Re: Life Expectancy

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on February 02, 1998 at 18:31:46:

In Reply to: Life Expectancy posted by Sheree Van on January 30, 1998 at 20:08:15:







: Dear Sirs:
My husband who is 54 and just had a 'stent' put in his artery (90% blockage).  He has a 50% and 40% in the left artery still.  My husband is a heavy smoker, two packs daily, heavy drinker,etc., and he is in total denial that he has a health problem.  My question is can you estimate how long he can keep this up?  How quickly the remaining blockages will increase?  He seems to think this problem will not bother again for another 15 to 20 years.   Any insight would be appreciated.  Thank you.



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Dear Sheree,
What you describe is a common but unfortunate situation where coronary artery disease risk factors are not controlled.  Atherosclerosis, or cholesterol and plaque buildup, in the coronary arteries is known as ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease.  This is a condition that affects many people in this country, and is often associated with risk factors that are well described.   The risk factors that increase ones odds for developing the disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and elevated cholesterol levels.  It is likely that obesity and physical inactivity also contribute to the problem.  Coronary artery disease is a progressive disorder.  A stent or angioplasty... even bypass surgery to reroute blood around the blockages,  do not "cure" the disease.  People with coronary artery disease are not just at risk for more blockages and chest pain, but are more importantly at risk for heart attacks and sudden death.   I can't be more firm that once this problem is identified, the risk factors must be controlled aggressively to prevent further progression.  Otherwise, the stent is just a "bandaid" that fails to correct the underlying problem.
It's critical that your husband receive intensive counselling regarding smoking cessation, dietary changes, cholesterol control, and is also evaluated for high blood pressure and/or diabetes.  If not for himself,  explain to him that he can make these lifestyle changes for his family.  I can essentially guarantee you that this problem will lead to more serious consequences (heart attack, bypass surgery, even death)  well before 15-20 years, if he doesn't make the changes I've mentioned.  
I hope this discussion has been helpful.  Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.