Sorry--I think my computer burped before I was finished and may have sent a partial post from me. Here it is again, just in case:
I have class III CHF. About a month ago I experienced a series of presyncopic episodes which increased in length and severity. Eventually I experienced extreme chest pressure and shortness of breath, so my husband took me to ER. The doctors thought I was having a heart attack, admitted me, and ran the usual tests: EKG, blood work, chest x-ray, etc. The computer print-out on the third EKG noted changes and a possible MI. I did well throughout the night with no signs of an MI and the next day was given a chemically induced stress test. The result showed no major blockages in my heart. I was discharged with an updated prescription for 60 mgs. isordil 3 times/day and an explanation that my problem was probably vasoconstriction. Since then my BP has gone up and down like a yo-yo, and I have felt very dizzy a couple of times while at rest. I am concerned that my problems will begin all over again.
Here are my questions:
1) Is vasoconstriction a reasonable diagnosis, or are the doctors just guessing because they can't figure out the real problem? (I just moved and do not have my own cardiologist yet; the one I was referred to I do not care for.)
2) Is vasoconstriction dangerous? Can I have a heart attack, or does it just mimic one?
3) Since I'm feeling dizzy off and on again, do I assume that my isordil is not enough? In other words, do I need to make finding and seeing a new cardiologist a priority?
4) Is there something I can do in the meantime to help myself? (My CHF is doing OK at the moment.)
Thanks for your time.