Heart Block/Angina/Ischemia is there a difference

[Michaelccc]

Does anyone know if heart block is the same thing as Angina and is Angina the same thing as ischemia? if these 3 things are not the same thing then what is the difference between the 3.  

Question 2 .     How are Ischemia's diagnosed or ruled out?  i've had 2 holters and 2 stress tests. If i were to have an ischemia even a really mild one , would a doc mention even a mild ischemia or would it just be "shrugged off" so to speak   ??

[FLBrat]

Mike, I have to give you credit for leaving no stone unturned!  Did you join the ju jitzu class yet?  

[ireneo]

A dictionary would help you about now but here's a brief sample of what I've found:
Angina:severe but temporary attack of cardiac pain.
Heart block: delay in conduction of electrical impulses in conduction pathways (of the heart)
Ischemia: deficient blood supply to any part of the body.

I'm sure this website has a place to click on topics or terms to get more info.

[Momto3]

No, they are not the same.   Why do you ask?

I can't imagine a cardio "shrugging off" ischemia.....

Ischemia is a lack of blood supply.

Angina is a symptom of myocardial ischemia (lack of blood supply), occurring when the heart does not have sufficient blood supply (not as much oxygen) as is needed for a given level of work.  

Heartblock has to do with the heart's conduction/electrical system.

[Michaelccc]

thanks everyone. wow after this forum i feel like i can become a doctor . lol

[Michaelccc]

so what tests are done to check for an ischemia?  or rule it out

[deedle1976]

I think it's a stress test and then, only if you fail the stress test, you would have a catheterization.

[Michaelccc]

i see. so just curious any idea what the symptoms of miocardial ischemia are?

[Momto3]

I would agree, based on what I know and have read, a stress test is a great place to start.  With myocardial ischemia, you would likely have angina.  Patients may feel chest pressure, shortness of breath and may perspire duirng exercise.  Of course, you can have these symptoms absent cardiac ischemia also.

Why don't you just look this stuff up or ask your doctor?  There is probably enough information to keep you reading for a very long time.

Why the concern of myocardial ischemia?

[Michaelccc]

had sex couple of days ago and it felt like i ran a marathon. like i couldnt quiet catch my breath. no pain in the chest. just the feeling of complete tiredness in chest. pins and needles in arms and chest area .. dizzy . sweat a lot after sex. of course went to a doc had an ekg and ekg looked normal. my concern is that can this be a warning sign for heart attack about to occur or something? doc who did ekg didnt think so but i'm hoping he's not leaving anything out. i've been a heavy smoker for years now and have slightly high cholesterol and although i'm only 35 still very concerned.

[ireneo]

Maybe it's a lung thing. Had something similar going on with my husband - had trouble breathing after a bit of romance, joked about getting older. Turned out to be mild asthma. We've changed our methods and positions and he's doing much better. So it may not be your heart at all.