Doctor believes I have a heart blockage

[Jaxxon]

I'm a 28 year old, obese male.  I am approximately 6'0", and weigh 330lbs.  Today, I went in for my annual check-up, and my doctor said my cholesterol and "heart disease risk factor" numbers were concerning.  She asked if I had any chest pain, and I said, yes, every now and then.  She said if I had them upon "exerting," and I told her, no, they just happen every now and then, and I always just assumed they were indigestion.

Well, she ordered me to take an EKG, and the results came back, and she said she believes I have a blockage in my heart.  I am scheduled to undergo a stress test tomorrow.

My question is, I had an EKG as recently as 1.5 years ago, and the doctor said I was fine.  Could a SERIOUS heart blockage develop in such a short period of time?  Obviously any heart blockage is serious, but I'm sure you know what I mean.  I'm worried that I won't even be able to exercise or try to lose weight, because it may trigger a heart attack.  Could a blockage that serious develop in just 1.5 years?

Also, with a better diet, exercise, and losing weight, can you reverse a heart blockage?

Thank you.

[Flycaster305]

A short answer would be no, you probably can't reverse a heart blockage with diet, exercise and losing weight.  Blockages can be fixed with minimally invasive techniques today, however, and future blockages could be avoided by these behaviors plus good medications.  Hopefully a fellow with the name Enjohn will see this post, he can encourage you.  Good luck tomorrow, I'm sure you are nervous, hopefully enough that you will consider a lifestyle that mixes in healthier choices.  I've had eight blockages fixed over the last eight years, so remember that, these things can be fixed.
Let us know what the stress test revealed. Th EKG (ECG) test isn't the best indicator of a blockage but it is a useful tool as a first line defense against heart disease.   I'll be watching for your post.

[Obssesivemale]

The answer is yes.  I had several EKG(all norma) and Nuclear Stress test once a year (all normal), until one 3 years ago was problematic.  Had 2 arteries blocked, one 100% circunflex and another 85%.  Angioplasties were not that bad.  I lost 50lbs and change lifestyle.  Obviously the tests are not very accurate to start with (to give you an idea Nuclear stress test has 15% false positives) so situation and test results can change quite fast

[e.r.boy]

Heart blockages do not happen over that time period. Your arteries get soft plaque over years and years until they can no longer remodel themselves anymore. The blockages move inward then and this can happen quickly. The blockages are just the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the disease is on the circumference of the arteries and is quite extensive by the time blockages show up on stress tests or angiograms. The good news is that you're alive in 2008 and they can help you.

[Jaxxon]

Thank you for all your comments.

I'm just so nervous.  I wish my primary doctor explained in more detail what was going on.  She came in and said that it looked like I may have a blockage.  She immediately put me on aspirin, and Lipitor (even though from my bloodwork, my cholesterol was not that bad), and made me schedule to have a stress test, I believe the type that injects you with the radioactive substance.

I told her I want to lose weight, but after an episode 1.5 years ago (which caused me to get an EKG then), I have been scared to exert myself much, for fear it would spur on a heart attack.  I told her this, and she said that exercising would be the best thing for me.

I imagine since she said that, that she didn't think it was incredibly serious, but again, I just don't know...

I thank you all so much for replying.  Considering problems with the heart are so prevalent, I figured it would be easy to find a board to discuss these types of issues I am having, but have actually found it pretty difficult.  When I posted here, I didn't know if anyone would even respond.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond to me.

[Jaxxon]

Well, I went to take my stress test (where they inject you with the radioactive substance).  I feel a little bit more relieved, because I got a copy of my doctor's initial report, and also the cardiologist that did my stress test ECG (EKG?) said everything looked fine, but he wouldn't know for sure until he got the pictures back.

This is what my primary doctor diagnosed me with from the abnormal ECG I had with her yesterday:

"EKG shows RBBB slight ST elevation"

Any info on that?  I read about the RBBB and it didn't sound so serious, but again, I have to wait until the results are back to be sure.

[Jaxxon]

Well, I got the official results back from my doctor's nurse today, and she said everything was normal.

I let out a big sigh of relief, and it was like I was given a second lease on life.  I definitely plan to change my eating habits, and will get into better shape and watch my diet.  This will turn out to be one of those times where a "scare" is a good thing.

Thank you all for the help you provided.  I made a donation to the AHA in memory of my father, who passed away from congestive heart failure, and for everyone out there who are having to deal with these sorts of problems.

I wish everyone the best, and thank you all again.

[erijon]

Congrats for dodging a bullet, but don't let this make you satisfied with your life style. I had the same scare as you a few years ago when I was 47. I too had a Nuclear stress test and passed with flying colors as I have for the two years since. Bottom line is use this as a chance to keep from getting a blockage. When I had my scare, I changed my diet and started working out on a daily basis and have done very well. I have lost 60 pounds and cut my cholesterol numbers to a total of 151 anf an LDL of 58 and HDL of 40. There is some studies that would suggest that an LDL under 70 MAY promote a regression of plaque build ups, but you won't get there without doing the work.

Exercise and diet are the two things YOU can control to stay healthy. Exercise will help raise you HDL and the proper diet can lower your LDL and help your heart stay healthy. You should follow the AHA guidelines of 30 minutes of exercise most days of te week and try to acheive 75 -85% of your max heart rate (220 - your age) that will have the most benefit, but make sure your doctor signs off first.

Congrats and good luck!

Jon

[Jaxxon]

Thank you for your comments.  Yes, I definitely plan to change my lifestyle.  I already have in a way, exercising each day and eating very healthy since my doctor said there might be something wrong with my heart.  I was definitely a wake-up call, and I can't imagine myself going back completely to that type of lifestyle I led before.

I'm glad to hear you have made changes and are bettering yourself too!  Hopefully one day I can look back and be just as successful as you have been.

I guess everything happens for a reason, and as much as it scared me at first, I believe it will definitely make me a better, healthier person in the long run.

Thank you all again!