Recently, on the news, there was a segment about the dye injected into our bodies when we have an angiogram. I had an angiogram done in March 2009 and this report concerned me greatly.
This dye appears to have adverse long-term and short-term effects on 81% of those who receive it although it is not not necessarily fatal.
However, according to a study done in Ontario, Canada (where I live), this dye increases the risk of heart attack, which I already had before the angiogram and stent was inserted, stroke, kidney failure and death within one year by 14%. It was even worse with Type 2 diabetics, which I am. The report ended by saying, "we want to make a safe procedure, even safer".
By the time this statement was made, I had freaked out thinking that the drs had recommended the angioplasty and stent but now the dye was toxic so I am still at risk, not only for another blockage but for toxicity. It took awhile but I finally managed to think straight enough to realize that one study is not conclusive and that if the procedure is "safe" and medical researchers want to make it "safer" by somehow adjusting the dye then maybe I was overreacting. Why, then, can't I shake the feeling that something is going on? Who funded this study? The companies that make the dye? Is it about money and profit? Are those of us who have had an angiogram at increased risk?
It seems like ever since having a heart attack, I have been existing in fear over doing anything. Even the stress test was an ordeal but that's another story.
Does anyone know anything or have you heard anything about this dye that is injected into us putting us at increased risk of another heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and - death? Any Type 2 diabetics who have noticed anything unusual after being exposed to this dye?
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Angiogram Dye Injections
- By lonewolf7
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 8:06 am · 27 replies
- In Emotional and psychological issues
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Heart disease Stroke Diabetes Kidney stones Anxiety Angina Pain Heart attack Stent Stress
27 replies
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- By lonewolf7
- Posted August 16, 2009 at 10:51 am
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I'm glad I don't eat shellfish.
There are so many things that we, as patients, are unaware of but "should be". Often we don't know what questions to ask or are dismissed if we do and labelled "difficult" if we keep asking. I've learned a lot from reading about other women's experiences and am glad a website like this exists. Sometimes it's the unknown rather than the known that is the most frightening and the information that is shared here is invaluable.
- By Annette_Bernadette
- Posted August 15, 2009 at 4:35 pm
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Something not mentioned in the discussions that I saw was the increased risk of developing an iodine/shellfish allergy which happen to me. After my stent but before my double bypass, I had an angiogram and then a couple of months later had some crab, sent me to the e-room in an ambulance. I had another angiogram a few months ago. Stupidly, had a bowl of clam chowder 2 weeks ago that contributed to a severe angina attack on top of the allergic symtoms. Sadly, I live near the coast and I love sea food. I can't bear to even look at the stuff now that I have had two severe reactions (three if I count the time I didn't go to the hospital). I was never allergic to any foods until this and my cardiologist says this is more common than originally thought. So cautiously watch the shellfish intake. Take Care All
- By Nancy-in-KC
- Posted July 9, 2009 at 9:33 am
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Lauren, in my case, because I have chronic kidney disease, the last two caths I've had they have given me medication in an effort to protect my kidneys from the effect of the dye, which is harmful to my kidneys because they are diseased. What I can't tell you is whether this is standard practice for someone with normal kidney function. I suspect they will run blood tests prior to the procedure to check your kidney function (creatinine, etc) to determine whether this extra step is needed - but I would suggest that you talk to your docs about it if you are concerned. Let us know how it goes!
Nancy
- By HopefullySearching
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 6:18 pm
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This is my first post to the site. I have been hestitant to undergo an angiogram/stenting for many reasons, one of which is my allergic reaction to the dye during a CT scan (same dye used for the angio). During the CT my heart rate increased and resperation shallow and fast so obsured the CT it was usless. I felt like a worn out rag for a good 10 hours following the CT. The people performing the tests dismissed my reaction, however, the surgeon did say it was an allergic reaction that could be overcome by steriods prior to the angiogram/stent procedure. From what I have read some specialists recommend alternatives to angiogram/other stuff if there is the allergy concern coupled with location of the issue, and/or high blood pressure (I have all three!)... so there in lies my delimma.
I also notice in my own experience I read a lot of research and have to try to consider the source and weigh it with other research (no small thing and it is overwhelming to me)...
Finally, if I could find a team of medical professionals I trust I think that is the answer for me! Good luck.
- By bluesea
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 4:51 pm
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What exactly is prepping the kidneys before an angiogram mean? I want to talk to my doctor about it. They've never mentioned it to me before my angiograms. I've had four angiog.s in four years and will prob. have to have another one in a few months so I want to protect my kidneys.
With type one diabetes and have found my sugars shoot way up after nuclear stress tests and angiograms for a few days. I am one of those that have an allergic reaction to both tests with flu like symptoms for 3 or 4 days after. Dr.s have told me some people develop an allergy the more frequent you have angiograms, but as we can all tell from these comments, we are all so different.
I've made a decision not to have any more tests unless I can tell I'm really not able to breathe well going upstairs, that's my marker for occlusion. The doctors will feel I'm being non compliant, but I'm the one dealing with the aftermath for several days.
I've had several doctors tell me the angiograms are not terrifically dangerous and prob. need to believe that because it's too anxiety building to think otherwise. Some amount of denial and ignorance can be helpful I think because the angiograms have saved my life also.
good luck to all.
Lauren
- By lvfrogs
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 9:44 am
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Lonewolf, CT is Cat Scan. I had one for my pelvic area. Still waiting results. I imagine the dye is the same stuff that your son had.
Trissie - you are welcome. I have only had one small incident since then. One good thing came out of it then!
Afargelli-I had two heart caths in one month. The doctor did not put a stent in either time - too risky of a place with not enough blockage to warrant it. So recovery was fairly good. Way more bruising and soreness the 2nd time around so I just took it easy.
Let us know how you do!
- By lonewolf7
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 1:51 am
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martzj - Do you know what caused the stents to become blocked? I thought the whole idea was to open the artery and prevent further blockage?
afargelli - sometimes they just push the "plaque" back against the artery walls if the block is not too big and don't put in a stent. Just having them look and see is a way of ensuring everything is fine and if not, to correct it. From what I've learned on here, a stent isn't always necessary.
- By martzj
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 11:49 am
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Hi aftergelli,
I had two stents (one in LAD, 1996) deployed via angiograms....Then a 3rd cath three years later when both stents were shown to be more than 70% blocked + area of dead heart muscle was expanding (ischemic). Although the blockages were scar tissue, not CAD, the cardio pulled out and said we would medically manage it from that point on. I was home and active the next day (Halloween night : ) It is scary not knowing what can happen.....but sometimes you may be pleasantly surprised!
hugs to you,
Jaynie
- By afargelli
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 7:13 am
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I am scheduled for a angio on Thursday. I had a stent placed LAD in 12/09. I had a chemical stress stess test that showed a mild defect in apical wall.
The point is that I am scared and now with the dye, the angio and what to expect afterwards. It took months to get back on track after the stent. Can anyone tell me what to expect if this turns out to be a look and see and no stent?
- By afargelli
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 7:13 am
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I am scheduled for a angio on Thursday. I had a stent placed LAD in 12/09. I had a chemical stress stess test that showed a mild defect in apical wall.
The point is that I am scared and now with the dye, the angio and what to expect afterwards. It took months to get back on track after the stent. Can anyone tell me what to expect if this turns out to be a look and see and no stent?
- By Clematis
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 7:26 pm
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In regards to nuclear testing and bodily reation, my sister insists that I drink Cilantro tea for five days after all my tests. This herb cleanses the aluminums and metals from our bodies. I now make and drink green and cilantro tea everyday and somehow because I am doing something-it brings relief...
- By Trissie
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 5:42 pm
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Colleen,
Thanks for your message, my doctor usually smiles when I suggest something like the dye theory, now I feel a bit more validated.
Trissie
- By lonewolf7
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 4:47 pm
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martzj - I could quite easily have misread the 31 as 81. I wasn't wearing my glasses when I watched the news. Sometimes in writing it makes more sense than when there is a reporter and a dr interacting with each other on TV.
frogs - what is a CT? My son had dye injected into him a few times when he had kidney stones. Is that the same dye injected into us for angioplasty? Was also informed by the hospital not to take my diabetic meds for a few days because it didn't go well with the dye. Ultimately, it seems that the dye is more beneficial than not and if it can be made even more safe, so much the better. There will always be people who are allergic to something; we can only try to communicate with our drs and hope they listen.
- By lvfrogs
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 8:06 am
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I haven't had any adverse reactions to the dye and I just recently had it for a pelvic CT. But interesting Trissie, that you said the dye seemed to stop your spasms, because since I had the pelvic CT, my spasms have lessened considerably. I would never have connected that. I wonder why that is???
Colleen
- By Trissie
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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I too have Type 2 diabetes and am insulin dependant, but I have felt for years that the dye is beneficial. I have the Prinzmetal's spasms and when I've had a crisis and thus needed an angio, the dye seems to put a fast, lasting stop to the spasms. It appears to work whether I need a new stent or no. In fact we've wished that I could have the dye injected and no angio, but of course that is nonsense.
Trissie
- By martzj
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 7:27 pm
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Thanks for the link lonewolf...It was really very good to be so short. I didn't see 81%...I saw 31% of 300 patients with preexisting kidney disease had some type of reaction....But the study included the very important point that doctors are using this as an indicator to blood test kidney patients before each of these tests to see what their status is. And then they can do pre and post prep to help clear the kidneys quickly. Sounds like fast action is being taken on this and that is very encouraging.
You will never be dismissed here. People may offer differing experiences and opinions ....but no one will dismiss or turn away.
take good care,
Jaynie
- By lonewolf7
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 4:32 pm
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Here is the link to the news report:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090628/kidneys_dye_09 0628/20090628/
I agree with what everyone has said regarding having the angioplasty being much more beneficial than not having it. After my initial "freak out" at this news report, I realized that it was better to have the angiography than not to and to have a stent inserted despite negative things I have heard about them.
It seems like on this discussion we have all had similar experiences and have all decided that having the procedure was life saving and worth the risks or side effects. I also realized that just because one study was done and revealed the risks, other studies can be done that would produce the opposite results. Also, the news isn't always accurate (what a surprise).
It's so good to have a place to write what I feel without being dismissed. Everytime I come here, I learn something. Hope the time will come when I can help some one too.
- By AlaskaGirl
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 11:38 am
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I have had several angograms(heart caths) and am Type 2 Diabetic. Angiograms are inherently dangerous to have performed because they are so invasive. But, to their credit, they are the "gold" standard in diagnosis of heart disease. Also, the dye in nuclear stress tests (thallium) is hazardous, but, again, in getting an accurate diagnosis, to my mind, is paramount. I would have died without any of these tests and I'm still here, fighting for 15 years, and now a WomenHeart Champion and Support Network leader because I was able to get these tests and survive. I think that speaks for itself. AlaskaGirl
- By Lynnedz56
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 11:20 am
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I too have kidney disease and was "prepped" well before my angiogram. And even though there was some risk to my kidneys, it was a greater risk to NOT have the angiogram. And I also have a very severe reaction to the iodine in the dye. But again, I was prepped well before hand. And in my case, finding the blockage saved my life. And I came through it with flying colors. My nephrologist is thrilled with my kidney function.
- By Nancy-in-KC
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 10:22 am
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"Dye is no harder on kidneys and livers than eating whole box of cookies or bag of chips at one sitting. Certainly no harder on the heart."
Actually, the dye used in angiograms/angioplasties can have an adverse affect on the kidneys and particularly if you have chronic kidney disease like I do. Over the course of my life I've had 10 -11 caths and over time, they've damaged my kidneys. The last two cath procedures I have had they have medicated me with muco-mist and hydrated me prior to the procedure in an attempt to protect the kidneys. That said, perhaps I am a person that was predisposed to kindey disease and therefor susceptible to the effects of the dye. If you are otherwise healthy, with no pre-existing kidney issues, one cath is not likely to be an issue kidney wise, but this is always something you should discuss with your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions.
Nancy
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