scheduled for an angiogram on Monday 9/13/2026

You sound a little like me. After I was diagnosed with Afib I had cardioversion which put me back in sinus rhythm and then a PFA. I was on metropolol (which I didn't tolerate very well) but then stopped after the PFA. Prior to the PFA they did a CT scan to locate all of the organs around the heart so they are not affected during the ablation. The CT scan found moderate to severe blockage of the 3 main arteries. Had the strees test which verified the blockaage and then an angiogram. The angiogram found 40% blockage in some arteries and one small insignificant artery had 70%. The new protocal for a blockage in the 40% range is to do nothing. No angioplasty. They only do angioplasty if they need to open an artery to place a stent. The reason for this change in protocal is that studies show that people who have the angioplasty are back in 6 months with the same blockage problems. The only issue I had with the angioplasty procedure was some swelling and brusing of my left wrist where they placed the catheter. The swelling only lasted for a couple of days. I am doing some exercise running and have no symptoms that would indicate any cardio problems.

I really wish I could be helpful and offer more hope, but I am a realist, and fundamentally honest....perhaps to a fault. I think, at your age, and with the comorbidities you mention that have been present for some time, that....yes, you are likely to be in for several years of several doctor's office visits or even hospital visits. If you're not so far advanced, or deteriorated, maybe compromised, you might do well with some diet counseling, some close monitoring, lifestyle changes, and even possibly reverse some of the damage or the state of advancement. It's always possible, but it might take a great deal of learning, energy, and determination. Stick to itiveness.

Thank you for responding to my post. Gloaming,bi appreciate whatever anyone wants to say. I'd rather be realistic with this rather saying, "Don't worry, everything will be fine.". I've already made a lifestyle change loosing a whole bunch of weight and that's when I found out I was diabetic. I lost more weight and brought down the A1c, that's when the heart problems started. I'm not giving up, I'm going to make more changes because that's always the better choice. I'm just kinda worn out and feeling very exhausted. I use to sew and make quilts. I love making pine needle basketry. These things just spark my interest and I used to get so excited about all that. Today I cleaned my house and that's all I could do. I wasn't even finished but felt like I needed to stop. Plus it's been really hot here in so. California. I have myelopathy and a recent Laminectomy. I developed a large bone spur at C5 /6. It put so much pressure on my nerve that I have lost a lot of muscle loss from nerve injury and loss the ability to raise my left arm up over my head and I can't carry a cup of coffee in that hand or I drop it. I don't feel defeated more like frustrated. Anyway, I'm a tough cookie and I'll keep going.
Suerte, you've been through a lot. Sounds like you found some nice care. It's not an easy road navigating our health issues. We have a fight chance here. Thank you, Jan

@janagain Jan, bless you for continuing the good fight. At our ages, life isn't easy, and it's sliding down the slope an inch at a time...all the time. But, maybe with some physical therapy, when you can get enough mojo to present at a clinic, will help you to restore some limb strength and movement. My wife tore her rotator cuff 14 years ago reaching for a hand-hold as she was slipping and falling. We got the repair done about three months later, and then followed an entire month of physical therapy, plus whatever else she would/could do on her own between sessions. That worked amazingly well! Unfortunately she went on to breast cancer, and this year fractured a wrist in April and her humerus just four weeks ago, both with falls she doesn't remember. Worrying, but...and here's where the difference lies between patients who go down kicking and screaming and those who fold up like lawn chairs...she has gone to every appointment, both orthopedic surgeon and physio, and is making very good progress. Thank the Big Guy! She's a fighter, and she knows I love her and would goad her to endure the tough sessions that buy her a future...a bright and capable future.

You sound like the same kind gal. You're no cheap lawn chair. 😀

@gloaming
I'm laughing so hard, thank you because I imagine the lawn chair slapping together and dragged away. That is so funny and man, I'm gonna use that if you don't mind!
I have been to so much physical therapy Im going to grab their chair even if it isn't a folding chair and go home. 😂 Lolol
Monday is my angiogram and I'm gearing up for that. . Right now I stopped to put my feet up and read your great response. I'm so glad your Mom's a fighter too. You are such wonderful support for her. I'm glad she has felt results too!
Thank you for responding to my post, you made my day!