stupid decisions

[brokenheart567923]

my husband had a heart attack seven years ago
he was admitted a week ago they did a angieogram and found too many blockages and now are going to use medication to un block can you tell me how long to clear anteries or is it possible and if he eats right from here on out what is is life going to be like

[MSmith2220]

I'm sorry that you and your husband are going through this process again.

To answer the question I would need a little more information. Like: % blocked, where are the blocks, what his EKG reads (Diagnosis wise), etc.

I'm not sure I have heard about a medication that can unblock an artery, alone. I will be looking that up tonight. Now, going on blood thinner, beta blocker, cholesterol meds, or HBP medication is something they will/would do. If the blocks are bad enough he would have a surgery with meds. That would unblock them right away and the meds would help keep them from coming back in a short time frame. However, it does happen from time to time.

As for diet change, regardless of the outcome now, you will have to have a diet change, for both of you. Not saying you eat pizza but for this statement I will say you do. You can't say "Hubby, here is your salad and tofu, enjoy. Oh, I think my Pizza's done now too.” How would you feel about that if you were him? It has to be a team effort and supporting him will only make it easier for him. I recommend seeing a Registered Dietician; tell them why he is coming, heart complications, and what meds he is on. That way you and he can get a tailored plan for you and your body and goals.

Also think about exercise BUT TALK TO THE DOCTOR FIRST or ask about Cardiac Rehab. You don't have to do 7days a week for 2 hours a session, but following a general 3-5days a week of moderate to vigorous exercise for 20-60min a day are good goals to work for. However, don't add all these changes at once. It becomes very overwhelming and can be discouraging. You can take your time building up and it is just as good.

Cardiac rehab will cover the exercise and help put something in place for a home program. Ask his doctor about it.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions or need help finding information or information in your area.

-MS

[Flycaster305]

You have asked a big question, and an important one.

I don't understand what you mean by too many blockages.  Did they mean too many blockages to insert stents, or too many blockages to do bypass surgery?  

There isn't much evidence that drug therapy can clear the arteries that I have read that is credible.  The hope with drug therapy is that your husband's small, collateral arteries with take over the job of supplying the heart with needed blood/oxygen.  He will need to help the drug therapy by exercising daily, certainly avoiding tobacco, adopting a heart-healthy diet.  Controlling diabetes will be extremely important.  

You are entitled to receive a procedure report of the angiogram.  If you post the results, some people on this site might give you more insight.  
Obviously your husband has problems, the first step is get more information and follow dietary and medication advice.  Keep us informed.