Calcification

I had to have triple bypass surgery in November 2003. I was having trouble breathing and went in for a cath lab. They found 98% Left main coronary artery Distal 98% calcified lesion with haziness which extends into the origin of the LAD and origin of the ramus intermedius. Close to  having what is known as widow makers. I had a cath lab work on 1-2002 and in that area there was no calcification at that point what so ever. Note: had heart attack 3-2001.

My question is how do you get that amount of blockage that quick? My chlosterol is good except my HDL is in the 28-35 range, very low. I am on Zocor, Tri-cor, Toporal XL, Monopril, Plavix and 81 MG asprin. Started Niaspan two months ago up to 2000 MG per day. HDL still at 35.

Second question what are the odds of quick blockage again?


Thanks Much,

Chuck

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Chuck,

Thanks for the post.

Q:"how do you get that amount of blockage that quick?"

The natural history of blockage formation is by way of "punctuated increases" as opposed to "steady progression".  If someone was going to mulch your yard by "punctuated increases", they would send out a dump truck on a single day and dump the mulch.  A "steady progression" method would be to send out a bag each day.

The point is that blockages do not steadily progress, they form rapidly and then stabilize for a while, and then sometimes rapidly increase again.

As an example, 70% of heart attacks are caused by stenoses LESS than 70% in size that one day rapidly progress.

Q:"what are the odds of quick blockage again?"

No one knows for sure.

Hope that helps.

[jerry1978]

Doctor:
   I am a little confused on your statement:  The point is blockages do no steadily progress.  They form rapidly, then stabilize for a time, or they may sometimes progress again rapidly.

     For example, in 1996, at age 36, I had an EBCT done, and my results were a calcium score of 2; with a 1mm area in the LAD and a 1mm area in the RCA.

     So, what you are saying is, it is quite possible, that now, 8 years later, it can very well be that those areas of calcification are still stable at 1mm, and perhaps starting tomorrow, deposits can begin forming on them very quickly.

     Wow, that's scary to think I'm trying everything I can to prevent CAD, and in a few days, my almost "non-existent" lesions can become very dangerous plaques.
Jerry

[VikingColumbus]

I recently asked for and received the results of a
CAT scan done back in February. I was surprised to
read a one sentence observation by the radiologist
that arterial calicification was detected. Now the
CAT scan to my knowledge was not performed by an
EBCT unit.

So I send a copy of my CAT scan report to my
Cardiologist and back I get is an 'interpretation'
that I may have significant choelestrol deposits.
And, a recommendation that a stress test might be
revealing.

On the one hand the radiologist in the CAT scan
report seemed to simply make a ho-hum observation
while my Cardiologists interest was piqued.

How does one weigh the value of whether to take a
stress test with its outside potential of negative
heart effects versus taking an EBCT scan to quantify
the amount of arterial calcification?

So if anyone has been informed in the past of such
a situation applying to them I'd like to see a post
from them.

VC

[jerry1978]

Viking:
    Just curious-What is your age and what was your calcium score?  Jerry

[VikingColumbus]

Greetings, Jerry

I'm the same age as Arnold Schwarsenegger but
I don't have the his dough nor the physique.

My calcium score? I have not had an EBCT to
determine one.

My Cardio is opting for a stress test in lieu
of an EBCT. Cheaper test? Seems an EBCT is not
of too extra value?

That's why I'm seeking feedback from possibly
others who have been 'diagnosed' with arterial
calcification and what their initial steps were
to obtain a clearer idea of their heart plumbing.


VC

[srixonjan]

What is calcification of the Aorta? I'm a 58 yr. old female; had angioplasty in '91; treated for cad since that time, plus arhythmia problems constantly.  This week was told after ultrasound about my "aortic calcification"...which comes with age????  How important can this be?

Thanks
srixonjan