Hi,
I apologize for the length of this post.
A summary of my tests: I went in for a physical and my EKG was abnormal. I then had an echo done and it was discovered that I had mitral valve prolapse, but normal blood flow. A stress test was ordered (abnormal) and then a nuclear stress was ordered (also abnormal) and there was evidence of a "mild to moderate" blockage. My doctor recommended that I have an angiogram done.
Here's what I'm struggling with.
I'm 39 years old and I have always been extremely active---high level soccer (not recreational) up until about 2 years ago and now I'm a competitive grappler--if you could see what I do to train, you would think I was crazy--I have no problem doing an hour plus of aerobic and anaerobic exercise (with short breaks of course). My resting hear rate is about 60, and the stress tests were no issue, and I had my heart rate up to 180 with relative ease. I have never had any symptoms, no chest pain, tightness, etc. EVER IN MY LIFE. My cholesterol has always been good (or at least not elevated) and I've really had no serious health problems ever. My father had a heart attack at about 70, but he bounced back and I feel he may outlive me right now. All of my closest relatives have lived long, relatively healthy lives (e.g. no one died of a heart attack at 50).
My doctor is obviously recommending an angiogram to rule out/in a blockage, but I just cannot understand how this is possible. I'm terrified of the angiogram and its risks, and the possibility of a stent just doesn't compute (my father was 70 when he got his stent, how am I possibly getting one at 39?!)
Part of me wants it to be a blockage so that I will finally have a definitive diagnosis. If it's not a blockage, then what could this be? I asked my doctor and he said if that's the case, the "mystery continues".
I don't know what I'm looking for here. Advice, words of wisdom, encouragement. Anything.
Thanks for reading.