Abnormal Stress Test

[Odindon]

Twice After going to ER with chest pains was told I was not having a heart attack both times. The first time they kept me over night my BP was not high when I left but both ER docs said it was high when I came in.

I later found out that the echocardiogram they gave me showed a thickened heart muscle.Only thing said to me about it was from a Follow up scheduled by ER doc regarding a nodule on my lung that they found on the first ER visit.That Doctor said that it could be damage from an event of some sort.It was only spoken about in passing as I was there regarding the nodule The doctor was not very forthcoming and talked to me 5 mins and set another appointment for nodule follow up.
I felt like I have high BP although my Family Doc said my chest pain isn't from my heart and that I dont have high BP.I went and found a cardiologist because I read that High BP for extended time can enlarge heart. He said I have high blood pressure and put me on Lisinopril. After being on BP meds for week and a half its seems I feel bad less often might even say I feel good.. My BP numbers seem to be good when taking them at home definitely better than what I was getting before.

During this time I took a sleep apnea test which Family Doc says came up abnormal and wants me to see a Sleep specialist She had me check my Insurance and give her specialist to see but I have yet to here anything on that and it's been a week and a half.

I had a pulmonary function test which had some low numbers. The Technician who gave me the test referred to restrictive airway and also mention sleep apnea.

The Cardiologist scheduled me a chemical Stress test and he listened to my neck and scheduled me for a Carotid?(Like a echo cardiogram on the neck) Said he heard a little something.

My family Doctor's office just called and told me the results of the chemical stress test I had Monday/Tuesday. They wanted to know if I was still seeing a cardiologist because my stress test showed abnormalities.I'm confused because the cardiologist that was there during my Stress test said the EKG looked good. I have to assume that the imaging they did of my heart,during this test, is showing not enough blood flow is reaching my heart? I am now freaking out I managed to get the Cardiologist to bump up my follow up to Monday (4 days from now) but I have anxiety issues and this is really bothering me. I could use some encouragement. My outlook right now is full of gloom and I'm really worried. I have no idea what to expect and that doesn't help any.
I need any encouragement and maybe a little info on what to expect.Not knowing is just making the anxiety worse.
I am 381 pounds, I use to smoke but quit nearly 3 months ago. I am on a low sodium diet.

[Rosalee44]

I had an abnormal stress test last week, and I had a heart attack many years ago. My cardiologist said he thinks I should have a Heart Cath, but is leaving it up to me. He said something that was confusing to my husband and me. He said my heart performed good during the stress test but that was bad. Sounded contradictory to us.

[Rosalee44]

I had an abnormal stress test last week, and I had a heart attack many years ago. My cardiologist said he thinks I should have a Heart Cath, but is leaving it up to me. He said something that was confusing to my husband and me. He said my heart performed good during the stress test but that was bad. Sounded contradictory to us.

[Al Dente]

I'm sorry you're having a rough time through this.  The medical world is tough to negotiate through.  The best person to give you advice is your physician.  Talk with them.  You don't have a formal diagnosis on anything.  Lisinopril is a commonly used ACE Inhibitor that works on blood pressure and some other issues.  

Test results can vary.  Pharmacological stress tests vary in accuracy...~72-78%.  EKG's vary in accuracy, and on only take a snapshot during a very short period of time.  Talk with your doctor, that's most important.  Make sure he or she understands how you feel and be ready to make lifestyle changes.  As the other posted said, heart muscle changes.  It responds to numerous issues being, disease, damage, and exercise.  Exercise itself can cause an enlarged heart.  Your physician must discuss all that has been going in during a period of time to get context.  With test data, you can read all kinds of things into it, that doesn't mean that it is right, and it does not mean that all is doom and gloom.

As a long term young heart patient, you may feel under the weather, and the test reports may sound ominous. However you must speak with a professional and they must interpret the problem in its entire context to make any type of conclusion and treatment plan.  It does not happen overnight.  In the mean time, if you feel uncomfortable, or feel not quite right, go to the ER.  You can't fix a cardiovascular problem (if you have one) at home.  ER's and Cardiologists are used to this.  It's another day of business--so don't feel afraid or feel you're a burden if you feel you need to get checked out.

[Odindon]

I didn't know that..thank you, that does help some.

[Ger57]

Hi Odindon,
I can imagine that your are overwhelmed with all these tests and results.
At this moment, you can not do more than wait and try to stay relaxed. I know, it is easier said than done, but keep in mind that the Lisinopril already made you feel much better. There is still a good chance that your heart discomfort can be solved with medication.
Keep in mind that thickened heart muscle, once the BP is under control, is often reversible.