CAD Treatment

[Rolodex]

Approximately a year ago I went to my cardiologist for chest pain I was having. He did a stress test and said that it appeared that I was experienceing "ischemia" and wanted to do a heart cath. The result of the cath he said was that an artery (he never did define which one) in my heart has a 30% blockage and he sent me on my way. Is this normal for a blockage of that size to not be treated by medications, and just "watched"?
I recently started having heart palpatations and shortness of breath that lasts only moments, so I went to see the cardiologist again. He did a nuclear stress test and once he "read" the results had his nurse call me to say that the results were normal. Is it possible to have an abnormal stress test and then have a normal one when there is supposed to be a 30% blocked artery somewhere in the heart? Is this something I should ignore since the stress test is normal? does a blockage of 30% cause palpataions and shortness of breath?

[erijon]

Normally, blockages are not treated until the reach 70%, they are watched and if they progress then treatment will start. Also, a nuclear stress test will generally only pick up blockages of 70% or more. A 30% blockage would most likely not be picked up. You need to have this test reapeated as directed by your cardiologist so they can watch for progression of the blockage. If you start having symptoms see you cardiologist right away or go to the ER. Otherwise, if you're feeling good live you life and let your cardiologist manage your condition.

Good Luck!

Jon

[erijon]

Normally, blockages are not treated until the reach 70%, they are watched and if they progress then treatment will start. Also, a nuclear stress test will generally only pick up blockages of 70% or more. A 30% blockage would most likely not be picked up. You need to have this test reapeated as directed by your cardiologist so they can watch for progression of the blockage. If you start having symptoms see you cardiologist right away or go to the ER. Otherwise, if you're feeling good live you life and let your cardiologist manage your condition.

Good Luck!

Jon