My mom was recently diagnosed with a 99.9% blockage in one of the smaller arteries in her heart. They tried to place a stent, but it was so blocked, the balloon wouldn t fit in order to place the stent. MD said that it s one of the arteries that connect to the bottom of her heart. Advised that the bottom of her heart is still pumping strong, but they can t clear the blockage in the artery. What is the next step if the stent wouldn t go in? my mom has lung issues, so the MD does not want to consider open heart surgery, as he doesn t think she would be able to ever come off of the ventilator. are there natural options that we can use to help get her heart stronger? medication for 6 months and then another attempt at the stent? is this type of blockage life threatening?