Narrowed artery 40-50%

[Athena1969]

Hi everyone looking for some advice and support. I have been recently diagnosed with a narrowed artery 40-50% (right coronary) and wanted to find out other people’s experiences treatment. Read some really worrying outcomes on line (which I have stopped reading) is this manageable with statins and change in lifestyle. I’m so anxious about it that I feel I can’t even function, getting daily palpitations but not sure if that is by heart or my anxiety, thank you in advance.

[Lisahanks69]

hi there I am from the uk also 56yeard old and was told two years ago I have a 50percent blockage in the LAD plus a few minor ones in others but no symptoms with this was signed back over to my GP and told to take medication plus change of lifestyle but no mention of a follow up to see if there was any progress plus I also have leaky heart valve and I also suffer with anxiety and get missed heart beats I feel abit let down in a way I feel we should have regular check ups each day I wake up I feel this is the day I have a heart attack

[Athena1969 in reply to Lisahanks69]

Thank you so much for your response your journey sounds very similar to mine I also have three leaking heart valves. I hope you don’t mind me saying but I will challenge this, my cardiologist has given different advice and has said I will be receiving regular checkups as this is a progressive disease. My cardiologist also said that anxiety is a killer so you need support from your GP about this as well. I am new on my heart journey and BHF community is amazing and well as the cardiac nurses utilise these amazing resources.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

All my major heart arteries are moderately to severely blocked. I was told this after an NSTEMI seven years ago. They would not stent one artery because it was too risky. I have taken statins for 25 years and now take ezetemibe as well and my total cholesterol is now under 4, down from over 9. I don't get side effects. I have also been taking BP tabs for nearly 25 years as well. I generally follow lifestyle measures, diet, exercise, body weight management alcohol and smoking, but all done without it becoming a burden, except for smoking which I don't. I suggest you stop worrying about something that may never happen, and get on with your life as I do. Enjoy every day as it comes, and understand that medication and lifestyle are your friends and embrace them.

[Athena1969 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, really does give me hope that I can have a normal life, just been a shock I think I’m still going through I can’t believe it’s happening stage. All the women on my side of the family have heart problems so I suppose it was inevitable. I have completely changed my life with diet just med only and on my medication journey now. Thanks once again for sharing good health to you.

[Cabgx2]

Hi,

I had 3 blockages, one with was the widower maker 90%, right artery which had a 70% blockage. Through diet and excercise I have kept these blockages still open even though they have been bypassed with no increase in the calcium build up of the original vessels. I know this as I had an angiogram 12 months after my bypass operation.

From what I have read best thing is diet and excercise and to keep stress at a minimum. I do a lot of cycling around 65km in a day. So far this year I have cycled 1500kms.

I don't smoke or drink but I did smoke until 2011. I was diagnosed with Type 2 in 2020 but I lost 5 stone and reversed this in 2021 and now I am not on meds for diabetis. I was on bp meds but have come off those as well. My yearly bp check over 7 days was 121/83.

I have high Lpa but normal ldl. I have been put on atoravastatin 20mg and ezetimide as my Cardiologist is worried about my high ApoB and been referred to the Lipid clinic in Liverpool.

[maple34 in reply to Cabgx2]

Firstly, congrats on losing 5 stone, that's a fantastic achievement.

Regarding the lack of buildup in your bypassed arteries, that's really positive. Makes me wonder, does blood still flow down bypassed artieries? I'm guessing it does, which then makes me wonder what the throughput volume is now. Perhaps its more than the original capacity before any blockages. Or maybe less/same, depends on the size of the grafted vein/artery. Interesting.

[Athena1969 in reply to Cabgx2]

Amazing transformation losing 5 stone huge congratulations!!! Your a true testament of what change can accomplish.

Do you think I am over worrying, just really hard navigating this journey.

Thank you

[Cabgx2]

Everybody is different, I self diagnosed myself blockages and took myself to see a cardiologist bypassing the GP's. I was out on my bike and was really struggling and I had unstable angina which was stabbing pains in my back.

We are all different and I have struggled mentally post operation. I know my heart is fixed but trying to tell my brain not to worry is a totally different matter.

[Athena1969 in reply to Cabgx2]

Thank you I was exactly the same my doctor sent me away with an ECG an said I was fine I knew deep down something was wrong you know your body dont you, I also went to see a cardiologist and I was right with the findings.

I know it’s better to know, preventative action is better than not knowing, just feel my life has come to a halt and get so scared I could leave my daughter at any time.

I wish I could find a way to control my worries and fear. So glad you got yourself sorted, good health to you.

[mathematics]

Hi sorry to hear of your problem and it is worrying for you. However they do not stent until you are round about 80% blocked (sorry I was wrong it is 70% blocked) and manage it with drugs. My husband was having major problems with his stents a few years a go and could not get nhs to take him seriously he eventually paid privately and after a heart scan they did an angiogram and restented him as he was 99% narrowed. I think you know yourself if you are not right however at present I would not worry too much as it can all be controlled by meds, however if you start having bad chest pain and it impinges on your life to stop you doing things I would go back and nag loudly. Take care.

[Athena1969 in reply to mathematics]

Thanks so much mathematics and for sharing your husband’s experience, really helps to know what to do. Good health to your husband, thanks once again x

[Hatchjd]

In th UK they will not stent unless the artery is blocked 70% or more and the patient is symptomatic. Treatment is medication and lifestyle changes. . I had 2 stents in 2019 for 90% LAD and 80% LCX they did not stent a 40% blockage in RCA. I am on the bisoprolol, asprin, atrovastatin and ezetimibe. I take a weight lifting/ strength class 3x week and have no symptoms. 67y/o Female.

[Athena1969 in reply to Hatchjd]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, good health to you x

[Green1964 in reply to Hatchjd]

When I had a stent fitted it was 75% blockage and the consultant on the nhs wanted to treat it with meds I was not happy felt like a ticking time bomb they told me the only time they would stent is if I was getting angina pain while on meds so I went private just to get it done before it lead to a HA

[Gigi70]

Dear Athena

How did they discover the blockage? I ask this as there could be others if it was underestimated. The palpitations I am sure are from the heart disease. Is your LDL high?

I am now 71 and had my triple vessel disease diagnosed at the same age as you.

Let me know?

Michlele

[Athena1969 in reply to Gigi70]

Hi Michelle, my GP sent me away and said I was fine but I knew something wasn’t right so went to a cardiologist and then had a 3D cardiac scan with dye so at least I know exactly what I dealing with. My overall cholesterol is 6 serum LDL 3.8.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis here if you ever need to talk it’s take some getting used to x

[Gigi70 in reply to Athena1969]

Hi Again Athena the cardiac scan gives a rudimentary result you need an angiogram especially as your LDL is very high. I was given the scan which showed one small blockage after demanding an angio I was diagnosed with triple vessel disease and required bypass surgery.

Michele

[Athena1969 in reply to Gigi70]

hi I forgot to ask @Gigi70 what are your % blockages what course of action treatment have you been advised x

[Ljb1234]

it is very moderate I wouldn’t stress too much about it.At least you know now

Majority of people walking around probably have severe blockages and wouldn’t even know.

[Athena1969 in reply to Ljb1234]

Thank you for your kind words really does help.

[Ljb1234 in reply to Athena1969]

Your welcome

I know how it feels so to be anxious I completely get that.

I’m highly anxious person after having heart problems.i have 3 arteries that are 30,40 and 50 percent blocked and they class it as mild to moderate.

I suffer from vasospasm and that’s the one that makes me anxious .You will be okay your worries are valid and don’t let anyone tell you your overreacting because it does scare you.

[Jedi14]

I think that you'll not be getting stents because your blockages are <50%! So the docs want to control, reduce the blockages with meds and dietary, lifestyle changes.

This is good thing because you can be spared a lot of trauma that comes with any invasive procedure. This is where you can be in charge of your health progress. I'm assuming you've your personnel BP monitor etc and have started a diary to keep in control?

[Athena1969 in reply to Jedi14]

Absolutely yes take morning and night my BP and lost two stone in 10 weeks set to lose another three I am overweight. Thank you for your message I really appreciate it x

[maple34 in reply to Athena1969]

Well done on the weight loss, now you know you can do it the other 3 stone will go soon enough. It does level off after a while, my weight loss rate now is less than it was when I started, but it all adds up. Your other markers (BP, Cholesterol, sugars) will improve as well I'm sure.

[Athena1969 in reply to maple34]

Thanks so much maple34 xxx all the very best to you x

[Goonerboy6661]

Hi there—completely understand how anxious this feels. I’ve been through something similar and just wanted to offer a bit of reassurance. It’s totally normal to feel shaken when you hear the words “narrowed artery”—especially if you’ve been reading online (which I’ve done too, and it often only shows worst-case scenarios).

A 40–50% narrowing in the right coronary artery is considered mild to moderate. In most cases, it doesn’t need a stent or procedure unless it’s causing symptoms on testing. It’s usually managed very well with statins, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up. That combination has helped millions of people stay stable and avoid progression.

Here’s something most people don’t realise:

By our 40s and 50s, it’s actually very common to have some level of plaque in the arteries—even in people with no symptoms. The MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) found nearly 50% of men and 1 in 3 women had plaque despite having no signs of heart disease.

Also, it might surprise you to know that many heart attacks happen in arteries with less than 50% blockage. That’s because it’s not just the size of the narrowing that matters—it’s how stable the plaque is.

Statins and lifestyle changes help reduce inflammation and stabilize plaque, making it much less likely to rupture. This idea is supported by many studies, including the PROVE-IT TIMI 22 and REVERSAL trials.

It’s also totally normal to feel palpitations when your anxiety is high—especially in the early days after a diagnosis. I’ve been there too. As you start to build a clear plan with your care team, and once you know you’re doing the right things, that fear often starts to ease.

You’re just at the start of a journey that thousands of others have walked too—and with the right approach, most people do very, very well.

[Athena1969 in reply to Goonerboy6661]

Hi Goonerboy6661 thanks so much for your really informative message, such a comfort to read what you have shared. Yes it’s completely rocked my world I thought I was a strong person but I am really struggling coming to terms with it and fearful as a single parent and carer for my 85 year old mum. Everyone in this community has been so amazing and having hope has such a positive impact. Thanks once again for your support means more than you know xxxx

[Harrim8]

Hi Athena1969.

I’m 51 and I had a HA 7 weeks ago, damage to LVEF 40-45% with a full blockage to artery and failed angiogram due to angle of artery which surgeon didn’t want to keep trying otherwise may cause further damage.

For me personally it was a complete shock that I’d had a HA, as I carried in about my day for about 4 days prior to going to A&E, I thought I had a trapped nerve in my back that was causing my neck, across my back to ache. It wasn’t until the day before I went into A&E that I contacted my GP and my arms also started to ache and I thought there’s something not right here.

I spent 4 days in hospital and was discharged. I’m on a range of medications due to other issues such as high Bp, high cholesterol and I’m diabetic type 2. When I started taking the new meds, I did struggle a little with side effects until after a couple of weeks until my body got used to them. The meds I’m on are aspirin, atoarvostatins, bisoprolol, empagliflozin, eplerenone, lansoprazole, metformin, ramipril and ticagrelor.

For me personally, I have really struggled with the mental health side of things, leading to anxiety and panic attacks, which for the first few weeks were frequent most days. I have had counselling and am on a tablet called Pregabalin to help with anxiety.

I would recommend that you seek any advice from professionals such as your GP, cardiac nurse, pharmacist etc. and avoid Google! I was constantly on Google which in some instances was helpful but mostly not helpful at all with regards to my mental health… you finish up going down a rabbit hole and read some rather scary and concerning information, which in most cases is incorrect.

Since my HA, I’ve lost 2.5 stone in weight due to exercise and healthier eating, stopped smoking and all my levels with a recent blood test have improved with the exception to my blood sugar levels which still need to come down a little.

If you can, get yourself signed up to the NHS Talking Therapies and also the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme (I start mine in 2 weeks), most people on here say it was very useful for them after their heart issues.

I hope you find this post useful and this is a great forum to hear from others like ourselves for support and encouragement.

Thanks.

[Green1964 in reply to Harrim8]

Hi Harrim8 I’m three weeks in after HA 3 stents your right about the mental side of th in bags been in panic mode since I got home the worry and fear that I’m feeling is terrible I’m waiting for my talking therapy call and on the waiting list for my rehab I really think the mental side is probably worse than the physical pain the night time is the worst for me that’s when panic mode kicks in hope u get sorted also kind regards Andrew

[jerry12953]

Just to add some words of reassurance; although it refers to a different condition, my mother was diagnosed with angina in her early 60's and prescribed a cocktail of meds. She lived to the age of 95 and eventually died of multiple other conditions.......

[Athena1969 in reply to jerry12953]

Thanks so much for your message I’m really sorry about your mum but really does bring context. Thanks once again x

[GPat72]

Hi I have just been diagnosed with similar issues, a slightly leaky valve and partially blocked small artery. I am being prescribed meds and have been discharged back to my GP. I been given no diet or lifestyle advice but am working on losing weight and have stopped alcohol. I have been not been given any indication as to follow up or how the doctor will measure the effectiveness of the medication. I feel as though, having been able to hand me a prescription, the medical profession is no longer interested.

[Athena1969 in reply to GPat72]

Hi GPat72 I have been experiencing exactly the same issues so I took it upon myself to consult with a cardiologist it was only going through him I got to the facts my GP sent me away with a blood pressure reading and an ECG and said I was fine which is very concerning. Please keep pushing you need regular check ups, if I can support you in anyway speak directly because of our similar journeys please contact me.

[DML081163]

Hi there my arteries were 90% blocked resulting in a heart attack & double bypass op 3 years ago, like others since the op with diet and exercise I’ve had very few problems since then, lost about 5 1/2 St and now walk regularly, everyday just about, not huge distances around 2 to 3 miles at a time, follow the advice from the health professionals they really do know what they’re talking about .

[wischo]

My brother had an angiogram back 14years ago and had a 50% blockage in his circumflex artery, he is still alive and well as they never thought it to be so serious as to warrent any further treatment other than statins.

[Qualipop]

That's too small a narrowing for stents. After my heart attack I was found to have 2 more blockages in the main artery that were 6 5% blocked but blood was flowing freely though it. The blockage was below the level for a stent. I simply take statins and an aspirin for 6 years now. I have tried t o find out if they've got worse but the docs are not interested.. Knowing you have a smallish blockage is a warning to change your lifestyle an diet. Statins will help reduce cholesterol and help prevent bits breaking off but you must also look at your diet and lifestyle.

[Timberdome]

Hi, as far as I know, everyone has some level of sclerosis in their coronary arteries and 40 to 50 per cent is nothing to worry about particularly. Many people of your age, still relatively young but not a spring chicken will have that level, it's called a calcium score, apparently.

If you don't smoke and you keep your cholesterol within reason at the correct level, you should be fine but of course always get advice from your doctor all the best and don't worry !!

[Savingmyself]

Bless you, I have been on a similar journey after being diagnosed with FMD after a dissection of the Carotid artery. I am now on statins and aspirin and have changed my lifestyle and diet to work with my diagnosis. Anxiety and fear are a challenge to keep under control and feeling extremely scared to go to sleep, bath and be alone were difficult for the first year.

I have now been able to put things into perspective and don't read information about my condition that sets off all sorts of issues, including palpitations.

Things get easier. Take time to adjust and enjoy the journey of life x

[Badger1966]

hello Athena 1969

You done the right thing from not reading into stuff you don’t like on heart disease. online .Worth a look and very helpful a book called, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn , jr, M.D with more than 150 great tasting recipes . Just stay focused, calm , exercise and listen to what your body is telling you . And a food and drink tolerance test worth a go , as helped me with certain foods I didn’t realise that were no good for me . This helped some of my angina pains stop , not all of them but most of them . And I’m still learning about my body and its limits . A Hilo blood pressure monitor to stop anxiety, stress gain me piece of mind , and I check when I get angina pains, so I tend not to worry so much now and get on with life . Anyway I hope this is of some help.

Regards badger

[CallMeSunny]

Hello Athena, what reassuring messages you’ve had from the wonderful people on this forum…so helpful. All I can add is to offer a gentle reminder that you can always phone the nurses at BHF (British Heart Foundation) if you need their help. Their website is well worth following…weekly emails with sensible advice covering many relevant heart related matters. Good luck to you.