At 40 years old, a best friend had a heart attack on April 11th and was "Stented" with a drug coated stent for a 100% blockage on the left side. About two weeks later, he went back to the hospital and was stented again (seperate artery...side artery with a 70% blockage) and failed a "tilt" test and an EP lab test. Since he failed the electrical tests he received a pacemaker and defibrillator. After a few days of recovering in the hospital, he returned home. About another week went by with no issues. Everyone, including him, thought he was getting better. Then he felt faint, had general discomfort in his chest and thus called 911 and was once again taken to the local hospital. At the hospital, they decided that it was likely anxiety, so prescibed some zanax and then decided to do a nuclear stress test. The test was done (Four and 1/2 weeks after April 11th) and showed an abnormality. The cardiologist who read the test said that his heart was pumping at 40% capacity and wanted to Cath him again to check for restenosis. However, his main cardiologist at a very well known heart center informed him that there was no way that the stent was closing again (It was simply too soon) and that the Stress Test was done way too early and thus in his opinion deemed unreliable. To educate and put us at ease he informed us that he opened all arteries, had a pacemaker and Defib. and needed time to recover before a new stress test. This was Monday May 21st. He was essentially released to go back to a normal or at least semi-normal schedule. Since Monday my friend has been working a couple hours a day to keep busy. Today in the office he had the faint feeling return and some numbness in his left arm return. He also described a slight discomfort in his chest and seemed very anxious. He took a Nitro sublingually and swallowed a zannax. After about 30 -45 minutes the syptoms subsided and felt better. I am very worried about my friend and would appreciate any insight or advice anyone can offer.
Thanks in advance!!!
Tom