Seeking information on the LAD Artery

[Phyllis Jean]

Hello from Ky: Just a brief history. I have had two Aortic Valve replacements. One in 1998 and another one in 2004.

My LAD artery (Left Anterior Descending) is currently 70 percent blocked. I have heard it called the "Widow Maker" and if if becomes 100 % blocked, I will drop over dead.

I asked my Cardiologist if this was true and he didn't give me any answer. I asked him if they could put in a stent and he said not until I started having trouble. He gave me a prescription for Nitroglycerin tablets.

I am so worried that I could have a massave heart attack and it would be too late to take the Nitroglycerin tablets.

Does anyone have any statistics on this or have a personal experience with the LAD artery? How can I keep it from becoming further blocked? Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Phyllis Jean

 

[geebee]

Sorry don't know anything about the LAD artery but what kind of "trouble" are they waiting for you to have before they will fix it?

 

[Phyllis Jean]

LAD Artery

LAD Artery

My understanding of what my Cardiologist implied was to wait until I had chest pains, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, numbness etc. Isn't this the symptons of a heart attack? I failed to menton that I have an echocardiogram done every year.

But what about one year to the next? How fast can complete 100% blockage occur? PHYLLIS JEAN

 

[geebee]

I would guess it depends on what is blocking the artery as to how fast it can build up. I hope others chime in here because this is the type of thing that would send me to get a second opinion.

 

[Phyllis]

I have no answer as to what he is waiting for, but did some research and thought you would find this article interesting: http://www.umm.edu/heart/hybrid.html Hope this helps, Phyllis Jean.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Greetings Phyllis Jean,

I have both Coronary Artery Disease (with angioplasties and finally ByPass Surgery) as well as Valve Replacement so I can relate to your concerns.

The LAD is definitely a MAJOR heart artery, coming off of the LEFT MAIN (I suspect that is the more likely the "Widow Maker" - if the LM shuts off, it's all over, before you hit the ground). The Circumflex artery is the otehr artery that comes off the Left Main. The Left side of the Heart pumps blood to the rest of the body so you can see that it is critical to supporting life. People can and do survive heart attacks on the Right side.

My understanding of the 'General Rule of Thumb' for blockages calls for angioplasty somewhere between 70% and 90% blockage and Bypass surgery over 90% blockage. You may want to seek a Second Opinion from another Cardiologist, perhaps one who will be a bit more forthcoming than the one you saw.

Check out the American Heart Association Website for information on Coronary Artery Disease and treatment. They should also have considerable information on dietary considerations (Low Fat, etc.) Many (most?) cardiologists recommend low dose aspirin (81mg) everyday for their heart patients and perhaps also a fish oil capsule. CHECK with YOUR Doctor before taking any medications or supplements.

Have you had a Lipid Profile recently to determine your Cholesterol Levels? If not, you should. Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) can order that, or your cardiologist.

When it comes to how long it takes for blockages to worsen, everyone is different. Watch for the classic heart SYMPTOMS, i.e. chest pain, pain in the jaw, between the shoulder blades, or radiating pain down either arm. Women's symptoms can be different from men so check into those also (I think they have been discussed on this forum but don't remember where. Do a SEARCH.)

Unfortunately, many cardiologists seem to be very rushed and many don't take the time to explain everything to their patients. Hopefully your PCP will discuss the ramifications of your condition more fully.

Hope this helps.

'AL Capshaw'