Diagnosing possible angina in women

[NBCT]

I have posted here before and appreciate every response from what I see as truly caring MD's. I am 40years old,female and have a question concerning use of a holter moniter or event recorder to ruleout possible EKG changes during episodes I have been experiencing. I have used both before(two years ago) to diagnose an irregular heartbeat due to MVP, which showed SVT, many PAC's and PVC's, taking Toprol XL daily since then.
The feelings that have me concerned usually begin with mild chest pressure or pain in my back, then lightheadedness, a brief pain in my left arm and sometimes ends with irregular beats. These episodes happen at work or at rest and always cause me to slow down what I am doing, but in general only last less than 3 minutes.

Would EKG changes be apparent in such a short episode if these feelings were due to a possible ischemic event, or are these symptoms to subtle?

I have in the back of my mind at times that I could be ignoring those subtle cardiac feelings women experience, I appreciate any input you have. Thank you.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear NBCT,

Sorry to hear about your recent episodes of chest discomfort. It is possible to detect ischemia using a holter monitor. However, in a case such as yours where ischemic chest discomfort is a concern,  stress testing would be  more approapriate. A stress test involves exercising on a treadmill or recieving medication in an effort to precipitate cardiac ischemia.  

I would suggest discussing the symptoms further with your doctor, who will take a thorough history and physical along with determining the next most appropriate test.




Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE

[PDC]

I am 34 years old, a working mum.  My father died from heart disease at age 45 -  my main reason for concern.  For the past 10 weeks or so I have been experiencing mild discomfort in the centre of my chest and a mildly aching left arm.  This is intermittant and thus i'm reluctant to visit my GP for fear of sounding daft.  I don't smoke but I do drink fairly regularly and exercise is virtually non existant in my life (I Know, I Know!)

Are there any tests I can do do myself that don't cost a fortune?
And could it be my sleep position?

P.S I really don't think it's indigestion or wind!

PDC

[PDC]

I am 34 years old, a working mum.  My father died from heart disease at age 45 -  my main reason for concern.  For the past 10 weeks or so I have been experiencing mild discomfort in the centre of my chest and a mildly aching left arm.  This is intermittant and thus i'm reluctant to visit my GP for fear of sounding daft.  I don't smoke but I do drink fairly regularly and exercise is virtually non existant in my life (I Know, I Know!)

Are there any tests I can do do myself that don't cost a fortune?
And could it be my sleep position?

P.S I really don't think it's indigestion or wind!

PDC

[PDC]

Are there any tests I can do at home before bothering my GP to see if there is a problem with my heart?