Should I get checked for C.A.D. if I have P.A.D.?

I am 34 years old and I have PAD. I did not have any blockage during my arteriogram however the blood vessels are very narrowed. I take nifedipine 3 times a day to dilate the blood vessels and this has helped, although since starting the medicine I've had bad claudication. Anyway, my sister is 36 and has CAD, she's had 3 heart attacks and triple bypass surgery already. Should I get a cardio cath to check the blood vessels in my heart, aren't I more likely to have CAD if I have PAD? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.

[kenkeith]

Yes, the probability is high that you have coronary artery disease if there is peripheral artery disease. Probably a CT scan angiogram would be a better diagnostic test.  It will provide information regarding the coronary anatomy and that would include any soft plaque between layers of the vessel as well as any hard plaque buildup in the lumen (the blood flow channel).  Hope this helps, take care.

[ChatterAlly]

I was diagnosed with PAD in 2002 and had a stent put in the Iliac artery to restore blood flow to my leg.  It was 100% blocked and had been for a couple of years.  I was told then that the same thing could be going on in my heart.  It was 2 years later that my RCA was found to be 90% blocked.  2 heart attacks followed in 2005 & 2006.  Yes, it is worth your while to get checked.  Your sister is so young to have had all of that.  Keep us posted.  Take care, Ally