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Question:
Am I at great risk now from blockage in smaller arteries?
I had a cath[eterization] done and was told I have a 70-75 percent blockage in one of my smaller arteries on the right side. The doctor said no treatment at this point because a stent may not be able to be put in because of the size. I was told a balloon maybe if I have worse symptoms. Also that sometimes small new veins will grow around the blockage. Am I at a great risk now and do I need a second check-up with another doctor? Thank you for any info you can give. I had a single bypass done 2 years ago on a large artery in the front of my heart.
submitted by Frances from Monroe, North Carolina, on 11/4/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Michael J. Mihalick, MD
Dear Frances: It sounds to me like you are getting good advice. We've learned over the years that revascularization with stents, surgery, or balloon dilatation of small branches is usually not effective long-term treatment, and in some cases may actually aggravate the condition. You can expect that current medical treatment with high dose statins, plavix [antiplatelet therapy], aspirin, and beta blockers will be effective in stablizing the disease, pehaps even result in shrinking the plaque. Meanwhile your heart may be able to grow its own natural bypasses. From what you tell me, this is the best initial option in your case. More drastic treatment can always be considered if recurrent symptoms develop.
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Updated November 2009
