heart function

Over last 4 years i have had 3 caths done. my symtoms (symptoms) were having shortness of breath under strain when heart beat was elevated. first cath showed circumflex 100% blocked in 2005. subsequent symptoms resulted in 2 more caths in 07 and 09  both those showed circumflex had  opened  and no other blockages present. Symptoms still persist. I would like to know what further testing can be done to find what this problem.is  my cardioligist said  last cath showed heart function was on lower side of normal  i am 58 years old never smoked and am 6 ft and weigh 220 lbs and have always been active.... my meds are.... benicar 20mg for blood preasure. 40mg pravastatin..  and 25 mg topral daily.    my fear is with no blockages that i have a heart defect that is going undetected that could be serious.   have history of heart disease on fathers side with grandfather  although my dad is 81 and no problems   i have no strong angina when this occurs just a little twinge and then followed my shortness of breath  which passes if i let heartbeat lower down. i like to work out and am afraid with this situation to raise my heartbeat.

[ed34]

I assume you had intervention, such as stenting in 2005 and that the 100% blockage didn't miraculously vanish by 2007?
Although you are experiencing shortness of breath, the cause may not be the heart directly. As shortness of breath is the only symptom you mention, and no chest pains or discomforts, then there could be a possibility that you pulmonary arteries or Lungs have a problem. Obviously the heart is responsible for getting oxygenated blood around the body, but it must be remembered that the blood has to be oxygenated for this to be effective and this is the job of the Lungs.
If they haven't already done so, probably the best next step is an echocardiogram to ensure that the heart muscle is all moving in a uniform fashion. The valves can also be checked for efficiency with this test. If this reveals nothing, then perhaps a lung function test may reveal something. A nuclear perfusion scan is valuable also because it shows which areas, if any, of the heart are not receiving an adequate supply of blood.
These are probably the best tests to have in order to build a picture of the anatomy of your heart. I take it your ECG is fine and so I doubt if a stress test will reveal much, if anything. With just shortness of breath and no other symptoms, it was likely show no problems with your heart.
There could also be a very simple problem such as a lack of Iron or other substance in the blood.

[kenkeith]

QUOTE: ..."my cardioligist said  last cath showed heart function was on lower side of normal  i am 58 years old never smoked and am 6 ft and weigh 220 lbs and have..."

>>>Yes, indeed there could be a heart defect. Have you had an echocardiogram?   If your heart function is less than expected, the test can help rule out any hypokinesis (impaired heart wall movement) or hyperkinesis (dead heart cells).  Also, the dimensions of the heart wall may provide information that is helpful.  The fact your doctor expressed a lower-normal range (normal is 50 to 70%, the percent pumped into circulation with each heartbeat) indicates some consideration is given to the metric.  Also, the echo (doppler) can view the blood flow through the valves and heart chambers, and rule out any valve structual problems, etc.  These conditions can cause shortness of breath without chest pain.      

[gene17]

Ed actually the circumflex artery did open up on its own from 05 to 07 and i am told this does happen. thanks for the input. yes i really don't get any chest pain just a little uncomfortable twinge followed my shortness of breath when my  heart is worked to a certain point.  the pulmonary test may be a valuable next step

[Flycaster305]

When I get blockages, my symptoms are quite similar to yours.  I get very breathless but have never had the classic Hollywood chest pains, but I have a lot of heart damage.  I work as a Volunteer at a Cardiovascular ICU, and talk with lots and lots of patients and their families, and easily, 1/2 say that they had no or little pain, just a tightness sensation, but always, they talk about being breathless.  The ICU nurses tell me that those with active diabetes have enough nerve damage that blockages don't cause much heart pain.

I'd listen to the breathless symptoms and get the tests recommended by Ed and Ken.

Keep in touch.