Question 1

how common is pneumonia and the need for dialysis after open heart surgery for a torn aorta due to an aneurysm and two blocked arteries?

Accepted Answer

Heart surgery: Sounds like a major serious event. Such a big surgery with aneurysm rupture is life saving. Dialysis need isn't unusual for such.

Question 2

is it possible to get a heart attack without having blocked arteries?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The typical term "blocked arteries" implies cholesterol mediated atherosclerosis.  People can also have heart attacks from other causes such as coronary artery spasm, from Cocaine use,  or from congenital abnormalies of the coronary arteries, .

Question 3

my dad has 2-3 blocked arteries 90% and 1 100% had minor strokes and heart attacks having forced surgery on fri, he has not been good what r the risks?

Accepted Answer

CABG risk: It is not clear from your description what type of surgery he is getting. I surmise that you mean coronary bypass surgery. Overall risks for patients like him in the STS database for patients who have had strokes or TIA and previous MI is &gt; 96% survival. That is very very good for major procedures like this. Discuss with the heart surgeon for better guidance and risk stratification.

Question 4

is there a scan available thats scans the whole body an any blocked arteries of the heart and any abnormalities in the body?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately: no single scan is that all-encompassing.

Question 5

please explain if it is possible to get a heart attack without blocked arteries?

Accepted Answer

Myonecrosis: Heart attack is the death of the heart muscles. If there is severe low oxygen from any cause the heart fails and the tissues die. The only experience i know of heart attack per se in young people without known atherosclerosis is when they use drugs like meth and we presume that is due to the vessel vasoconstriction and impeding of blood flow.

Question 6

had a clear echocardiogram 3 years ago, no blocked arteries. could i have blocked my arteries enough to have a heart attack now?

Accepted Answer

Was the: Echo study done with or without EXERCISE ? If it was a "stress echo" that was negative , congrats, the chances of signicant "PREMATURE" coronary disease 3 years later is quite small...A "plain" echo is less useful in detecting coronary insufficiency and is done for STRUCTURAL reasons (Heart valves etc) It can pick up OLD cardiac injuries.
I hope this helps!
Dr Z

Question 7

what does an echocardiogram detect? i know its for diagnosing heart disease, but what kind? can it tell if i have blocked arteries or damage from a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

An : An echocardiogram is a procedure that uses high frequency ultrasound waves to evaluate your heart.Typically it will assess:
â€¢ the size of your heart: the size of the pumping chambers, as well as the thickness of the heart muscle
â€¢ pumping strength: how well is your heart pumping blood
â€¢ valve problems: an echocardiogram can determine whether your valves leak or if they do
not open properly
â€¢ problems inside the chamber of the heart: this test can help determine if you have a blood clot or tumor inside the chambers of your heart
â€¢ the walls between the different chambers of the heart (looking for holes in the walls)

it can show if you have had a prior heart attack but cannot look directly at the arteries for blockage. A stress test, either a stress echocardiogram or a nuclear stress test, will show you if you have significantly (typically >70%) blockage and can confirm evidence of old heart attack.

Question 8

can dizziness be a sign of blocked arteries to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Yes but...: Coronary artery disease can cause dizziness if the blockage significantly affects the heart's function or causes an arrhythmia that lowers the heart's output. However, there are usually other symptoms as well, including:
chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, decreased exercise tolerance, palpitations, etc. 
You don't need every symptom, but the more you have, the greater the suspicion.

Question 9

what can be done to address blocked arteries and a failing heart?

Accepted Answer

Failing heart: May need cardiac stents or open heart surgery or rare cases heart transplant.

Question 10

my dad is 78 has 2 blocked arteries and another that is 80 blocked his heart is working at 20%. what are his options?

Accepted Answer

CAD: Your dad has significant coronary artery disease and should be on appropriate diet, exercise, not smoking and polymedicine treatment. Depending on his other factors he might benefit from bypass or catheter based therapy if appropriate. His options should be discussed with his doc/cardiologist.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can heart massage therapy help open blocked arteries

A member asked:

How common is pneumonia and the need for dialysis after open heart surgery for a torn aorta due to an aneurysm and two blocked arteries?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get a heart attack without having blocked arteries?

A member asked:

My dad has 2-3 blocked arteries 90% and 1 100% had minor strokes and heart attacks having forced surgery on fri, he has not been good what r the risks?

A member asked:

Is there a scan available thats scans the whole body an any blocked arteries of the heart and any abnormalities in the body?

A member asked:

Please explain if it is possible to get a heart attack without blocked arteries?

A member asked:

Had a clear echocardiogram 3 years ago, no blocked arteries. could i have blocked my arteries enough to have a heart attack now?

A member asked:

What does an echocardiogram detect? i know its for diagnosing heart disease, but what kind? can it tell if i have blocked arteries or damage from a heart attack?

A member asked:

Can dizziness be a sign of blocked arteries to the heart?

A member asked:

What can be done to address blocked arteries and a failing heart?

A member asked:

My dad is 78 has 2 blocked arteries and another that is 80 blocked his heart is working at 20%. what are his options?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?