

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