HEART ATTACK PREVENTION
W. G. Franklin, M.D.
Heart attacks are caused by arteriosclerosis (a.k.a. hardening of the arteries, cholesterol build-up, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis). Arteriosclerosis can now be detected with a simple, noninvasive, relatively low-cost test that takes five minutes called a FAST CT SCAN of THE HEART. This test is available in Northern Virginia only at Arlington Hospital. Most insurances now cover this test which costs $425.00.
If no calcium is detected, then there is no arteriosclerosis and the risk of heart attack is extremely low, less than one percent.
On the other hand, if calcium is detected, then arteriosclerosis is present and a heart attack is possible. In this situation the basic program to prevent a heart attack includes at least the following three groups of medications:
A. aspirin (enteric coated) 80 mg per day: 25% risk reduction
B. a beta blocker (counteracts adrenalin): 25% risk reduction
C. cholesterol lowering medicine: 50% risk reduction.
The beta blocker needs to be adjusted so that the resting heart rate is in the 60's.
The cholesterol which builds up is the LDL (L for lower or lousy) and it needs to be reduced to less than 100 mg, perhaps less than 80 mg.
Stopping smoking is crucial!!
Diet, exercise, stress reduction, vitamins, donating blood, and other medications may also be helpful, but the ABC's listed above are agreed upon by most physicians.
Arteriosclerosis is now easily detectable. Heart attacks can be prevented if the underlying arteriosclerosis is discovered and treated early.