What is a chronic total occlusion (CTO)?
A CTO is a complete or nearly complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries. The blockage, typically present for at least three months, is caused by a buildup of plaque within a coronary artery. When this happens, blood flow to the heart is compromised.
Unlike a heart attack, which occurs when a coronary artery is blocked suddenly, CTOs develop over time. As a result, your heart may grow new blood vessels that re-route blood around the blockage. These “collateral” vessels supply some of the blood your heart needs to function and may prevent a heart attack. However, they are not normal blood flow.
What are the risk factors?
- Smoking
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Known coronary artery disease or heart attack
- Obesity
CTO symptoms
Symptoms can develop over weeks, months, or even years. The most common include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pressure or tightness
- Fatigue or lack of energy
How is a CTO diagnosed?
If you have symptoms, it’s important to bring them to your doctor’s attention. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will talk with you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and may also order one or more medical tests.
Common tests include:
- Coronary Angiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Testing
- Cardiac MRI
- CT Scan
Have you been diagnosed with a CTO?
- Are you seeking a second opinion?
- Would you like to avoid open heart surgery?
- Have you been told there are “no options” to treat your blocked heart arteries
- Have been told you don’t qualify for CABG surgery due to your risk factors
If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic total occlusion (CTO) or a completely blocked coronary artery, we at Metropolitan Heart & Vascular Institute are here to help. Our nationally recognized expert physicians can treat your CTO.
Our cardiac care team offers exceptional treatment options for CTO and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We work to restore normal blood flow to your heart without open-heart surgery. You will feel better and have an improved quality of life once your CTO is treated, no matter how complicated.
Trust the cardiologists at Metropolitan Heart & Vascular Institute. Call our CTO coordinator to learn more about our CTO program or set up a visit with one of our providers.
CLICK HERE to find out how we can treat these complete blockages with stents.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or would like more information about CTO treatment at Metropolitan Heart & Vascular, please call our CTO coordinator to schedule an appointment. We welcome new patients and those seeking second opinions.
