Why the occlusion

I am a 48 yr old perimenopausal female who recently underwent a cardiac cath & stent placement for a 95% occluded proximal LAD.  I have no immediate family history of cardiac problems & the cath showed no other signs of coronary artery disease.  My cardiologist was unable to tell me why this lesion occurred but is treating me as if I had full-blown CAD.  Do you have any theories as to why this happened & what my chances are for a reoccurrence somewhere else?

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Molly,
The major identified risk factors for occlusive coronary artery disease (CAD)are: increasing age, male sex, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, family history of CAD and high cholesterol.  As the number of risk factors an individual has increases so does their risk for developing CAD.  However, these risk factors do not identify everyone and there are many people who will develop CAD who do not have any known risk factors.  

The risk for reoccurence in individuals with CAD is high but can be reduced with proper management.  Once an individual does have coronary stenosis it should be managed as a "full-blown" case with appropriate diet, exercise and medications.   Many people go on to lead healthy and happy lives after the diagnosis of CAD has been made.

[Terry Lee]

I had the exact same problem 3 years ago.  I was shocked when the Doctor told me I had premature CAD (after the cath) - I also had a perfect history including passing a stress test and a thalium scan and no buildup in my arteries.

When he did the cath, he was shocked to find a 95% occlusion in my LAD (also known as the "widow-maker!)  I did not suffer any heart damage fortunately but I did have several bouts with re-stenosis.

What symptoms did you have?  Does your Doctor have you on any meds?  The only thing I take is a very low dose of Zocor.  My numbers were always very good, etc. etc.

Hang in there and just consider yourself normal - I think the whole episode was just a weird happening which I hope never repeats itself!

[Terry Lee]

Mollyme,

I would be interested in knowing how you are doing.  If you ever want to e-mail me, I can be reached at ***@****

I have read this forum for several years and you are the first person that has had my exact same problem.

Thanks.

Terry