Can an upper left, nondissecting 99% stenosis eventaully open back up?

[Mark]

I had CABG - triple bypass on my 50th birthday on 12-21-99. I had triple bypass after a very mild heart attack or more accurately, apersistant angina pectoris and my heart cath foung a non-dissecting 99% stenosis in my left aorta.  I believe I died during the heart cath for I awoke in the ER prior to emergency surgery.  I recovered remarkably fast and well - the sugeon told me they were the best bypasses he has ever done at HUP in Philadelphia.  He even said I should be okay with out beta blockers as long as I take my daily aspirin and quit smokin which I did fro 4 packs a day. i quit smoking cold turkey at the time of my surgery so I am almost a year smoke-free and never missed it yet I chain smoked.  Bad nerves from my 2 years as a Marine along the DMZ in Vietnam had me smoking do much - (excuses) (smile)  My question, though I excercise vigoursly for 2 to 4 hours a day atleat my recent chect x-ray (I presently have brochopneumonia.  The x-ray showed "There are post CABG changes" since my last chest x-ray9 or 10 months ago.  It also said'Borderline Enlarged Heart for which I pray is from exercise - I had no heart tissue death during my attack that I know of.  It also said "right ventricular enlargement" - all this scares the heck out of me.  Advise would be appreciated!!!

"There are post CABG changes" - could this be good and not bad.  MY BIGGEST QUESTION is ...

since I no longer smoke, total cholesterol 185, LDh a low under normal ranges by 10 points and my TC-HDL ratio is 4.7. I do not smoke and excercise - my biggest fault is aslyt and chicken skin and mayo light on many things I eat - I am addicted to Mayo LITE.

I am a tense person suffering from PTSD from Nam.  But ...

can this 99% nondissecting stenosis eventuall open up again and help reduce my need to have coronary bypass again in 10 years?

Thank you for your valuable time, I greatly appreciate it.

Respectfully yours,
Mark in Shamokin, PA

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Mark,
sounds like you are doing all the right things.  Keep your LDL cholesterol below 100 and your HDl above 40, dont start smoking and keep exercising.  

As far as the CXR:  you have clips and wires in your chest that are post-CABG changes.  As far as the enlargement you may wish to confer with your physician to determine if an echocardiogram is necessary to document your heart function or any change in your heart status.

[ginny]

Dear Mark,
I read a recent medical news bulletin that is applicable to Vietnam Vets suffering from PTSD.  This research found that Vietnam Vets suffering from PTSD have a higher risk of heart disease than other Vietnam Vets.  The researchers link this to the chronic stress of PTSD encouraging an overstimulation of the body's immune system.  This immune dysfunction has been linked to "a broad spectrum of diseases," including atherosclerosis-the 'hardening of the arteries' that is a hallmark of heart disease.
The researchers believe that "overall...the(study)results are significant.  And given that 30% of male Vietnam Vets were found to develop PTSD after their service, cardiovascular implications for this population could be great.  Your heart problems might be service related.  If you are involved in any Vietnam Vets w PTSD programs please let others know.  You may save others from Heart Attack.
Sincerely,
Ginny

[Mark -]

CCF CARDIO MD JMF -  Thank you for your reply, it was most helpful.  I still wonder though, if my stenosis in the left upper aorta that was bypassed - a 99% nondissecting stenosis can open again with exercise and smoking cessation.  I have sent my donation in for the HEART FORUM just a few minutes ago.  Thanks again!  (smile)
-
Ginny -

In my 25 years of PTSD I was never ab;e to find a program that helped me but my weight lifting, proper nutrition, some aerobics does help somewhat.  I do promise to advise if I ever come across a good program.  Now i hear that the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Coatsville, PA and East Orange, NJ have excellent in-patient PTSD programs and people nation-wide may enter as long as they are of a war time ERA sevice vet - no need for actual combat like I was in.  A vet from California can enter the Coatsville program.  A local VA rep should be of great help. - Thanks for your advise Ginny.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

It may be very possible with the adoption of all these healthy habits that this bypassed area may reopen.  

Best of luck for continued good health!