How Do Heart Blockages Affect A Person ?

Posted on Sun, 22 Apr 2012

Question: I had heart XXXXXXX done in Oct 2010 and it showed 40% on one side and 20% on the other, the doctor was not at all concerned. I freaked out. How long before it will worsen, does it happen quickly

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (1 hour later)

Hello,

Thanks for the query.

A certain percentage of blockage is usually seen in all persons over 50.To what extent that blockage affects you depends on your lifestyle,diet,activity etc.
20% blocks may be seen commonly due to plaques/atherosclerosis due to age,hypertension,diabetes ,obesity etc.
40% block is of course more serious and has a tendency to create problems.
What you should be concerned about is slowing the progress of the disease and not allowing the blocks to cross 50-60%.This will not happen immediately and usually takes months to years depending upon your lifestyle and risk factors.

You need not be concerned that there will be a total block immediately.You do have the opportunity to change your lifestyle ,diet,risk factors to control this.
Follow your doctors advice.
Get your bp under control.
Diet changes,increasing activity etc are needed.
Weight control,sugar control,avoid risk factors like smoking etc are required.

Slowing the progress of the condition is still within your control.

Hope that answers your question.

Regards,

Note: click here to Consult a cardiac surgeon online. to know the best treatment option for your heart-related issues

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar