Chest Pressure

Posted by Patricia on June 28, 1999 at 10:29:01
Here's my history:  35 year old female, 5'1" and 135 lbs.  Health is overall great except for cholesterol.  Two years ago when I had it checked it was 499 total.  With choles. that high we don't need to break it down.  My doctor prescribed zocor of which I took for about two weeks and quit because I just didn't want to take medication.  I was told that with cholesterol this high (it's also hereditary on my father's side), I would not be able to lower it on my own and I would have to take medicine from now on.I started taking barleygreen and herbal fiber blend, exercising more and eating better. I had it re-checked this past May and it was 371. This has been very encouraging to me but I still have chest pressure, not pain, in the left region of my chest, almost directly under my breast.  About three years ago they did ekgs and everything was normal. I notice the pressure most of the time after I eat badly (pizza,chocolate, cheesburger etc.). There's no shortness of breath whatsoever, no trouble sleeping, and NO PAIN, just pressure. Does this sound serious?

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 28, 1999 at 16:04:57
Serious enough to see a doctor about.  You also need a follow-up cholesterol level and may need some medication adjustment.  Given your family history and high cholesterol you are at a higher risk for heart disease.

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