Question 1

what tests are available to diagnose coronary artery blockage?

Accepted Answer

Several: If a cardiologist suspects coronary artery blockage the first step will be a very complete history.  A nuclear stress test is a common diagnostic test and cardiac ct angiograms are becoming more common.  The next step is usually a diagnostic cardiac catheterizaiton.  Also since approximately 80% of coronary artery disease, cad, patients have peripheral vascular disease, pvd, that will need eval to.

Question 2

what would cause a high coronary artery score and yet after a angiogram there isn't a blockage?

Accepted Answer

Not unusual: The calcium score is a  measure of calcium in the wall of the artery. An angiogram measures the degree of blockage in the lumen of the artery. A high calcium score is a measure of the risk of devolping obstructive coronary disease; it does not make the diagnsosis of obstructive coronary disease.

Question 3

does angiogram show heart coronary arteries blockage?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, a coronary angiogram is the most widely used test to look for blockages in the arteries of the heart and to decide the best treatment option (medication only vs stent vs bypass surgery).

Question 4

how would a blockage in one of the coronary arteries affect the hearts stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

Stroke volume: If a major artery is blocked then it will result in damage to that part of the heart muscle and the muscle will not be able to pump blood out of the heart hence the stroke volume will reduce.

Question 5

can you explain the metabolic mechanisms that take place during coronary artery blockage?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A coronary artery blockage of myocardial infarction (heart attack) occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures losing its fibrous cap and lipid core thereby exposing type-4 collagen which is very prothrombotic (clot promoting).  It is the blood clot forming at the ruptured plaque that shuts down the coronary artery.

Question 6

what could cause a high (1100+) right coronary artery score and yet after a angiogram, they find no blockage?

Accepted Answer

Great question: An angiogram is showing plaque buildup that is impacting blood flow within the lumen of the vessel but before you have that happen you can get atherosclerotic buildup within the wall of the vessel that grows outward. This can be seen by CT but can appear very minimal on an angiogram. However if you have a CT with high calcium score I recommend medical therapy for coronary disease (statin, aspirin)

Question 7

how can coronary artery blockage be diagnosed by alternative medical practitioners?

Accepted Answer

Not easy: Even with state of the art technology at large cardiac centers its not 100%. Even with catheterization, ct scans etc its still not clear which plaque is vulnerable and could cause a future event. Alternative drs and homeopathic medications may have its place, but for a life threatening condition such as this i would stick to traditional investigations and treatment.

Question 8

what would left anterior descending coronary artery blockage cause?

Accepted Answer

Heart attack: It depends on how bad the blockage is. If severe it could cause actual damage, a heart attack. If less severe it could cause chest pain on exertion. If it is minor, there could be no symptoms at all. The symptoms can be chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. As that artery supplies a large area of the heart muscle, it has been referred to as the widow-maker.

Question 9

my coronary arteries are highly calcified. does this mean that there is blockage? other than angiogram, is there a less invasive test to show block?

Accepted Answer

Angioangiogram: Usually calcification and coronary artery blockages go hand in hand. You have already had the gold standard test-the angiogram. There are less invasive tests e.g. Coronary ct scan, which usually shows calcium but not as sensitive or specfic as a angiogram.

Question 10

what part of the heart would receive less blood if the were a blockage in the left main coronary artery?

Accepted Answer

Left main: most of the blood to the left ventricle passes thru the left main. That is why it is such a serious lesion.

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Doctor answers about:

Is there any homeopathic medicine available for clearing coronary artery blockage

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What tests are available to diagnose coronary artery blockage?

A member asked:

What would cause a high coronary artery score and yet after a angiogram there isn't a blockage?

A member asked:

Does angiogram show heart coronary arteries blockage?

A member asked:

How would a blockage in one of the coronary arteries affect the hearts stroke volume?

A member asked:

Can you explain the metabolic mechanisms that take place during coronary artery blockage?

A member asked:

What could cause a high (1100+) right coronary artery score and yet after a angiogram, they find no blockage?

A member asked:

How can coronary artery blockage be diagnosed by alternative medical practitioners?

A member asked:

What would left anterior descending coronary artery blockage cause?

A member asked:

My coronary arteries are highly calcified. does this mean that there is blockage? other than angiogram, is there a less invasive test to show block?

A member asked:

What part of the heart would receive less blood if the were a blockage in the left main coronary artery?

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