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!
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)
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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.
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
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.