Contents:
- Medical Video: New Procedure to Open Old, 100% Blocked Coronary Arteries of the Heart
- Traditional mindset about coronary artery disease
- A new view of coronary artery disease
- What does that mean to me?
- When is the right time for a check-up?
- Conclusion
Medical Video: New Procedure to Open Old, 100% Blocked Coronary Arteries of the Heart
The human mindset of coronary artery disease and its treatment is now in the midst of major changes, and currently, some cardiologists have a "new perspective", while others are still trapped in "traditional methods". This difference between the two patterns of thought explains most of the ongoing debate among cardiovascular specialists about who should test, test methods, who needs treatment, and methods for treating coronary artery disease.
Unfortunately, doctors are still confined to conventional thinking and as a result, many patients are treated with medication or over-treatment.
Traditional mindset about coronary artery disease
Basically, the coronary arteries are caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. This will clog the blood flow which can lead to angina (chest pain), and more severe can cause heart muscle dysfunction supplied by arteries called "myocardial infarction" or heart attack. Because the main problem is blockage, the main treatment is by removing blockages through bypass or stenting surgery. Then, the traditional view of coronary artery disease focuses on blockage which means that the location and level of blockage is very important in the assessment of coronary arteries. Diagnostic tests that do not provide complete information and treatments that do not relieve blockages should not be used.
Traditional cardiologists tend to insist that cardiac catheterization is the only diagnostic test and stenting as the only adequate therapy, although they are reluctant to admit that sometimes cardiac surgeons need to deal with very large or difficult blockages.
A new view of coronary artery disease
It is now known that coronary artery disease is more than just a blockage. Coronary artery disease is a chronic disease that develops and tends to be more severe than the effects of blockages that occur. These plaques often appear in arteries that appear "normal" in cardiac catheterization. In fact, some patients, especially women, can have large coronary artery disease which results in narrowing of the coronary arteries without the plaque itself.
In addition, broken plaques can cause a heart attack and trigger the formation of frozen blood that will clog arteries - this often occurs in plaques that do not cause blockages before they break and are called "insignificant" in cardiac catheterization. The key is not in the presence of specific blockages, but in the coronary artery plaques (which do not cause significant blockages) that are present.
What does that mean to me?
Clogged arteries can cause angina and heart attacks, but therapies aimed at treating blockages are often not needed. An evidence shows that with intensive medical therapy - mostly based on statins but also includes modification of aggressive risk factors - coronary artery disease can be stopped or even reversed, and plaque can be "stabilized" to reduce the chance of rupture. Experts believe that by actively exercising, stopping smoking, losing weight, controlling blood pressure and controlling cholesterol levels, it is very important to avoid coronary artery disease.
The key to deciding whether someone has a tendency towards coronary artery disease, is the presence or absence of plaque in the arteries and by undergoing direct therapy. For most cases, determining the presence of plaque can be done noninvasively. It starts with a simple assessment to decide whether the patient is at low, moderate or high risk. (Here are ways to assess your risk simply and easily). Those classified as low risk categories do not need further intervention. People who are in the high risk category must be treated aggressively (with statins and risk factor modification), because plaque is very likely. People in the moderate risk category should consider noninvasive testing with EBT scanning (calcium scan): if there is a buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries, then the plaque that is present must be treated aggressively.
When is the right time for a check-up?
Blockages in the coronary arteries are still important. Most experts think that those at high risk should have a thallium stress test. If this test shows a major blockage, cardiac catheterization must be considered. A stress test or cardiac catheterization must also be considered for them (whatever the risk level) that has symptoms of angina. Eliminating blockages through surgery or stenting can be very effective in the process of treating angina, and for some conditions can improve survival.
Conclusion
Our thinking about coronary artery disease has changed significantly over the past decade or more. Not limited to only treatment of blockages through stents. Treatment is aimed at stopping or reversing chronic coronary artery disease and stabilizing plaque to reduce the chance of rupture, it is important that the blockage is clear or not.
Please consult a doctor if you have questions or problems.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
