Building Collaterals after 100% RCA.

[Mitch031965]

Hi

I'm 44 and had a mild MI 5 weeks ago, they discovered I had a CTO of the RCA, which they tried to stent but couldn't get the wire through. Subsequent perfusion test and Ct- Angiogram reviled it was a long standing blockage that had been building for 10-15 years. My perfusion test indicated that the area below the blockage is getting 90% flow at 85% of my max on the treadmill, this combined with the Ct-Angiogram has resulted in no further action due to collateral growth. (Luckily my LCA was completely clear)

As its only 5 weeks after the MI and failed Angio, is it wise to start pushing my heart to try and expand the collateral growth. My history is I’ve never smoked always eaten healthily... and done competition cycling/running up until the day before my MI. (In fact I thought it was indigestion and did a 12km run during it which made the indigestion/angina go away).

I've been doing 30 mins swimming in my pool every day and a 4km walk on the beach, but have noticed a mild feeling of heat across my upper back, I wouldn’t call it pain, so I was wondering what should I be feeling is this normal, or am I doing too much too soon.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Mitch

[kenkeith]

I have a totally blocked LAD with collaterals (known for 6 years), and I exercise at my capacity which is 220 minus  age.  You have very good collateral flow if 85% on the distal side of the occlusion.  
Are you sure you had an MI?  With an Mi there is heart muscle damage, and usually an impaired heart wall contraction.  Did you have angina (chest pain due to blocked vessels)?

Quote: "As its only 5 weeks after the MI and failed Angio...",  Did you have a stent at that time on another occluded vessel?  If you did, a stent may have provided enough blood to the damaged heart cells (an MI) and revitalized stunned heart cells.

Depending on your condition you should be able to continue your exercising protocol if your heart rate is within normal limits and no angina.  The only way to be absolutely sure is to have a stress test that monitors your vital signs with exertion.  If you have had an MI, you should get the doctor's approval.

I'm with Ed regarding some confusion regarding an MI.

[ed34]

Am I getting this straight? You had a mild MI, angioplasty failed because they couldn't penetrate the blockage, and now they say you don't need intervention because you have good collateral flow?  So what in their opinion caused the mild MI is flow is good?
Maybe I'm reading it wrong.