reversible ischemia - Heart Disorders Message Board

time4change · 01-03-2008, 06:43 PM

I have had an exercise stress test. The results show there is a suggestion of reversible ischemia. I'm booked for surgery in 10 days and I"m worried I won't be able to go ahead.
Has anyone had any experiences that you could share.
I'm really in need of the surgery.

thanks

Beefsteak · 01-04-2008, 09:31 AM

HI Fellow Aussie, The term "reversible" ischemia is a bit of a contradiction. Ischemia generally is not easily reversible. No drug, lifestyle change, diet plan or exercise routine has been developed as a reliable routine for reversing if. More commonly it is called "refractory" ischemia - meaning that for most of the elderly population the arteries become stiff and inflexible (cemented), whereas in younger people - especially children, the syptoms of ischemia (the narrowing of arteries) can be reversed as their arteries respond well to exercise and diet changes.
To just prevent the ischemia from progressing would be a great first step. My cardiologist classes it as a "progressive" disease. Whether or not people can make changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise and stick with them each and every day in order to even halt the disease is the question we are all asking ourselves.
Cheers Beefsteak.

time4change · 01-04-2008, 11:36 AM

hi Beefsteak, thanks for your reply.
I am making huge life style changes, and with each one I realise how much I put my body thru.
Stopped smoking: Nicotine free for 8 days
Weight: lost 6kg in a week so far, I'm on a pre op diet..yes I"m huge lol, I"m supposed to be having gastric banding which is why the surgery is so important to me.
Exercising: Instead of sitting I"m walking.. slowly but managing around a school oval each day.
Mentally: I'm brighter and more positive because of my changes
I'm just scared now that the angiogram could put off my surgery.