Chest pain and CAD

I'm 50 years old and I recently participated in a cardiac study that provided CT/ MRI/ Nuclear Stress tests, echocardiagrams etc... I was told I had 'significant' CAD by my internist. Through the test I discovered that I had an MI on the surface of the heart that didn't penetrate the muscle."  I've felt nothing I would describe as pain in the center of my chest, left arm, jaw or back. Right now and because of this information, I've been 'feeling' and I don't know if that is nerves, stomach gas or angina. All the descriptions of 'pain' and crushing pressure make no sense to me. How does one differenciate between normal sensation, stress and angina?  

[kenkeith]

An MI (heart attack) by definition means heart cell damage due to lack of oxygenated blood flow to heart muscle to portion of the heart in question.  Heart cell damage does not always mean there is permanent damage as heart cells could have been stunned or hybernating and not necrotic.

There can be a heart attack (MI) without any symptoms.  I didn't know I had had a heart attack until I had the symtoms (symptoms) of heart failure! Symptoms with chest pain has a wide variation of pain locations and degree of sensation.  You should have your CAD evaluated and treated...that will provide peace of mind. Your post doesn't indicate anything very serious, so there shouldn't major concern to worry over.

It is difficult to differentiate the cause of chest pain.  However, angina usually happens during exertion of some type and relief with rest.  It almost always requires a cardiologist's evaluation with tests, etc.  And often the cause is unknown and that is attributed to stress.

[mkris]

Thanks for your response. I have an appointment on Friday. This news has really freaked me out. My internist said the tests showed signinficant corinary artery disease and perhaps the need for angioplasty or even Bypass! I have felt nothing. Now I need elephant tranquilizers.

[DrBob149]

'Significant stenosis' refers to a 'narrowing' (blockage) of and artery by 50-70% which is enough to 'starve' the heart of blood during moderate to heavy exercise.  You may have suffered a small heart attack previously without feeling it ( you may have just felt short of breath or like you had indigestion).

The tissue affected by the 'heart attack' turns into scar tissue.  This cannot be reversed. I would suggest angioplasty or bypass (depending on the nature and location of the blockage) to prevent further irreversible damage.

[rainooh]

Please dont neglect this . am f-50 yrs. Last year i had a massive massive heart attack. God knows how i survived it. Its just his grace i guess. Well i didn't have any symptoms of pain either. I too thought it was indigestion or gas until it was tooo late. Please go for an immediate check.I had the attack in may. An ECG done in end Feb didn't show anything.
Yes i used to feel very exhausted all the time. I attributed this to physical stress.

[rainooh]

Yes i forgot to mention , angioplasty was done on My LAD.