Angioplasty(Seven Years After)

[Cody]

Dear Cleveland Clinic,

Seven years ago I had an angioplasty(without a stent) on my LAD because of a 95% blockage that caused an MI.  Today my daily medications consist of Atenonol(50mg), Vasotec(20mg), Imdur(30mg), Aspirin(87mg), and Lipitor(40mg).  I also take one tablet of FOLTX daily.  These medications have kept my blood pressure at 110/70 and my cholesterol(Total 160, LDL 78, and HDL 55.  I also jog 30 minutes each day about 2 1/2 miles.
Each year since my angioplasty my cardiologist has performed a Cardiolite or thallium stress test to check the progression of the lesion and each year the results have been normal and similar.  Are there more sophisticated tests that should be done such as a CMRA or are the nuclear profusion tests an execellent test to check for the progession of the lesion?  In general can a successful angioplasty along with the correct life style last forever?

Thanks - Cody

[Marilyn (runner)]

Hi Cody,  I've maintained a good diet and a good lifestyle - and I've had "NO" progression of plaque..  :-)  Yes, I've had NO PROGRESSION of plaque in 12 years..  I truly believe it can be done. I'm sure many others have done it as well.  The right lifestyle can make a world of difference.

Keep it UP - Good Job..

Marilyn (runner)

[Cleveland Clinic]

cody,

Thanks for the post.

The simple answer is yes, a successful angioplasty can last forever.  There is always risk of progression of the coronary disease even in areas that werent stented.  However, in the absence of any changes in your stress testing or the presence of symptoms, I wouldnt try to change the imaging techniques or worry too much about the stent.  
We know that statins and lifestyle modifications can have significant impact to slow or even halt the progression of coronary disease.

Continue everything you are doing, it has great impact on why youve done so well this far.

good luck