how do we know that our arteries are blocked

[diws]

hi! i am 25 years old and 5 years ago i've been diagnosed to have mitral valve prolapse. every year i have an executive check up and all was normal. my question is how do we know that our arteries are blocked? is there a specific test done? and what is it?

[lonewolf07]

jlaracuente is right.  An angiogram shows all the arteries and if one or two are blocked the drs insert a stent to keep it open.  Sometimes if the blockage isn't too bad, they just use a balloon to push the plaque against the artery walls and don't use a stent.

The angiogram itself is a series of "pictures".  The patient lies down flat, you don't have to be sedated but can request sedation if you're really nervous.  A dye is injected into your body so the dr can see the arteries and an incision is made in the groin of your leg or occasionally your arm and a catheter is inserted into your arteries.  There might be some discomfort but a good dr will let you know ahead of time so you won't feel afraid.  There is usually - I think - a small balloon on the end of the catheter in case a blockage is found.  As mentioned above, sometimes a stent is put in to keep the artery open and other times the plaque is just pushed to the side.  After this is completed, you have to lie down flat to ensure that the incision heals (unless it's in your arm).  I hope I haven't scared you.  If I missed anything or made any errors here, please feel free to correct me - I'm in Canada and we might do things different here.

[jlaracuente]

An angiogram will help determine if you blockage(s). I first had the procedure done in 2005 and the doctor found an artery with 90% blockage. He put in a stent.