Re: Heart Attack


<arnold2@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1137462127.348232.99240@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Attack: I recently had a heart attack while exercising. My angiogram
> showed 100% blockage of the right coronary artery. The blockage was
> cleared and a stent inserted within about two hours. Damage was minimal
> and I could engage in normal activities and start strenuous exercise
> after only a few days.
>
> Background: I am a 66 years old male. I have had stable angina for
> about 9 years which was relieved by a beta-blocker. About two years ago
> I reduced my weight from about 200 pounds to 160 pounds and started
> strenuous daily exercise. A stent was placed about 15 months ago to
> clear a 60% blockage of another artery. The stent did not relieve the
> symptoms, but the beta-blocker continued to help. About 12 months ago,
> an angiogram showed continuing plaque buildup.
>
> After the stent was placed I went on 10 mg of Lipitor per day. This
> reduced my cholesterol from a little over 200 to under 140. It measured
> 107 the day after the attack.
>
> 1. Does anyone know why the damage was not more severe? What does it
> take to damage heart muscle and what mechanisms mitigate it.
>
There are several possibilities. It may not have been 100% - maybe some blood
got through. They say time is heart muscle - the longer part of the heart is
denied blood the more likely it is that tissue dies. You got help quickly.
Over time small vessels, called collaterals, will grow from one area of the
heart that is normally served by a different artery to an area that is not
getting enough blood. These help out when a complete blockage comes.


> 2. It seems to me that it is likely I will have more attacks given the
> continuing plaque buildup with Lipitor. I am now taking 20 mg of
> Crestor a day instead of the Lipitor. Can this stop the build up of
> plaque? What options do I have?
>

It depends on the type of cholesterol. You need to describe the breakdown into
types. Also, cholesterol is not the whole thing. Are you taking a daily
aspirin?

Bill - not a Dr.


.

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