Heart disease?

[Osumom09]

What qualifies you as having heart disease? I saw a report from my endo (for thyroid issues) that says heart disease
"Yes".  I have high cholesterol that has been well managed with statins for years.  My b/p is most always normal 100/70 ish;  except for when my hyperthyroid flares up.  I do have a family history of heart problems and i have a mild grade I systolic murmur. I am not sure why they say this about me.  Oh, and my triglycerides and lipids are always perfect.  Any ideas?  I am a 56 y/o female with a few pounds to lose but it is extremely difficult when your thyroid is out of whack.  

[Flycaster305]

What tests did you have that led to the diagnosis of heart disease?  

[ed34]

What qualifies you as having heart disease is having restrictions in the blood flow through your coronary arteries by a build up of fatty substances and/or plaque.  

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

If you have high cholesterol, your Doctor's report will state "yes" for Heart disease.  This is a legal requirement and when you apply for Life insurance, etc. you may find exclusions on your heart due to this.

Your BP is normal and that is a good sign.  Mild grade 1 murmur is a very common finding on an Echo and Doctors can even hear it with a stethoscope, but that is insignificant and nothing to be concerned about.

Due to your family history and age, you should have blood tests done every 3 months and if you notice any swelling in your legs/feet and shortness of breath, chest pains, then you should consult a Cardiologist.

All the best,

[Red_Star]

No one test can diagnose heart disease. Tests to help diagnose heart disease include: electrocardiogram, stress testing, echocardiography, chest x-ray, blood tests*, electron-beam computed tomography, coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization.

* Blood tests can include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, Lp(a), Apo A1, ApoB, CRP, homocysteine, BNP, fibrinogen, blood glucose/insulin, vitamin D, testosterone, estrogen.