Question Title: Am I a candidate for VEGF?

I am a 39 year old diabetic woman and I have had diabetes for 32 years. 2 years ago I had a silent heart attack. I have gone through extensive tests and have been told I have heart disease and that 1/4 of my heart is not working. My circulation is only half of a normal persons and the blockage to my heart is 70%. I hardly have a pulse left in my right foot and my kiddneys and eyes hemorage. In other words I am a mess. I have gone to heart specialist and all have told me I am not a canidate for a heart transplant, and there is nothing more they can do except keep me on my medications, which include 50mg Coreg, Imdure, lasix, previcol, Synthroid, Prinivil, Norvasc,Lanoxin,Insulin and Prozac.

I have heard of a new experimental Gene which can grow new blood vesils to the heart which is called VEGF. With the information I have given you can you tell me if I would be a likely canidate for this treatment?

I have asked all of my doctors but they have not heard of this yet.

Thank You

Nita

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Dear Nita

Based on what you have written, you would most likely not be a candidate for VEGF at this time. One concern with this experimental therapy is that it might cause new blood vessels to form in undesirable locations, such as the eyes, in addition to the heart. It sounds like you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and this would currently exclude you from the trial. There are other therapies for patients with advanced heart disease. You would be welcome to make an appointment to see if there are other treatments for your situation.

I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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