Thallium Stress Test

Posted By Carole Sommovigo on July 25, 1999 at 10:25:00
I have had 3 Thallium Stress Tests over the last 12 years and each time the results are good: no blockages, no evidence of heart disease. The question is: Is this a sufficient tool by which to judge the state of one's arterial health as affected by cholesterol?
The doctors (GP and Cardiologists) have been cautious and recommended periodic Thallium Stress tests because of my family history: all the males - father died young of heart attack- both brothers living have had bypass surgeries. I have Mitrol Valve Proplapse with a murmur, diagnosed in '83, and it has been controlled very well with medications. I also have high blood pressure brought on two years ago by my mothers death ( her death not heart related). My cholesterol has always been high - 230 to 280 but the good cholesterol has always been high - 75 - 91, with triglycerides always low - in the 40's. The research I have done has indicated that I don't need to take cholesterol lowering medication, and the drs. to date have agreed. The family dr. has now recommended I start taking Zocor to lower the cholesterol based solely on the overall number of the latest cholesterol test which is 277 with the HDL at 91. I don't eat red meat and 85% or more of my diet is vegetarian/vegan.   I called the cardiologists office that did the Thallium Stress a year ago and they said I would have to come in and make an appointment in order for her to answer the question. Any light you can shed on the Thallium Stress as an indicator of arterial health would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You.!
Carole










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Re: Thallium Stress Test CCF CARDIO MD - DLB 7/26/1999
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