artski

[artski]

i am a 59 yr old male that works out 6 days a week and has no symptoms but had both parents die of heart disease (one heart attack one stroke by the age of 60).  my ecg is considered "different" and combined with family history went through a series of tests (nuclear stress test, regular stress test both normal) but angiogram showed 90% long blockage in the LAD which cannot be stented and 70% blockage in 2 other arteries.

i have differing opinions from cardiologists as to whether to have a triple bypass or medical therapy with reduced exercise intensity because i have no symptoms.

i really don't want to have to alter my lifestyle or live with the fear of an attack at any time but the thought of a bypass is scaring considering i have no symptoms now and son't want to feel worse later.

[ed34]

thank you, it means a lot :)

[skydnsr]

Good post.  Wish we could "like" on here.

[skydnsr]

The only other thing I can think of is that, if heavy drinking or illegal drug use are at issue, those are like smoking.  There's really no way to argue that they aren't harmful for someone who's 59 and has coronary artery disease.  Again, I hope you find a way to resolve whatever decisons you have to make.  Best wishes for a healthy future.  Post again, if you feel so moved.

[skydnsr]

Because you do work out, you might have some good collateral circulation that is keeping you from having symptoms.  If so, maybe that will give you a cushion of time to figure out more about what you want to do.  If you smoke, there's really no way to argue that that's not harmful.  Regarding diet, some of the newer research that is coming out does not condemn fat but rather sugar.  

[skydnsr]

Forgive me, you did say that you already work out six days per week, so let me acknowledge that your risk factors don't seem to include a lack of exercise.  Congrats on staying fit.  Whatever else it is that you need to do, I hope you find a way.