Calcified and Friable coronary arteries

[S_Chaney]

Greetings,

I was hoping to get some information about damaged coronary arteries and the associated risks of rupturing.

I had a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft a couple years ago, it was suppose to be a triple bypass but the surgeon was not able to find a third location to anchor the graft to that wasn't calcified and friable. The attempts just fell apart due to the extent of the damage. I was told that I can never attempt another CABG and a transplant when the current one fails is my only option.

What I have been wondering about is how susceptible to damage/rupturing are the arteries. Will a session of tachycardia and/or excessive blood pressure cause a rupture?

I also have variant angina which acts up and the spasms cause the arteries to be twisted and tugged accordingly. I also have Chiari Malformation which causes sessions of tachycardia (plus a million other issues).

I have a constant fear that elevated heart rate and blood pressure is going to end up tearing/rupturing my coronary arteries and I am wondering if there is any validity to this concern.

Thanks for your time,

S.

[S_Chaney]

With variant angina (arterial spasms) and calcified and brittle arteries that is exactly what I am concerned about.

How did they detect it and monitor it's recovery?

[Flycaster305]

Not necessarily, Ed.  I had in the RDA a perculating problem with blood flow with clots that set up a vibration in my arteries about seven years ago.  I think it was caused by stents placed at opposite ends of the RDA and the artery started shaking, and finally leaked.  I was lucky, the leak was slow, and fixed with a really long 24 mm stent.  
I trust all is well in your shire, Ed.  I've had a rocky road to ride, but I'm still standing!

[ed34]

Your arteries are not going to rupture unless you have an aneurysm and thats totally different to CAD.

[Flycaster305]

I had a triple bypass four years ago, and it failed.  It plugged up quickly.  I had a high-risk stenting procedure on my native arteries, and still have a 65% blockage in the LAD that is too risky to fix.  
I'm still standing, but it requires close attention to diet.  I moved into CHF quickly, but still enjoy a good quality of life.  I just don't make long term plans!  
If your bypass is still patent, I'd reduce your stress level by simply doing the best you can with diet and exercise.