Hello There, I Am Mostly Looking For Re Assurance About

Posted on Mon, 20 Jan 2020

Question: Hello there, I am mostly looking for re assurance about a stent I had put in recently. Over a week ago I had a heart attack at 35. After performing a XXXXXXX test they discovered that one of my arteries was 80% blocked. They put a stent in to free up the blockage but something has me quite concerned. The stent that was put in blocked off 2 of my side branch arteries. I of course asked the Drs about this and they gave me some assurance but being so young and just starting to recover from the shock of a heart attack I am extremely anxious about all of this. Am I likely to have another heart attack or future heart problems having one of my diagonals 90% blocked off now? Along with another smaller vessel on the other side of my lad? can my heart function properly long term without any flow to these vessels? I included the paperwork I received of before and after the stent. I know nothing can ever be predicted with these things but should I be worried? Thanks so much

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that the other artery is blocked 40%, based on your report. There is no need for stenting now as there is no risk for blockage. Medical therapy ( antiplatelet agents and a statin, coupled with antihypertensive therapy in case of arterial hypertension) are quite enough to protect you from another heart attack.

The main stented artery ( LAD) is OK now.

So there is no reason to panic!

I would just recommend you to follow up with your cardiologist and performing an echo stress test or stress cardiac MRI, in order to examine for possible cardiac ischaemia every 6-12 months.

A healthy lifestyle ( regular physical exercise, stop alcohol or smoking and Mediterranean diet) is recommended too.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (54 minutes later)

Hello there, thank you so much for your quick response. I should have mentioned that the artery that was blocked by 40% is now blocked at 90% because of the single stent blocking it off as well as the smaller artery in the left side. Is that going to be ok?
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I would explain that it is necessary to undergo a provocative cardiac stress imagine test to answer the question whether the actual diagonal artery stenosis leads to significant cardiac ischemia.

A cardiac stress echo or stress cardiac magnetic resonance imagine test would be perfect for such purpose.

Let me know in case of any further questions.

Wishing Good Health and a Happy New Year!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar