What are the best methods for removing plaque from the artery?

Hi @loyd1934deborah, welcome to Connect.
I'm tagging @HeartPatches and @mlemieux on this discussion to see if they has any thoughts about plaque removal.

I would like to learn more. I scored very high on a heart calcium test and while I take a satin to manage my mildly high cholesterol I'd like to learn of the options for reducing it. Thanks.

I have had plaque surgically removed from arteries feeding my legs. Be careful with stents as they are good initially but then can be a source for future plaque build up. I'm told take no external calcium and to get my dad cholesterol as low as possible. My good and bad cholesterol are about the same--I know unbelievable but it can be done.

I might not be in the right sections. But was wondering what too take  for pain as I have splendic artery aneurysms.  Said I can't take tylenol.  Was wondering about ibuprofen,  aleve Thanks<br />
<br />
<br />

Hi @ram675. Welcome to Connect! I'm sure those test results were nerve-racking. Did you doctor recommend any kind of follow up testing like an angiograph? In the meantime, here is some information about managing high cholesterol: http://www.mayoclinic.org/cholesterol-site/scs-20089333. And here is some information about the coronary calcium scan: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/basics/results/prc-20015000. It sounds like the basic watching your diet, getting exercise, quitting smoking, etc. is important but i'd definitely talk to your physician about recommendations. Also hoping others on Connect, including @scottb, @abespizza and @bayouhawk may be able to jump in and provide some insight.

Hi @candles30741. Welcome to Connect! I'm going to try to get an answer on this and get back to you but it may take a couple of days. In the meantime, i'm wondering if @ssams might be able to provide some insight since she suffers from the same thing.

I HAVE HAD A TEST BY CATHERIZAION. ARTIE'S ARE FULL OF PLAQUE AND BECAUSE<br />
OF THE LOCATION OF THE LARGEST ONE THEY CANNOT USE A STINT. BECAUSE OF MY<br />
AGE THERE IS A LOT OF RISK IF I HAVE BYPASS SURGERY. I CAN NOT TAKE STATIN<br />
DRUGS.<br />
<br />
I WAS THINKING DID THEY HAVE A DRUG THAT WOULD DISSOLVE IT OR SOMETHING TO<br />
GRIND IT OFF?<br />

@candles30741, we put your question about acetaminophen (Tylenol) vs. ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) to a pharmacist at Mayo Clinic.

She said, "Both Advil and Aleve carry risks for the people with aneurysms including an increased risk of bleeding, stomach ulcers, cardiovascular thrombotic events and stroke. With the possible severe side effects associated with Advil and Aleve, it would be best to speak with your doctor who is familiar with your medical history to determine if either of these would be options for pain relief."

@candles30741, were you told to avoid Tylenol because of your aneurysm or another health condition?

Hello @loyd1934deborah,

Not sure if I missed it or not, did your specialists say you had too much plaque in your arteries affecting your quality of life? My arterial system is riddled with hardened blood clots, so much so an ultrasound specialist can't tell if it's a new blockage is new or old clot formations.

I've talked to many specialists about having the affected areas removed, we tried once to access my arteries through my pelvic area which was a massive failure, my nerves were twisted up with my arteries and the surgeon kept hitting my nerves which was getting dangerous and painful.

This small procedure to "flush out" my arteries came at a very HIGH risk. So I ask, have you been told the risks of this kind of surgery and the potential damage it can do afterwards?

Also, I've looked into this new machine/procedure you mentioned which is on news networks, it is still in the infant stages and isn't fool proof. I'm watching this new technology very closely as it also offers me some possible solutions, but I've read in a few areas that this procedure is very risky and hasn't been perfected yet.

They do have another procedure called "coronary atherectomy procedure" with a technology that's been around for a little longer with a lot of success. I would ask your doctor about it. But again, it does come with a risk of creating "new" unforeseen problems. Please speak to a doctor from the Mayo Clinic about risks/rewards of these new procedures. Know your risks and decide from there as I did. 🙂

Please make sure to do your research, these procedures are fairly new.

I hope this helps give you some insights.

Regards,
Martin Lemieux
Thrombosis Canada - Patient Ambassador

-- Some Sources to Study --

Mayo Clinic "Groups" and "Laboratory":
http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardiovascular-diseases/overview/specialty-groups/cardiac-catheterization-laboratory/overview
American College of Cardiology - Study on "angioplasty"
http://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2015/03/16/17/21/routine-clot-removal-after-heart-attack-not-beneficial-may-increase-risk
Documentation about the "Megavac" Technology
(for your own study, not an endorsement):
http://www.capturevascular.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Capture-2-Pg-Executive-Summary-v2.pdf

Hello @candles30741,

Taking over the counter medicine for known conditions can be very dangerous, as @colleen_young mentioned, there are risks involved. A condition as yours should be treated properly and pain management monitored by a professional.

In the past, doctors would recommend "baby aspirin" once a day to help with the inflammation, pain and blood clot prevention. Baby aspirin is a very small dosage compared to others, especially Aleve, BUT please do not take it before speaking to a doctor. Pain is never fun, I understand how you feel, but massive heartburn, stomach ulcers and clots can be less pleasant.

I've had multiple clots in my system, and I understand now that by taking anything over the counter meds along with my prescribed medications comes with very high risks of bleeding and/or unforeseen side effects. I know it may sound silly since Tylenol and Aspirin have been around for a long time, but when it comes to high-risk conditions, any medication should be monitored by a professional.

I would "book an appointment" (up top) and speak to someone about your pain right away. You have many options for: pain, inflammation, clotting and stomach ulcer prevention.

I hope this helps!
Please keep us updated.

Regards,
Martin R. Lemieux
Thrombosis Canada - Patient Ambassador