Stress test - reg

[kmgcbe]

Sir,

Last week i was asked to do an stress test by my doctor. (i have occassional / unidentified pain which comes and goes for the last 2 - 3 years.

the results are as follows:

Accelerated HR and normal BP response ST Depression in L2,L3, AVF, V4-V6. Stress test is positive for inducible myocardial ischemia. Exercise capacity is good.

I did not had any pain during the complete test cycle.

The doctor said there is a very very mild change in the stress test and considering my family history (2 of my fathers younger brothers died due to heart attack) suggested for an invasive angiogram to rule out any possibility of a heart problem. He also added it need not be done immediately but may in period of 2 to 3 months.

With the above can anyone tell me how serious is my problem is and how fast should i det done the angiogram. Should i go for invasive or non invasive. If non invasive then how far it will be correct in determining the problem if any? (In my place the non invasive technology is not popular yet. We just have one 128 and 256 CT slice scanners installed in one of the hospitals.

I appreciate the responses

Thanks in advance

regards

[kenkeith]

Without a doubt I would go for the non-intervention test with a CT angiogram and calcium score including pulmonary system, heart and descending aorta. You are a good candidate because you have a family history and you don't have CAD confirmed other than an EKG showing depressed ST segment.  Your exercise tolerance is very good, but you have chest pain that comes and goes for the last 2-3 years and the pain didn't occur with the completion of the test.    

The CT scan with calcium score will show whether you have any early signs of CAD as well as any hard plaque buildup within the lumen of the arteries that may be causing chest pain. The images of the lungs and pulmonary artery will rule out any blockage and/or blood clots that could cause chest pain.

There is no urgency for a test, but having a family history you will want to establish a base line for future tests going forward if and when it becomes a medical matter of concern.  You should maintain a healthy diet, exercise, maintain proper weight, etc.

Thanks for sharing and if you, and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken