CT Scan Results

[DerekSenna1]

After my post a few days ago got my CT Scan and it shows my heart is diseased , the artery’s going to my heart are all furry . The arteries seem to be working ok but I’m sure they will give up sometime??

Q can I get preventive operation or is it more medication I’m all ready on apixaban 5 m entresto 97/103 bisoprolol 7.5 eplerenone 25 m

I walk approx 60,000 steps a week and play golf ( when lockdown lifts )

I don’t normally get out of breath.

So looks like I have AF and diseased heart. I’m 71 and lead a fairly normal life, any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Ps waiting on Cardiac nurse to call me back.

Thanks D

[BobD Volunteer]

Best ask on BHF forum as well but from what little I know Derek either a stent to hold any major reductions open or a by pass operation if it is really bad. If I were you I wouldn't overthink it till you have a proper feedback discussion with your cardiologist.

[DerekSenna1 in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD

[Hidden]

I would imagine they will discuss any lifestyle changes which might apply but it’s good that you are able to maintain a good exercise regime. As far as the AF is concerned, the medication you are taking should help to control symptoms and minimise the stroke risk associated with AF. Hope you don’t have to wait too long before hearing from the nurse.....good luck

[DerekSenna1 in reply to Hidden]

👍🤞

[Hidden]

My 72 year old coronary arteries are a bit furred up too, but like you, they do the job, I don’t have angina, and am as fit as a slightly creaky butcher’s dog, permanent AFib notwithstanding. I was advised that natural antioxidants and statins (independent of cholesterol level) would help to prevent any progression. I don’t think you should assume your coronary arteries will “give up sometime” (a follow up scan in 5 years could assess any further progression).

This is just my experience, your GP is potentially best placed to give you an holistic and contextual assessment.

[DerekSenna1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your experience.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Derek, my sisters husband in the U.S. was told that his heart was in a dreadful state with blockages when he was in his 30's. He was told that things didn't look good for him, he has had many stents and by passes and for quite a few years consultants have said they don't know how he's staying alive, but he's knocking on 80 now and for quite a few years has refused any further treatment. Stay positive, things are not always as bad as they first appear.

Jean

[DerekSenna1 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Jeanjeannie50

It’s probably the initial shock of being told I feel great and will just get on with it ( life )

Thanks for your input.

D

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

My workmate's husband had a massive heart attack. Killed half his heart and wasn't expected to get out of ICU.

He miraculously recovered and 10 years later at 80 years old .... hits the golf links regularly.

Even doctors can't believe his recovery. So ... don't ever count yourself out.

[DerekSenna1 in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Thank you very much.

[Ppiman]

"Furry" means you have atherosclerosis in the heart arteries. This is a narrowing or "hardening" of the arteries that take oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. It is caused by "fatty plaques" that grow very slowly, from middle age or even earlier, on the artery walls of the heart (and elsewhere), made up from a mixture of calcium and cholesterol and other substances. How much of this is caused by the diet or factors under our control, and how much is inherited or genetic, no one seems to be sure.

Whilst it doesn't sound good, and it seems that up to 40% of people die from it, mostly in old age, it's a thought that a lot more than that 40% of people must have it, so I should think that you can feel some comfort from the fact that it is an extremely widespread condition - and is, to some degree at least, quite possibly, "normal".

It is the reason why many people now take lipid-lowering statins and anti-hypertensive drugs, and is a reason not to smoke, keep the weight down, and exercise.

Steve

[DerekSenna1 in reply to Ppiman]

Hi Steve

Thank you for this information, it seems it’s better to know you have it and get checked regularly.

I’ve never smoked & exercise every day will keep working on weight loss was 130kg 7 years ago now 100 kg.

D

[Ppiman in reply to DerekSenna1]

I think you’re right. I read a study once that showed the lesions that lead to plaque formation are there from a very early age indeed, and even in wild apes!

You’re now my weight - I’m 6’4”. I could do with losing half a stone, I suppose, still. Well done on that weight loss.

Keeping the blood pressure down, avoiding or treating any diabetes, and taking statins would, I suppose, be the way forwards - for us all!

Steve

[DerekSenna1 in reply to Ppiman]

Steve Thanks again . D