MY cardiac woes began in October last year, when I found myself out of breath during my 5-km morning walk. The coronary artery calcium score test indicated severe coronary artery disease (CAD).

I was wary of the next step, coronary angiography, as it's an invasive procedure. A cardiologist prescribed TMT (treadmill test); its report turned out to be normal. The doctor then put me on medication, which didn't help. Discomfort in the chest continued, even though the ECG (electrocardiogram) did not indicate any abnormality. My friend, a distinguished doctor, suggested an interventional cardiologist at a private facility.

At the hospital reception, I was pleasantly surprised to have been charged only Rs 350 instead of the usual consultation fee of Rs 1,300. I was informed that the hospital gave discounts to serving and retired Punjab Police personnel.

The doctor opined that I was suffering from critical CAD, requiring coronary angiography and angioplasty. He gently told me not to meddle in medical matters when I bombarded him with questions.

Coronary angiography revealed severe blockages in all three arteries. However, the doctor decided to first try medication, which again didn't work. I consulted other doctors. One working in a premier health institute suggested that stenting was possible only in the LCX (left circumflex artery); the LAD (left anterior descending artery) was far too calcified to admit of any intervention. Another doctor at the same hospital advised CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting). My daughter took me across corridors in a wheelchair as there was no staffer available to assist.

A cardiologist at another premier hospital opined that the LCX could be fixed with stenting, but the LAD could only be treated with balloon angioplasty. I was totally confused. My friend advised me to go back to the doctor who had done angiography as he was considered to be among the best in angioplasty.