Hi rabbit

from me too.
I am afraid I can't help you with your various health issues, but I do think it is important to get them sorted out before embarking on HRT and not to worry about a little delay if you can possibly bear to wait.
I also think you have a right to be told as much as you need to know about what tests you are being offered and why, at every stage, and to be able to weight up the pros and cons, and the risks if you don't have them. I would not want to cut corners if I thought my arteries and my heart might be at risk. I don't know about the different procedures, but yes tests involving radiation should only be used when absoutely necessary. The doctors must think that the potential risks of your not having the tests far outweigh any risks attached to having them.
Make sure you are able to have a full discussion about the tests you have had so far, and expressing your fears, before you have the angiogram, to put your mind at rest.

for giving up smoking after so many years!
Hurdity x