Pressure & scared

Posted by Manu on June 09, 1999 at 15:06:46
Hi!
My dad is 56 yrs. old and smokes about 3 packs cig. a day. And doesnt really eat healthy either. So of course I am worried of him having a heart attack one day. The reason why i am writing for about the past 10 yrs. as long as I can remember back he has often complained about a pressure in the middle of the chest that lasts for a few min. sometimes and is always reliefed by him drinking something. His family practice doctor told him not to worry. How can you not worry? Well, i am more worried than him.
Should I be? Could it be a coming heart attack? Or is it not benigin if it had lastet or done this for so many years? He had an EKG before which seemed fine although I know that doesnt say much either. His bloodwork was good to when he had it done before. The doctor tells him he is healthy.
Go figure.... So what is that pressure then?
THanks
Manuela

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 09, 1999 at 17:35:41
Dear Manu
Perhaps his doctor thinks it is acid reflux. However, I too would be worried about the possibility of heart disease. Symptoms of pressure in the chest and risk factors such as smoking and a bad diet are concerning. If your father does not currently have heart disease, I can guarantee that he will develop it if he keeps smoking.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.