No, it does not disclose any blocked arteries. It has more to do with the electrical impulses or lack thereof that contract the heart's chambers. The timing of the impulse and degree of mvolts that would indicate chamber size and wall thickness, etc.
Thanks, how long over the years does it take for your arteries to clog up? or does it just depend on your own circumstance
There is a hereditary component that may be the highest risk factor. If family history indicates, it would be wise to take extra precautionary measures with proper diet, weight control and exercise.
There is no gauge to predict time, but the worse clogging becomes, the faster it gets worse. It is usually is an older person's medical problem, but it is not that unusual and not really unexpected to see one in there 40's with a family history of same. Rarely below 40 years of age.
Arterial blockages, cholesterol and plaque first becasme an issue in the '60's and they started checking the corpses coming home fro Vietnam. Autopsies revealed a STARTLING amount of coronary artery plaque formation even in kids just out of their teens.
It's never too early to start preventing blockages from forming.
Hi there, my father died at 31 of heart disease & therefore, I have always ensured that I have stayed reasonably fit and healthy. However, at the grand old age of 38, I have just had a valve replaced and a heart bypass (3 weeks ago, still feeling a bit yucky!)
My advice is, listen to your body and ensure that doctors take your family history seriously. If you want to find out of your arteries are blocked, you would need an angiogram which to be honest, the doctors only gave me as they were going to operate to replace my valve anyway and were very surprised that one of them was blocked, resulting in the bypass. Not sure how old you are but an angiogram (certainly here in the UK) is not something doctors give unless they feel certain there is a problem or you are waiting for heart surgery anyway
An ECG is always a good place to start if you are worried. If you want to chat more, will always be happy to help
Hi Claire,
What did you have valve replacement for? I think I may be looking at this in the coming yrs, any advice as I am so worried about it.
Mileena
