Re: Is my heart really OK?

Posted By Linda on July 22, 1999 at 09:25:24
I am a 49 year old female about 20 pounds overweight, cholesterol of 237 (but with a good ratio), very low blood pressure, no history of tobacco use, and a good family history (heart disease on both sides but after the age of 60).  For the past six months I have been having chest pains (a squeezing sensation really) and fatigue.  Because I have no risk factors, my PCP reluctantly ordered a stress test. It showed some abnormalities in "slope".  From that we went to a thallium stress test.  I had both parts (exercise, then rest)and the diagnosis was that I had "inferior wall ischemia".
On Monday I had a heart catherization.  Both my cardiologist and I were surprised that everything was normal.  He ordered gall bladder tests and they discovered I have a minor problem with my gall bladder and will someday need to have it removed.  The general consensus is that my gall bladder has caused the chest pain (which I still have).
My question is - is the heart cath reliable?  How could all three stress tests indicate ischemia and the left heart cath say "no problem".  Should I get my records and seek another opinion from a cardiologist?  Should I do any follow-up over the next few years?  If so, what?

[Linda__0__0]

Posted By Linda on July 23, 1999 at 11:57:52
Thank you for your clarification.  It really helped put my anxiety to rest.  The advice on losing weight is excellent and well-timed.  However, I have a question about my cholesterol reading.  I have questioned my PCP about my level of 237 and he has told me not to be concerned, since my ratio is good.  How do cholesterol readings and ratios relate?  Is a level of 237 acceptable as long as the ratio looks good?
Thanks.










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