Myocardial Infarction with only one blockage?

Hi,

My mom who is in her early 70's, recently complained pain in various places in the body. As the pain was predominantly on the right hand and right wrist, she was taking treatment from an Orthopedic who didn't doubt the symptoms she had is really cardiac related. However, when the pain manifested to chest and back, with emergency care, she was directed to Cardiology.

There is no family history of BP or Sugar in her family, and all her siblings living for 88 years or more, and parents as well lived beyond 88 years.

When tests taken, the CKMB was showing > 80.0 ng/dl, and the Troponin-I showing 14.1 ng/ml. The ECG was abnormal, and the Echocardiogram showed LVEF as 40% with impaired LV Systolic function. With these reports, the cardiologists confirmed that she might have underwent the attack already hours before she was taken to the hospital.

When Angiogram was taken, the doctors could find only one blockage at 99%, and all the other arteries absolutely fine. Immediately, we have done the Stent and Balloon angioplasty to remove the single block as well. Now she doesn't have any blockage. She was discharged within 2 days, and she appears little weak, and becoming normal gradually.

We are very much worried. Can someone help me answering the following questions?

1. Can a single artery blockage cause such a heart attack? Won't the heart still get the blood from the other unblocked arteries?

2. What will happen to the damaged muscles in the heart?

3. Are there any tests to ascertain the damage it had caused?

4. Won't the damaged muscles doesn't revive at all?

5. What are the ways in which the LVEF can improve from 40%?

Thank You.

i think you're not getting answers because you're asking specific questions about a specific patient which only that persons doctor can correctly answer after an examination and tests. you need to make an appointment and talk to the doctor that did/oversaw the above tests.

Yes, 1 artery blocked can cause an infarcation as the arteries feed different parts of the heart. Once damage is done, it is most likely permanent. However, therapy dedicated to unblocking the diseased artery as well as medications may help reduce future attacks. Chances are , she will be followed by cardiology and additional testing will be done like EKG, echos, medical stress test, etc to monitor the condition.

HI Hope
It depends on the artery block-- the LAD supplies a significant part of the heart, but the inferior arteries, less so--so heart attacks in those areas may be more mild and have less damage. Even small plaque deposits can rupture, causing a clot and blockage that can obstruct a significant part of the artery--so that is why life style changes are used when plaque deposits are less than 50%.

The EF can often be improved as functionality is gained and with the use of medications, perhaps cardiac rehab if she is able to--but of course a lot depends on the specifics of the case. It's a good sign that she appears to be getting stronger each day.

I would definitely report any pains to her medical team--could be muscle related (positional from long procedures, etc) or other issue--but in any event, please let her nurse/doctor know--if anything managing pain is an important part of the healing process.