In June, I was in for a heart catherization when my stress test showed abnormalities. Even though my EKG showed everything normal.

The Cardiologist found a completely blocked artery for which nothing could be done. He ordered a CT scan and had me in a week later for follow up.

When I went to the follow up, I asked "Ok, what now?", to which he responded, "Nothing, life as usual."

Of course, I thought that this could not be as I had a completely blocked artery. The Cardiologist explained to me that, like you, my heart had self replaired and formed new vessels to carry blood to the part of the heart that was served by the blocked artery.

Well, I wasn't real sure about this and neither was my personal physician so I was referred to a Cardio-Vascular Surgeon for a second opinion. Now, you have to understand that going to a Surgeon and asking if you need surgery is like walking into a Barber Shop and asking if you need a haircut. The answer is just about always going to be... YES.


However, the CV Surgeon had the same position as the Cardiologist. Told me that I should just continue on with things as usual and that my heart had, in fact, self repaired.

I asked about activities that were very physically demanding and about exercise that would raise my heart rate. "Life as Usual" was his answer. Both the Cardiologist and Cardio-Vascular surgeon told me that, other than the blocked artery, my heart is very healthy and that excercise would do not nothing but help.

I took up cycling about a month later.

I'm betting my life that they are both correct.

ciao`

Ed