I often hear stories of a guy who has a heart attack and come to find out that 95% of a major blood vessel to the heart was clogged.
How is this not picked up earlier during normal exams? Why isn’t it?
Can’t they do radiation shots to see where the blood flows or whatever?
In: Biology
I also wish there was an affordable way to check for clogged arteries.
My story:
62M Asian
Fairly active my whole life (former pro skateboarder, avid road cyclist, hiker)
5′ 9″, BMI 25, no smoke, vape, drink, drug-free
Statins every day for past 27 years
Family history of cardiac disease
May, 2023: Out of breath at top of third floor stairs. No chest pain. Just out of breath. Doc visit just in case. No imminent heart attack determined.
Blood panel normal. Cholesterol 127 mg/DL
June, 2023: CT Scan shows calcium build up in all three arteries. Coronary Artery Calcium (Agagston) score: 3500+. Severe is 300 or higher. Yeah, 10X. Genetic.
August, 2023: Treadmill stress test. Did pretty good for for my age at 12 minutes. Max 170 bpm. Ultrasound video showed evidence of prior mild heart attack. I don’t remember that at all.
Sept, 2023: Stent #1 successful. 80% now 0%
Oct, 2023: Stent #2 successful. 80% now 0%. No stent needed in third artery after roto-rooter.
Feeling 1000% now but it all started with being out of breath and seeing a doctor out of an abundance of caution.
Lesson: Go see your doctor if you suspect anything.
Live long, live strong.
Latest Answers