Chronic Total Occlusions are Completely Blocked Arteries
When facing heart disease, it can be related to genetics, lifestyle or other factors. However, one thing you can do is educate yourself on heart disease and the resources available in your community.
People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, who smoke and/or have a family history of heart attacks are at risk of building up plaque in their arteries. Usually we prevent plaque from building up by diet, exercise and/or medications. In some patients, the plaque builds up so much that they start having chest pain or pressure and trouble breathing. When the plaque has built up so much, the patient requires a stent -- which is like a metal tube -- to be placed to reopen the tight blockage.
In some patients, the artery is completely blocked and has been for a long time. These lesions are called chronic total occlusions, CTO.
Normal techniques to open these blockages are less successful; therefore, specialized training and instruments are needed. As the newest cardiologist in Midland, I have been specially trained in the techniques to fix these chronically occluded arteries for patients who continue to have chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath or fatigue. To do these procedures, a tube is inserted into two separate arteries, and using catheters and wires, we go through or around the blockage and insert a stent, to re-establish flow down the artery and relieve symptoms.
If you have CTO or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoke or have a family history, speak with your cardiologist today regarding your treatment options.
Dr. Mark Davis is with Permian Cardiology.