"A Wonderful Experience but watch out for..."

What I liked

The entire procedure (angioplasty) went smoothly and speedily. Then there was the long wait in Recovery while the puncture site was monitored. In my case, it bled and the session had to be repeated. But the nursing staff were exemplary in their care, concern and monitoring.

What could be improved

10 weeks from angiogram to angioplasty is a bit much. My orginal appointment, 4 weeks after the angioplasty, was "rearranged". Whatever the excuse offered, the extra 6 weeks' delay was unfortunate.

The Consultant Cardiologist could have been a little more informative at his post-op visit. After all, it was to be another 4 months before I would see him as an out patient.

He prescribed Ramipril, saying I would be on it for life. He omitted to say that the ramipril cough would also be with me for life! I am not sure that this medication should be prescribed as the drug of choice given its distressing side effects, which affect up to a third of patients (my estimate).

If they must prescribe Ramipril, doctors should make patients aware of such a common side effect as the ramipril cough and ensure that adequate monitoring is done by their GP.

Anything else?

The existence of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit is a nice bonus.