Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Blocked Heart Artery
Question: I am 56 years old and recently went for a check up to check if I had acid reflux due to chest pain associated with heavy burping. Doctor found a depressed ST on the ekg and sent me to ER. Angiogram shows 100% block in one artery and 80% in second. Ejection fraction at 45%. My collateral arteries look like an "alien" per the doctor doing angiogram. I can exercise with no chest pains except if I have heavy gas that I assume is from eating and exercising too soon after. The nuclear tests show some "scar" tissue but mostly viable. Recommendation is double bypass. I have never taken any meds for high cholesterol etc. Given no pain, should I pursue drug therapy first?
Brief Answer:
Would have the surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for contacting HCM. Here's the problem, you have some serious blockages and the vessels with those blockages could cause a heart attack at any time. Depending upon where they are, a heart attack could result in instant death. If your cardiologist recommends bypass then the blockages must be in very dangerous locations or else they would recommend angioplasty or medications. I would follow the advice of your cardiologist and get the bypass.
I hope this is helpful.
Would have the surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for contacting HCM. Here's the problem, you have some serious blockages and the vessels with those blockages could cause a heart attack at any time. Depending upon where they are, a heart attack could result in instant death. If your cardiologist recommends bypass then the blockages must be in very dangerous locations or else they would recommend angioplasty or medications. I would follow the advice of your cardiologist and get the bypass.
I hope this is helpful.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
