Join Our Community!
Conditions and Diseases > Heart Disease and Heart Attack Forum > Blood vessel blockages and atherosclerosis
Avatar
Q: Blood vessel blockages and atherosclerosis
asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 11th, 2008
Doctor Question
I HAVE A 100 PERCENT BLOCK ON MY LEFT SIDE THAT CAN'T BE TREATED. THE HEART IS GETTING BLOOD THROUGH A BACK DOOR. THIS BLOCK WAS FOUND LAST WEDNESDAY WHEN THEY WERE STENTING MY RIGHT SIDE-IT DIDN'T EXIST LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME.

MY QUESTION IS WHAT CAN I EXPECT OR SHOULD BE AWARE OF DUE TO THIS NEW BLOCK. THE DOCTOR'S AT MASS GENERAL SPENT NEARLY 2 HOURS WORKING ON THIS BLOCKAGE. WILL I HAVE CERTAIN LIMITATIONS OR HEALTH ISSUES BECAUSE OF THIS BLOCKAGE. AM I AT RISK OF ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS


Did you find this post useful?
|


Replies(1)
User Profile
DoctorAnswer replied on April 2nd, 2008
Doctor Answer
Heart Disease and Heart Attack Answer A3836
It sounds likely that you may be experiencing coronary atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis is manifested with atherosclerotic plaques that narrow the coronary arteries and decreases the blood flow. Plaques are also places susceptible for developing thrombosis which causes sudden blood circulation stoppage and heart attack (infarct). If the process of vessel narrowing goes slowly there is enough time for “back door” (anastomosis) to develop and to compensate for the blockage. People with a condition like yours definitely have certain physical limitations.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive condition. There are some risk factors that speed this process. Major risk factors are: smoking, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar (diabetes) and increased blood fats. Other risk factors are: male sex, older age, mental stress, overweight, low physical activity, menopause etc. Some factors (sex, age and menopause) can not be influenced but the other factors mentioned can usually be controlled with proper life style changes and medications.





DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by family doctors who practice medicine for the general public. For more information about eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Heart Disease and Heart Attack Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.

The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
Did you find this post useful?
|
 
Jump to: