Experienced heart specialists at Ascension St. John Heart and Vascular Center deliver advanced care for chronic total occlusion (CTO). As leaders in heart and vascular care, your team of specialists collaborate to deliver a personalized care plan that’s right for you. Our cardiologists are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for CTO.
What is CTO?
CTO is a complex heart condition that occurs when there is a total blockage in one or more coronary arteries. CTO is a common heart disorder – occurring in 20 to 25 percent of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This blockage prevents blood containing oxygen and nutrients from flowing to your heart.
CTO is different from a heart attack because the blockage develops over time and symptoms can worsen as the blockage increases. This may cause your heart to grow new blood vessels that will reroute blood around the blockage. These new vessels help supply some of the blood your heart needs and may prevent a heart attack.
Understanding your risk for CTO
Risk factors for CTO include:
- Known coronary artery disease or history of heart attack
- Excessive tobacco use
- High LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- Family history of premature cardiovascular disease
- End-stage kidney disease
- Obesity
- Postmenopausal women
Diagnosing CTO
Common symptoms of blocked arteries can include:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pain in the upper body and arm
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing
Diagnosis of CTO is based on your medical history, a physical exam, diagnostic testing and a coronary angiogram procedure often known as a heart catheterization. During the catheterization procedure, dye is injected into the coronary arteries and images are taken. The images can reveal blockages and show how the heart muscle and valves are functioning.
Advanced treatment options for CTO
Your doctor will work with you to find the right treatment for you. Your care team personalizes your care plan and works with you to improve your quality of life. Treatment options may include:
