ECHO STRESS TEST

[Margot49]

I had a 24-hr halter monitor and and ECHO treadmill test a week or so ago.  Saw my doc this morning and I guess the Holter Monitor was within normal range. Had an average of 64 bpm, minimum 43 bpm, maximum of 102 bpm (never felt that).  Let me add that once *again* I had been complaining to my doctor of a *hard* heartbeat which he always attributes to nerves and/or stress.  He finally ordered these tests.
I am an almost 62-year old female, maybe 15-20 lbs overweight.  Now, my concern is the ECHO results.  I could only do it for 3:06 mins.  Baseline BP was 118/68 with 77 bpm
F waves showed left atrial enlargement. AV conduction was  normal.  left ventricular hypertrophy or enlargement.  1 mm horizontal ST depression with exercise consistent with ischemia in the inferolateral leads.
Average exercise endurance. Borderline heart rate responswe.  1mm horizontal or downsloping ST depression with exercise .  Systolic hypertension noted with stress.  Poor functional capacity with markedly impaired functional tolerance.
LV dilatation was none.  LV function normal sized LV. Normal LV function. EF 65% at rest.  EF>75% with stress.
LV Ischemia was Inferobassal and inferolateral HK with peak stress.

I have  no idea what this all means. My doc said a possible blockage and is referring me to a cardiologist and he said they would probably do an angiogram (which scares the hell out of me if they don't knock me out).  He also tole me he wants me to start taking baby Aspirin daily and wants me to start with *4* and then take one daily. This has me scared too?  Take 4?  Is he expecting me to have a heart attack any time soon?  
I have been dealing with mouth, throat problems (been to umteen docs) and problems with nausea, which meds don't seem to help.  I think the last one, the Omeprazole is upsetting my stomach.  Asked my doctor if I should limit activities and he just told me not to dig any ditches.  :-(  
What are the feelings on taking  Aspirin and taking 4 to start?  Scaring me.

[Margot49]

Thank you for your reply. I guess I pretty much thought this was the issue.  I still have not heard anything on the cardiologist referral so I can assume they don't expect me to have a heart attack any time soon?  I assume the cardiologist would have said or done something right away if there was a major problem?  I'm walking around waiting to have a heart attack.  Of all times, as I had to call an ambulance for my husband a little over a week ago.
Boy, I don' t want an angiogram and they would have to knock me out.
I did start taking the Baby Aspirin (coated) and no stomach problems so far but I have the nausea almost daily. Actually, I was supposed to have another endoscopy I had to cancel when my husband ended up in the ER.  I may post a question about his condition as I am a bit concerned.
Again, thank you for the reply

[CCF HeartMD5]

From what you describe, it sounds as if you had a positive echo treadmill stress test, based on some changes on your EKG, as well as some changes in the motion of your heart as seen by exercise echocardiogram. Generally, the stress test is a screening test for coronary artery disease. The next step is a coronary angiogram, where they will be able to visualize the arteries that supply blood to your heart (coronary arteries), and determine if there are any blockages or narrowing. Coronary angiogram is the best way to diagnose coronary artery disease. If there are blockages in your coronary arteries, stents and balloons can be used to open up your arteries at the time of the coronary angiogram. You most likely will be awake during the angiogram, but made to feel drowsy and relaxed with the help of medications. There is little pain associated with the procedure.

With regards to the aspirin, this drug has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and the risk of coronary artery disease in a wide range of patients. You can discuss these specific dose with your doctor. There are also types of coated aspirin that are easier on your stomach, and less likely to cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal symptoms.