Doctor Discussion Guide for your Cardiologist

Talking with Your Cardiologist

Protected PCI, including use of the Impella® heart pump during PCI, may offer you the following benefits:

Improvement in severe coronary artery disease and/or advanced heart failure symptoms¹
Fewer days in the hospital^2,3
Shorter recovery time^2,3

While your cardiologist will discuss treatment options with you, a Heart Team will evaluate you to recommend the option that’s right for you.

The symptoms of coronary artery disease can range from mild to severe:

Angina
Chest pain or discomfort; it can feel like squeezing or pressure, but usually goes away after a few minutes.
Shortness of breath
This could mean feeling short of breath when being active or at rest; feeling short of breath for a period of time may mean you are experiencing heart failure.
Heart failure
A heart failure occurs when the plaque in an artery ruptures, and the blood clot formed around the rupture partially or fully blocks part of the artery; a typical symptom of a heart failure is chest pain that does not go away.

Low Ejection Fraction
The amount of blood your heart is able to pump is less than 35%. Normal is 55-70%.
Shortness of breath
You may have trouble catching your breath when doing regular activities.
Swelling
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, stomach, and veins in the neck.
Cough
A cough could be a sign that fluid is building up in your lungs as a result of heart failure. The cough may worsen at night, or when lying down.
Fluid in and around lungs
This fluid build-up contributes to the shortness of breath you may experience.

1.	I am experiencing symptoms from my severe CAD. What can I do to improve my symptoms?
2.	Am I considered a high risk patient for surgery?
3.	Am I considered high risk for PCI?
4.	If I am considered high risk, is Protected PCI an appropriate option for me?
5.	Do you recommend the use of Impella® for cardiac support during my PCI?
6.	Can you recommend an interventional cardiologist that offers Protected PCI?
7.	How will my recovery differ with Protected PCI?

References:

Dangas GD, Kini AS, Sharma SK, et al. Am J Cardiol. 2014;113(2):222-228.
Maini B, Gregory D, Scotti DJ, et al. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2014 May 1;83(6):E183-92.
Gregory D, Scotti DJ. J Manag Care Med. 2013:16(1):61-9.