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Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Family HistoryForum: The Heart Forum
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Posted by gff on June 08, 1999 at 11:33:35 I have written in over the past few months requesting information on PVC"s which I found useful. However, I have a brief question. I do have PVC's and palpitations (very rarely, maybe once a month during PMS). I had a holter monitor and several ECG"S during childbirth and gallbladder surgery within the past two years (all normal). I am a 38 year old female (obviously!), excercise 4 to 5 times a week and weigh 120 lbs. I have normal blood pressure and cholesterol level of 217. My father recently had quadruple bypass surgery (age 69, heavy smoker, eats whatever sounds good, but in basically good shape). When do you recommend having further testing (stress test, etc) for early detection of CAD? Can women at my age have heart disease? I have recently been experiencing the inability to pull in a deep breath along with a "tickling" sensation (no palpitations occuring with this sensation and never during strenuous excercise, only at rest). I honestly feel that these are panic attacks related to the recent turmoil. I have a doctors appointment in a month for a complete physical - I'm wondering if I need to hurry the appointment up or relax? You all are very helpful - thank you for your time.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 08, 1999 at 11:44:43 Dear gff That is an interesting question - when do I recommend stress testing for early detection of CAD. Actually, almost never. I do not recommend stress testing in patients unless they have symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease, or in certain special circumstances (about to start a vigorous exercise program after years of inactivity). What I do recommend for people such as yourself with a family history of heart disease is to pay special attention to watching and controlling your risk factors for heart disease, to decrease the chances of developing a problem. I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back. Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
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