50-69% Blockage of LAD

[Anonymous]

So I have a terrible family history of heart disease. I'm 52 years old and have been on Lipitor and lose dose aspirin for 20 years since my dad and brother died. Mother died when I was little. One sister died about 18 years ago. Another sister had a triple bypass about 15 years ago. However, my lifestyle is drastically different than theirs. They were/are over weight/obese/morbidly obese. Inactive. Terrible diet. Alcoholism. Heavy smokers. etc etc. I'm very active, eat way better, etc. But my family doctor thought that it was time that I get a CTA scan of the heart and it came back with my LAD being 50%-69% blocked. I have a follow up appt with the family doctor in less than two weeks then I'm sure I'll go to a cardiologist. But, man, I thought lifestyle would have overcame genetics, but it seems not the case for me. I'm wondering...anyone out there get these similar results? What next steps did the doctors have you do? Thanks

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry for your losses. This artery being less than 100% blocked may BE lifestyle triumphing over genetics—but it’s also a good reminder that lifestyle hawks are engaged in some degree of self-delusion and that people don’t deserve blame for their medical mishaps.

I am sure someone will have good ideas on treatment. So good that it was caught now!

[Anonymous]

I’m guessing you might need a stent but of course your cardiologist will discuss your treatment options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so sorry for your losses. This artery being less than 100% blocked may BE lifestyle triumphing over genetics—but it’s also a good reminder that lifestyle hawks are engaged in some degree of self-delusion and that people don’t deserve blame for their medical mishaps.

I am sure someone will have good ideas on treatment. So good that it was caught now!

That's a very good point about lifestyle preventing it from being 100% blocked by now. All siblings and mother died/had their first issues in their 40s. My dad's first heart attack was my age and survived until his 2nd heart attack killed him in his mid 60s. I realize that everyone is different and my treatment plan may be different from others but I was just wondering what other folks may have had done. Maybe next step might be to go in with scope, or maybe get a stent, or maybe wait until it becomes even more blocked and then get a stent. Just curious what others had done and what others were told. I see my family doctor late next week and I'll see what he says and then go see a cardiologist.

[Anonymous]

I'm about your age and post-menopause developed cholesterol issues. I don't have your family history or any advice, just wanted to offer support. I think the PP had a great point that your lifestyle may be saving you from worse results.

I'd definitely be going to a cardiologist if I were in your shoes, whether your family doctor recommends it or not.

[Anonymous]

Have you had your lipoprotein A tested? I was just reading about this. It’s a genetic risk factor.

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/genetic-conditions/lipoprotein-a

[Anonymous]

Your lifestyle has overcome genetics! You are still alive! There’s only so much you can do. Go to the cardiologist and do what they say.

[Anonymous]

In the same boat OP. Had a heart attack young and got a stent. 6 years prior I had no plaque and I’d been on statins most of that time. Always exercised, never smoked, not much of a drinker, decent diet. Another artery is 50% blocked but it was too small for a stent.

Without a heart attack, I don’t they can give you a stent until it’s 90% blocked (which is crazy) but you will be closely monitored now so that’s good.

[Anonymous]

Another artery is 50% blocked but it was too small for a stent.

Without a heart attack, I don’t they can give you a stent until it’s 90% blocked (which is crazy) but you will be closely monitored now so that’s good.

np here and just imho ... Op, you aren't in as bad shape as you fear

[Anonymous]

OP, do NOT beat yourself up. My fit-as-a-fiddle, lifelong Mediterranean-diet eating father, had his first symptom of heart disease be a heart attack where we found out his LAD was 90% blocked. We were all shocked. He had 2 stents installed and is doing great. He barely missed a beat from the heart attack and procedure. I credit his quick recovery to him having been in such good shape.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your lifestyle has overcome genetics! You are still alive! There’s only so much you can do. Go to the cardiologist and do what they say.

Yep. A prior poster made me see that. To see it that way is very helpful mentally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the same boat OP. Had a heart attack young and got a stent. 6 years prior I had no plaque and I’d been on statins most of that time. Always exercised, never smoked, not much of a drinker, decent diet. Another artery is 50% blocked but it was too small for a stent.

Without a heart attack, I don’t they can give you a stent until it’s 90% blocked (which is crazy) but you will be closely monitored now so that’s good.

How do they closely monitor you? Scans every year? every two? Something else? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Another artery is 50% blocked but it was too small for a stent.

Without a heart attack, I don’t they can give you a stent until it’s 90% blocked (which is crazy) but you will be closely monitored now so that’s good.

np here and just imho ... Op, you aren't in as bad shape as you fear

Thanks for your response. You know...I'm not too fearful, even though I've been getting some of my ducks in order because I kind of take care of all the financials of my household...I was more "mad" at first. This genetics things and all the hard work I've put into it but it's good that some prior posters made me realize that all the good things I've been doing HAS HELPED. Probably alot. But still a little angry. I feel like the doctors will get me on a good path. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, do NOT beat yourself up. My fit-as-a-fiddle, lifelong Mediterranean-diet eating father, had his first symptom of heart disease be a heart attack where we found out his LAD was 90% blocked. We were all shocked. He had 2 stents installed and is doing great. He barely missed a beat from the heart attack and procedure. I credit his quick recovery to him having been in such good shape.

The better the shape, the quicker and better the recovery. Glad father is doing great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In the same boat OP. Had a heart attack young and got a stent. 6 years prior I had no plaque and I’d been on statins most of that time. Always exercised, never smoked, not much of a drinker, decent diet. Another artery is 50% blocked but it was too small for a stent.

Without a heart attack, I don’t they can give you a stent until it’s 90% blocked (which is crazy) but you will be closely monitored now so that’s good.

How do they closely monitor you? Scans every year? every two? Something else? Thanks.

Bloodwork, angioplasty, stress tests, meds at least. You’ll be under the care of cardiologists.