Does angina mean I already have heart disease?

[dyesabel]

Hi, 5 years ago, I trained and ran for a 10K marathon. My cholesterol was 187, LDL and HDL were normal. BP was at 110/70, weight was 136 lbs, not feeling any pain, I was 37. There was a highly stressful situation at work and in 2008, I developed esophagitis from acid reflux. I was not able to exercise regularly over a course of a year because I would have pain in the middle of my chest and it was scary.

Now I am 42,single, never smoked, don't drink alcohol, don't use illegal drugs, don't eat red meat or junk food for 3 years. I also like bland food. I guess it is in my genes. My parents both died of heart disease before age 55 that is why I am monitored regularly. My BP has gone up to 130/90, I weigh 145 lbs (10 lbs over). I am out of shape. My cholesterol has gone up to 239. Also, now, when I get upset, I notice discomfort in my chest, I get strong heartbeat and I feel like I want to scream. I was prescribed Simcor, Lovaza omega 3 oil, Nexium for the acid and now, 2.5 mg of Amlodipine for HBP and angina.

So far, I have not had the chest tightness or shortness of breath or left arm pain. 2D echo and treadmill stress test performed in Feb 2009 revealed normal heart muscle movement but I am out of shape. I was only able to jog at an incline for 7 minutes instead of 10. Took skiing lessons last month and was so very tired but no symptoms. My heart was racing though for 3 hours during the lessons. I had to take 5 minute breaks.

There are two factors which make my chest ache with that gnawing pain (not bad, but noticeable), acid and stress.

Since taking Amlodipine (going 3 weeks), my BP has gone down to 120/78-82 and there were days when I had no chest discomfort at all. I also took away all acidic foods from tomatoes, pears to vinegar and highly oily foods.

My question is, is the fact that I was given angina a sign that I already have heart disease?  Is there a way I can reverse this? I walk 1 mile a day everyday right now. But now I'm scared to do anything more strenous or even go on a long drive by myself. What if my BP rises or I get chest pain in the middle of my activities?

Regards,

D

[kay2486]

i know you feel worried, my dad had a heart attack at 48, he ate healthy and exercised but is now fine. everyone gets heart disease at some time, to start off exercising go for a little jog then gradually build it up over weeks, if you can walk up a hill and talk at the same time and not gasp for air that is how u know you are fine BUT if you start gasping for air stop because you're overdoing it, you can lower your cholesterol and reduce your bp its never too late, good luck

[Rosemary349]

stress sounds like it's been a big factor recently.  I guess i'm not doctor but i would set some healthy goals, getting your weight down, an exercise regime you can tolerate and reducing the stress....one way or another.

Then reassess what's happening in your body.  I expect a lot of people can have these sorts of changes that you've had but they don't know about them because they are not being monitored.

Also make sure you are getting enough sleep and enough 'down time.'  My dad died of a heart attack last september.  He had no history of heart disease and was fit.  It was sudden.  The only thing he really did wrong with regards to his health is he was a Type A character to the extreme.  He burned the candle at both ends and in the middle.  he lived on 4 hours sleep per night (and that was when he went to bed at night).  Sleep helps to clear the coronary arteries according to some stuff i've read.

and if you are interested i would look at Dr Esselstyn's work (i'm sure he will show up on a google search).  He believes that you can reverse heart disease, sometimes with diet alone (not always, soemtimes ************** is needed also).  Big claims, but he is an ex heart surgeon and i'm interested in listening to what he's got to say.

Hope some of this helps.