Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Upcoming Nuclear Stress Test

    Posted 05-08-2021 09:53
    Have not felt real well since November 2020, but was unable because of Covid
    to get in to see my Cardiolgist.  The Cardio Office called me last week and said
    "Your doctor is leaving, we would like you to come and see your new doctor"

    Told My new Doctor that I am increasingly tired and feel my life force is draining out
    of me.  An EKG and the Doc put me on Isosorbide and after a week my life force
    has returned, not with a Jedi vengence, but enough now to get through the day 

    And of course that is scary to me.  Am having a Nuclear Stress Test next Thursday,
    EKG shows a Upper Left Chamber that is a bit bigger then it was 2 years ago
    which causes fatigue, and breathlessness.  I am concerned that perhaps this 
    may be a continuing problem and was wondering if anyone takes Nitroglycerin Or 
    Isosorbide on a daily basis.

    Thank you if anyone has some info on this drug

    Mary


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    Mary H
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  • 2.  RE: Upcoming Nuclear Stress Test

    Posted 05-09-2021 09:37
    Hello Mary
    I'm glad you wrote and happy to meet you. Since you were seeing a cardiologist, and now have to get to know a new one, it seems you've needed some heart care. The pandemic has been difficult for many people like you. You obviously have a sense of yourself when you talk about your life force.  The nuclear stress test will provide much useful information.

    Yes, I take nitroglycerine 4 mg tablets under my tongue when I have angina; I feel mine as pain in my jaw.  I also take isosorbide mononitrate 60 mg tablets twice a day. It's an extended release form of nitroglycerine.  Both drugs dilate the coronary arteries to help blood flow to the heart muscle.  These drugs may cause a drop in blood pressure, dizziness and a headache.  I've adapted fairly readily and take five drugs for angina among other cardiac drugs.

    I encourage you to relax as much as possible as you wait for your test. The technicians will guide you helpfully through this procedure. There are many next steps that can be taken depending on what is learned.

    Others may have other points to add what I've shared.  Will you please keep us posted?  Your vital life forces are very adaptable and resilient.  We're made to survive many things and to find joy in life.  Deep breath and carry on!

    Wishing you well,
    Doris


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    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
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  • 3.  RE: Upcoming Nuclear Stress Test

    Posted 05-09-2021 09:47
    Thank you so much Doris

    Even Dr Google does not have a lot of specific info about daily use of Nitroglycerine.  I did read though that many doctors are starting to use isosorbide on a daily basis but not enough is known yet about using it just for certain symptoms

    Thank you so much for your reply Doris
    I really really appreciate that

    Mary





  • 4.  RE: Upcoming Nuclear Stress Test

    Posted 05-09-2021 10:02
    You've learned more from Dr. Google than I have, Mary.?? My current heart
    issues began last August with CABG, complications, trip to Cleveland
    Clinic and another stent. So I've only been on daily use of nitro since
    September. I didn't know this was new. I'm having no problems with it
    and believe it, along with the other drugs prescribed in Cleveland, are
    stabilizing me.?? I've not had angina for a month now; grateful for that.
    DE




  • 5.  RE: Upcoming Nuclear Stress Test

    Posted 05-09-2021 15:11
    Hello Doris, I am enclosing a link I found on DR Google
    when I was prescribed isosorbide.


    Here is a snippet from the article in case it will not open for you.
    My doctor says they are also using it now to increase blood flow in the brains where Stroke may be expected at some time in the future if no treatments are used

    "My personal view is that these medications are seriously underused. Nitrates have substantial benefits both for chronic stable coronary disease and for heart failure," says Dr. James Januzzi, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the cardiac intensive care unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. Nitrates can help treat and prevent bouts of angina and reduce the overall number of attacks, he says. And people with heart failure may reap additional benefits. For instance, by expanding large veins in the legs and lungs, nitrates lower the amount of blood returning to the heart, easing fluid buildup in the lungs and combating shortness of breath."

    I was prescribed the isosorbide because my Blood/Oxygen has started to drop to 85 and 88 on exercise.  I do feel better after a week on the Nitro

    Thank you so much Doris