LAD, no blood flow

[rjnormand]

My 61yr old father, with no known health problems, had a heart attack today.  He doesn't smoke or drink and there is no known heart disease in the family.  A heart cath done tonight showed no blood flowing through the LAD.  I don't think there was blockage, just no blood flow at all through the LAD.  Cardiologist is baffled.  Thinks my father should have been having heart attacks for a while and should be dead.  No known high blood pressure.  An EKG showed a 'thick heart', what ever that means.  He has had reflux symptoms for about six mos. now.  HELP!!!!!??????????
Doctor tried ballooning LAD with no success.  Will try procedure again in the morning to see is any blood has started flowing.  He's pulling at straws and we hope he is consulting other doctors who may know something.  That's all the info I have.  Thank you!!

[kenkeith]

If the LAD is totally blocked and the person is still alive, it is very strong evidence that the blockage has been bypassed naturally and collateral vessels have developed and blood flow to the otherwise deficit location is receiving oxygenated blood.

You may want to google collateral heart vessels for more information...a doctor should be aware!  I have had a totally blocked LAD for more than 5 years.  An EKG is not a very good source to determine heart wall thickness...an echocardiogram to determine chamber size and wall dimensions provides an estimate of some validity...if necessary!

He should see a non-interventional cardiologist for an opinion.