Heart Disease

[netmo_30]

Does having a 45% ejection fraction on the stress test means one has a heart disease? Other symptoms includes chest pain, SOB when climbing upstairs, nearly syncopal event every time SOB and tachycardia happens. Stress test showed severely tachycardic, nearly syncopal episode on exertion and 45% ejection fraction. Ecg showed Borderline left atrial abnormality and the echo, according to the readiologist, showed increased in bulk. (Which was neglected on the final report). Is there something I need to worry about or should I just let it go?

[netmo_30]

In 2009, my regular doctor referred me to a cardiologist to have a heart catheterization (just for diagnosis purposes). The cardiologist told me at front he will not do it. His reasons was I was too young -28y/o and skinny. He said he thinks it will be more risky. He just gave me toprol xl which I am still taking. I tried another cardiologist from a different heart group with a hope that he might can do it. He told me the same thing on my first visit without doing any test or procedure. (At that point only my mom and her mother has a history of heart disease). Neitherless to say, at this point I do not have a cardiologist. I am honestly afraid to find another one due to fear of rejection again. I feel like if someone  would have done something 2 years ago, maybe my EF and my physical ability wouldn't have been affected. My regular doctor did not tell me any plan. And I do not know if I should worry about my condition or just let it go just like my regular doctor is showing. I really don't know what to do especially now that I have a history from both side. My work place are all getting worried about me. They see how it limits me from going upstairs. It came to a point where they restricted me from doing it which makes me feel guilty :(.

[ed34]

I would call and make an appointment to see your cardiologist to find out what his plans are.

[netmo_30]

I also forgot to mention, the other echocardiograms I had in the past showed mitral valve prolapse, mitral valve leaflets thickening, PAC's and tricuspid valve regurgitation. All of the ejection fraction were in the 60's. Except this recent stress test I had.. it was 45%. I did not even do a full stress test. They just made me walk slowly on the treadmill because my doctor was very cautious of me passing out. He made me run in his clinic for 3 minutes. I only did 30 seconds and I nearly pass out. The nurse caught me on time and save me from hitting my face on the wall. My heart rate was 167 when my doctor walked in my room :0).

[netmo_30]

They did the echocardiogram of my heart and the last result was increased bulk in the heart. After all those results and diagnosis I have mentioned above, my doctor did not give me any follow up visit after the hospitalization and the stress test last week. I assume he thinks I am ok .... or he just doesn't care :0). My dad died of heart attack and my mother has cardiomyopathy.  I am 30 years old 5ft even and 96the lbs. And at this point if the problem is not going to get fix I think my heart will eventually give out. I would love to hear some advise.

[ed34]

Well, I think it's obvious that you have a problem. If you get chest pains and shortness of breath from such a small amount of exertion, then I think more testing is required. Have they recommended an Ultrasound?