Freaking Out about Test Results; should I worry?

[Wheedle]

I am a 31 year-old male, overweight, cholesterol 195, BP is 120/80. No cigarettes; moderate alcohol (social).

I had chest pain a few months ago in my left pec region. Went to ER twice in one week. Felt like a pulsation. On my 2nd visit, hospital did a thallium stress test.


THALLIUM STRESS TEST FINDING:"There is a tiny zone of nontransmural reversibility in the anteroseptal region. This is most likely an artifact. The left ventricle does not appear dilated. A small zone of iscehmia is not entirely excluded."

EKG report said: "Slight abnormality in T-wave in the inferior leads."

ECHO repaid said: "mild left atrial dilation." & "trace PI and MR with mild TR"

The cardiologist said not to worry; that chances are better than not, that I'm OK. That I should focus on losing weight and exercising. I still, however, get intermittent pain in my left pec and right pec on occasion. It can be described as lasting a few seconds, but recurring, and it is sometimes dull and achy and other time, pulsating.

I am freaking out! I would like to know if the thallium test finding is related to the EKG and ECHO.

Also, another doc recommended I go for a CT Scan, but I think its alot of radiation as I had 2 CT PE scans and 1 thallium both within 6 months.

HELP!

[Wheedle]

Yes, it was 12-lead. Thanks for your response.

[DPease]

Was the EKG a 12 lead done in the Dr's office?
The ECHO will be the most accurate test you had done in determining abnormalities in your heart.  Research using a Cardiac Event Monitor for 30 days... Your insurance has a very good reimbursement rate.  Try not to accept a Holter Monitor.  It is worn for 24-48 hours and has a little chance to catch an event.  Think about the fact that you do not feel the pain every minute of every day, it's In-frequent correct?  Usually a few times a week or even once a month.  You need long term monitoring to catch the next episode!  You could have an EKG that shows normal heart beat Rythms but that EKG was done when you did not feel that pain in the chest!  The EKG doesn't show the event, just a possible flutter.  Then a GP refers you (if they catch it!) to a Cardiologist who will then begin the same tests and maybe do a long term monitoring.. Start with the correct Diagnosis and then Request appropriate Treatment Planning!  Here is a website for you... If it doesn't post Google Cardiac Event Monitor vs Holter... http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/electrocardiogram-specialized-ekgs
Why pay for an 12 Lead in office EKG service that provides virtually no benefit?  Consider that a Holter (worn 24-48 hrs) is proven to catch less than 10% so what will a 5 Minute readout catch in an office?
Good Luck..