What is a chronic total occlusion?

The short answer

A chronic total occlusion is a coronary artery that has been completely blocked for an extended period.

The meaning of a symptom, test, or diagnosis depends on the person’s history and complete clinical picture. A cardiovascular clinician can determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.

How PICC approaches the question

PICC begins with the clinical problem, reviews prior information, and selects testing only when it can answer a meaningful question. Care stays connected across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Questions to bring to your visit

• What information from my prior tests is most useful?
• What clinical question would another test answer?
• How would the result change my care plan?
• What symptoms should prompt urgent evaluation?
• How does prevention fit into my next step?

Authoritative starting points