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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Arterial blockage
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Arterial blockage
by Jewel-A-Hughes, Nov 09, 1997 12:00AM
Re: Arterial blockage
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Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - HSB on November 13, 1997 at 12:20:57:
In Reply to: Arterial blockage posted by Jewell A. Hughes on November 09, 1997 at 19:11:36:
: I currently have blockage in my legs and am concerned that I might also have
some blockkage in the heart arteries. Is there a procedure other that angi-
plasty to diagnos the area ? Isn't it possible to find out with a PET
scan ? I have emphysema and asthma so am concerned with any invasive pro-
cedure.
Thank you for your advice. J. Hughes
___________________
Dear Jewell:
Peripheral vascular disease is often associated with coronary artery disease. The significance of coronary artery disease can be assessed, to some degree, via exercise testing. During an exercise test, the heart is stressed and its performance is monitored. Typically, if the heart is suffering from a lack of blood supply, secondary to coronary artery disease, the patient may experience chest discomfort or shortness of breath and/or signs of ischemia may present on the patients ECG. In addition, if exercise testing is combined with an imaging modality such as echocardiography or thallium, wall motion abnormalities or defects in perfusion indicate that the heart is suffering from a lack of blood.
Coronary angiography is utilized to visualize the extent of coronary artery disease. Usually, patients are initially evaluated with stress tests and if abnormal, an angiography is considered.
Patients who suffer from severe asthma and/or emphysema are not candidates for all types of stress testing because certain medications may result in worsening shortness of breath.
I hope that this has been helpful. If you would like to be evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic, an appointment can be arranged by calling 1-800-CCF-CARE.
