Heart Catherization

[adamalbanese]

I went to the hospital on Thurs Dec, 2 2010 because I was dizzy and couldn't shake it.I thought my Blood sugar might be high, 2 weeks ago I was told I had type 2 diabeties. When in the ER they did a EKG and Blood test.My EKG came out normal and my blood test show cardio enzymes in my blood, and with family history the cardiologist thought it would be best for him to do a heart catherization on me. So that's what we did and he found no damage no blockage. I am wondering what would cause my enzymes to rise if it wasn't heart attack and how long before I can go back to work?

[ChatterAlly]

The vasospasms I was having in April didn't elevate my enzymes. But because of the chest pains I was sent in for another cath that day.  It seems to be the protocol.  I have had a lot of help with the ccb, and the nitro relieves the chest pain every time.

[joanincarolina]

Hi; this is joanincarolina. I have had vasospasms for almost 6 years. They can be debilitating and they appear just as you describe them. The cath was the prudent thing to do to rule out any narrowing, structural issues, pressures or obstructions. Now you know you have clear vessels. Ask the doctor if he also did an ultrasound of your coronaries...that would show some things inside the vessels.
When one of the cardiac vessels goes into a spasm, that can shut down oxygenated blood to a particular area of the heart muscle and if the spasm stays long enough, they can cause that muscle area affected to release enyzmes. So, you are where I was years ago, 3 clear caths and chest pain. Now what? I have had pretty significant spasms and at times have them everyday....and I'm still here. I had no risk factors for any heart problems and I am other wise healthy. So, for you this is an alert.
First, ask your doctor about vasospasm.Do not be surprised if he/she says there was no evidence and your EKGs are fine. Vasospasm can happen very quickly, leave residual pain and still show nothing on tests. This can happen again, so I would ask your doctor for a medication that may ease and calm these potential spasms. He may decide to wait on this 'calcium channel blocker' for you, but if it happens again I would be on that medication and I would also have another medication at hand to open up that spasming vessel and that would be nitroglycerine.
Continuous vasospasm can cause damage to the heart muscle but it must take a very long time as I am still standing on two feet albeit, a very shaky two but I also have another condition usually found in a female heart, and that is called endothelial microvascular dysfunction.
Another component to this is the emotional part; we cannot help our body's reaction to a painful event, especially in the heart. The brain releases hormones, like adrenaline, that makes the heart work faster in its reaction.Top that off with a spasm and it's not very nice. So worry does not help but being in control does and if you need a calming med to assist getting you thru this, then do it. Thx Ireneo, glad to be of help. Joan.

[cindy707]

Only the doc can tell you when you can be released to go back to work but i guess the bigger question is are you still having symtoms?  Sounds to me like you are aware of your body and what needs to be done to change over to a healthy lifestyle which is a biggie here.  The great news is that you have a structurally sound heart it sounds like and the earmarks for risk are if you have had anyone in your family having had a heart attack at age 50 or younger you are in a higher risk group.  It does not mean that you will just that you are in a higher risk group.  Lifestyles have so much to do with all of this and it sounds like you have so much going on for you...you are aware that this may be avoided by those changes like the weight loss, eating healthier, not smoking, all of the little things that  are so important to live a long life...you have a little 6 yr. old that depends and counts on you and you are the only chance that child has as its parent...if you make the changes now it will promote the same habits with your child so that they don;t have to go thru this.  Having high blood pressure, being overweight, stressing, not eating or exercising properly all figures into this equation...when you see your doc Thursday ask him/her if they have any handouts that they can give you for the rules of engagement on changing your habits and living healthier....best of luck to you and take care of that little 6 years old they grow up too fast as it is......................

[adamalbanese]

PS they said that my enzymes were not real high but did catherization just to play it safe and did not find anything.  

[adamalbanese]

My blood pressure was elevated and, i am over weight I am 41 and have a 6 year old  I have an appointment with cardiologist in 4 weeks and, a appointment with my family Doctor Thursday what more can I ask? if more investigation is required how can I investigate or have them do it? My father had bypass at the age of 51 passed from massive heart attack at the age of 65 and my mother had a triple bypass at the age of 52. I know I need to lose weight and they change some blood pressure meds, I am scared and if I can change this course I want to and willing, I am at home and go to work, I want to start walking but still afraid to at this point, What can I ask for to make sure I am ok? Or am I ok? at this time I don't know?  

[ed34]

Just to add, there are numerous reasons that your cardiac enzymes can be elevated and blood tests should be able to establish the reason. It has even been found that certain antibodies present in arthritis sufferers raises the troponin levels. It doesn't automatically mean a cardiac issue. Some chemicals used for cancer scans also raise the levels. More investigation is required to establish the cause.

[ed34]

yes they can, vasospasms have been known to kill

[ireneo]

I wonder if vasospasms could cause enzymes to rise? They can cause angina and if in spasm long enough can cause damage. But often a person with vasospasms has clear vessels. Wish joanincarolina would pop in.

[ChatterAlly]

Did they determine you didn't have a heart attack? Do you suffer with any palpitations? Have they decided what caused the dizziness?  Sorry, just trying to get a good idea here.