Warning sings that I am about to have a heart attack

[rhyoung]

I am a 41 year old male and I am wondering if I am showing the signs of an eventual heart attack. I am about 30 lbs overweight, I do not smoke, my cholesterol level was about 260 but now is 240. My HDL is around 40-50 and my LDL is around 175. I have had pain in the center of my chest for about 2 1/2 years now. This has been diagnosed as nutcracker esophagus. Off an on during the last 2 years, I have had the occasional pain in the left arm, upper back and in my jaw. This pain is usually of the pain/numbness kind. People have told me that the pain from a heart attack is very severe. I would say that this pain is not at that level. In the last week or so, I have noticed a little shortness of breath, fatigue and I feel flush in the face. I started taking Pamelor for depression about 1 ½ weeks ago. I have noticed that my heart rate has increased from 65 bpm to about 80 since I have been on it. I am wondering if any of my symptoms may be due to the medication. I do not know if all of this is heart related or if I am stressed or having panic attacks. I have an appointment with the cardiologist later this week. I know that I will be getting a halter monitor along with a Cardio CAT scan (I think it is called that). I do play ice hockey and walk on the treadmill. I do not seem to have any problems with doing these exercises (no pain problems). I do notice that I am a little more out of breath when playing hockey, but that could be related to being out of shape and not playing for the last 3 months.  

Over the last 2 ½ years, I have had 3 stress tests, 2 nuclear tests, 5 EKG’s, a halter monitor, 2 ultrasounds and a cardiac cath. The only test that showed anything was the Halter monitor. I had some double beats and something called Ventricular tachycardia (I think). The doctor said it was nothing to worry about. None of the other tests have showed anything. Both my mother and father had heart attacks in their early 50’s. They are both smokers and overweight. During the last 20 years, I had maintained a pretty healthy diet and exercised pretty regularly. But in the last 3 years, I have not done this as much and I have gained about 30 lbs.

I am really worried about all this. I can deal with pain, but I do not want to die at a young age with a heart attack. I have a wife and 3 kids and I don’t want them to have to go through something like that. Please keep me any feedback or helpful suggestions you may have.
Thanks

[Flycaster305]

I am not a health care professional, so take what I am sending as just the opinion of someone with heart issues... all the tests, particularly the cardiac cath should give you great comfort that the pain you experience isn't cardiac in nature. The cath is considered the gold standard, it reveals a lot. That being said, your cholesterol readings, weight gain etc would probably be a red light that a cardiac event will be in your future if you don't make lifestyle changes, such as lose weight, control cholesterol, exercise daily, etc.  I'd start with walking briskly at least twenty minutes a day, preferably more.  I was taught an easy way to know if I am exercising at an aerobic level last week at the hospital where I'm doing rehab work from a cardiac event last month - if you can talk easily to someone while you walk, it probably isn't aerobic exercise.  If talk is possible but difficult, you are probably getting aerobic benefit.  Best wishes.

[rhyoung]

Thank you for your input. I am scheduled for a Holter monitor later this week and I am due to see my cardiologist on Friday, She will probably have me get a 64 Slice ct scan to check for any blocked arteries. I had my cath done about 2 1/2 years ago. At the time they said it was clean. I had my last stress test done about 1 year ago and that came back ok. But I understand that stress tests are not considered a perfect test. I plan on starting an excercise routine soon and I also plan on losing about 30lbs. Hoepfully, this will help my cholesteral levels also.

What cardiac event did you have last month?

[Tarheelguy1967]

I'm not a health care professional either, but my symptoms aren't a strong pain, but rather a strong pressure - like someone is very forcefully poking their fingers in my chest or like someone is sitting on my chest and it is hard to breath.  I also have numbness/tingling in my left arm/hand, and at times a pinching in my shoulder blades and an aching in my upper back.  Also, usually when I have a problem I get really short of breath during minimal exhertion.  So your symptoms don't seem to match mine, and as flycaster said, the heart cath being clear should give you some comfort. Plus, not everyone has the same symptoms.  Glad you doctor is goign to do additional test the 64 slice is a great start.  Recommend trying to get the weight down a bit, and having your doctor prescribe some cholesterol-lowering medicines if you aren't already on them as your levels are pretty high.  Good luck!

[charnicki]

I have been told by my doctor that I had a mild heart attact and I should not worry, however, I continue to feel numbness in my left arm shortness of breath and flush in the face.  I am not sure if I should worry.

[rhyoung]

Just got back from the cardio's office. I was given a echocardiogram and it showed a strong heart with a 65% rate. I have a stress test scheduled for monday at 8:30 am.

Has anyone ever had a cath done and was given a clean bill of health, only to have a heart attack whithin a year or two?

Are the 64 slice ct scans as reliable as the cath for seeing blockages?