Question:

What can be done to keep ‘diabetic’ arteries from getting smaller?

My husband is 54, has 7 stents and more blockage. Takes bp, cholesterol and diabetic medicines, all under control. Has been told he will have many more stents, been average of yearly. Has had 1 heart attack when he was 49. Dr. told him his arteries are small due to diabetes. Question: Is there any prevention to keep them from getting smaller? Been told eventually he may not be able to be stented, and bypass surgery may not be a choice either.

Submitted by Sherri from Arkansas on 11/29/2013

Answer:
by Denton A. Cooley, MD

There is no known method of enlarging the coronary arteries. Further treatment with stents may be needed, and possibly coronary bypass surgery.