Help with Stress Test Results

[justfoundout1]

Just received call from my PCP who suggested I see a cardiologist due to abnormal stress test (conducted 2 days ago due to ongoing chest pains- I thought were muscular or anxiety related) I am really scared!  already suffer from GAD-  I am a 43 yr old female, overweight-5'8/240 have not exercised regularly in a few years but do mild exercise occassionally

I had a lexiscan stress test due to an injured ankle that I can not run on at this time

Blood pressure is usually in normal range--- 117/79 last I recall and resting pulse is in 63-67 range

EKG looked normal

dictation from stress test result:  

evidence of small to moderate inferior wall ischemia, post stress ejection fraction 61% with normal motion and decreased wall thickening and basil inferior wall

Have appointment with cardio on Wed morning, but I may literally go insane bewteen now and then... can this be fixed... helped?  

[justfoundout1]

Thanks Ally...

went to Card this morning - due to not being able to rule out artery blockage based on stress test and a slightly off EKG he scheduled me for Cath for tomorrow... I REALLY wish they would have done it today... I begged, but no luck, (I had even fasted just in case)  I will check back in after it is done.... I have been googling like crazy to find stories of inspiration and want to share my story to help anyone else who is as scared as I am!  

[ChatterAlly]

Take it from me, yes this can be "fixed" and controlled. Exercise is a great way to keep the heart in shape, but making some changes in the diet can be beneficial not only for the heart but the weight.  I have been in the cath lab about a dozen times now and have several stents in arteries in my heart and elsewhere.  Been going through this since '04, so stay cool and calm. Be optimistic but cautious. Consider this your "wake up" call. Keep us posted. I would love to hear how your cardio visit goes. And if there is further testing, comfide in us and look to us for support.  Ally

[justfoundout1]

Thanks so much for a reply!  I just had full physical, glucose was 90 and cholesterol high (dont know numbers was too stressed about cardio referral to remember to ask) but pcp said would like me to go on chol meds... All other blood panels normal... I am trying to look at this as a positive, and hope that it is something i can control, it is the kick in the butt i need! Have already lost 3 lbs since sat! I am a new healthy eater!

[Flycaster305]

The good news is that your heart is pumping blood in an efficient manner.  The Ejection Fraction (EF) is normal between 50 - 70, so 61% is completely normal.  Evidence of small to moderate inferior wall ischemia suggests that you might have an arterial blockage forming.  I suspect that some words have been omitted, as 'decreased wall thickening and basal inferior wall...' doesn't tell the whole story.  
You may have been given the gift of advanced warning, and time to seriously address cardiac risk factors, which your Cardiologist will undoubtedly discuss with you.  I suspect you will have blood tests to determine your cholesterol level, he will want to know if you smoke, check you for diabetes, discuss your exercise regimen, discuss weight control.  Those of us with heart disease consider ourselves fortunate that we have goofy hearts, rather than goofy livers, lungs, etc.  The heart can be fixed, and with good diet, exercise and drugs, we can change our heart health.
Do keep us informed, I'll be looking for your post after visiting with the Cardiologist.