Blocked artery?

[metalhead]

41 y/o F 5'9 180lbs.
normal BP (but sister and mother have HBP)
Mother's relatives had atherosclerosis
total cholesterol 181
HDL 41 LDL 121
Non-smoker
Don't exercise except for exertion during house work, yard work, walking the dog,
and going up and down stairs.
I have slight chest pain (not pressure, more like an ache)
that is intermittent and usually occurs during rest.
When I exert myself I get short of breath and tire easily
but I just think that it is just "being out of shape".
I felt fine on the treadmill during the stress test, actually
it felt good to move at the max incline....
All of my other tests looked good (ECG, EKG, renal artery ultrasound, etc.)

However, the images from the nuclear stress test revealed a left "perfusion abnormality"
during exercise.  How can this be?

Doc wants me to get an angiogram to investigate further.  I am not too sure
about this.  Now I am a nervous wreck because I don't know if I want
to go through with the angiogram.  Is it really neccessary?

Can I have a partially blocked artery at my age, even without having
a number of major risk factors?

[frustratednmemphis]

I agree, anything to do with heart health is worth investigating.  Be happy that you have a Dr that is taking the time to find answers for you!!!  Good luck!

[jim62]

You bet you can.  Even without ANY risk factors.  Go do the angiogram.  It's a piece of cake.  And, you're gonna love the drugs they give you..........