Question 1

why is the lad artery referred to as the widow maker?

Accepted Answer

LAD: The left anterior descending artery supplies the major portion of the left ventricle. Sudden death is thought to occur more frequently from occlusion of this vessel than any other single vessel occlusion; thus some people term it as you mentioned.

Question 2

how commom is the widow maker heart attack?

Accepted Answer

There are only: limited data available to answer your question. Some studies indicate about a 53% incidence of atherosclerotic involvement of the Left main or Left anterior descending arteries. If the patient is symptomatic and treated, the MI would be avoided. If not then a widow maker MI might occur. The former occurs much more frequently than the latter so I would say by my experience it is not common.

Question 3

i hear some other paramedics talk about widow maker mi, can you explain what that is please?

Accepted Answer

Refers to LAD Artery: The "widow-maker" artery is the left anterior descending artery of the heart. It serves the left ventricle. A major blockage or occlusion of this artery can be devastating and result in sudden death or at least a very serious myocardial infarction (mi), hence the nickname! thank you for what you do. Paramedics have saved my life before; I have enormous respect for you. Carry on. Lgromkomd.

Question 4

widow-maker heart diseace with 72% blockage in right side of neck, what are the odds of him getting better?

Accepted Answer

Excellent: The "widow-maker" is a high grade blockage in the left anterior descending coronary artery. It can be treated with angioplasty and stenting (usual) or by-pass surgery (if necessary).  Carotid disease requires no treatment unless symptomatic or very severe - then can be handled with endarterectomy (usual) or stenting (hi risk). Get your cholesterol and BP down and if you smoke, don't!

Question 5

my father had a widow maker heart attack in december and had another one last night.  did the first one make him more likely to have another one?

Accepted Answer

The conditions: and risk factors leading to the first heart attack are what lead to the second not the heart attack itself.  There are risk factors for heart disease that are modifiable and those that are not.  This article might be of use and help you understand.  Hope your father does well, and all the best.
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/risk-factors-for-heart-disease#1

Question 6

my brother has heart diseace called widow maker, he has had 4 way by-pass, and now his right side of neck is 72% blocked, what are his odds of getting be?

Accepted Answer

The heart: Vessel disease treatment is useful, but so is rehab and changing diet that got him there, exercise, and meds to control cholesterol and triglyceridea. Associated carotid disease is fairly common, and treatment is very important at preventing stroke. Get mended, and then mend your ways to live.

Question 7

at 38 had a widow maker they say only 40% of my heart is working have family history of heart problems high bp and ch am over weight no wind help????

Accepted Answer

Need cardiologist! : We need to get you in with a cardiologist ASAP!  We can help in a prime visit to get a referral set up.  Water, walking and fruits and veggie diet necessary to maximize your quality of life.  Work with your cardiologist to tailor your behavior change regimen to your disability level. Best of luck and thanks for reaching out.

Question 8

my uncle died suddenly at age 47 from a widow maker heart attack. he did cocaine regularly. could that have caused it? if not,could it be genetic?

Accepted Answer

Early death from MI : Taking cocaine is a risk factor for a heart attack but there was also probably a blockage there for years. That's why blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes management is so important to manage. A poor lifestyle like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity all slowly contribute to heart disease. Heart disease can be reversed with proper medical management and a healthy lifestyle.

Question 9

i just got 4 stents put into the artery they call the widow maker. what are the odds i have other heart attack. doctors say i'm ill clear right now?

Accepted Answer

CAD: If you have enough CAD at age 38 years to require stenting, then you need lifelong attention to your condition. This would include diet, exercise, medications and monitoring your condition. You should certainly have nothing to do with tobacco which can exacerbate CAD. You should have a conversation with your cardiologist to discuss what you need to do for your future.

Question 10

i had my ct calcium score done today and it is 0 but they mentioned that because my heart was beating at 105bpm that is limits in seeing small buildup. is this still good? would it still see if my widow maker was clogged? thank you?

Accepted Answer

: If it had calcium unit it would show up.  Congrats on the good news.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Widow maker is it hereditary

A member asked:

Why is the lad artery referred to as the widow maker?

A member asked:

How commom is the widow maker heart attack?

A member asked:

I hear some other paramedics talk about widow maker mi, can you explain what that is please?

A member asked:

Widow-maker heart diseace with 72% blockage in right side of neck, what are the odds of him getting better?

A member asked:

My father had a widow maker heart attack in december and had another one last night. did the first one make him more likely to have another one?

A member asked:

My brother has heart diseace called widow maker, he has had 4 way by-pass, and now his right side of neck is 72% blocked, what are his odds of getting be?

A member asked:

At 38 had a widow maker they say only 40% of my heart is working have family history of heart problems high bp and ch am over weight no wind help????

A member asked:

My uncle died suddenly at age 47 from a widow maker heart attack. he did cocaine regularly. could that have caused it? if not,could it be genetic?

A member asked:

I just got 4 stents put into the artery they call the widow maker. what are the odds i have other heart attack. doctors say i'm ill clear right now?

A member asked:

I had my ct calcium score done today and it is 0 but they mentioned that because my heart was beating at 105bpm that is limits in seeing small buildup. is this still good? would it still see if my widow maker was clogged? thank you?

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?