Q&A: Angina diagnosis?
Question by littlesparrow0909: Angina diagnosis?
I am 42 years old and I was diagnosed with Stable Angina in May 2007, and put on Nitrodur Patch 0.4mg. I also went through an angiogram in June 2007, which showed Minimal blockages x2. My family doctor has stated that for someone my age that is “Normal”. (I had a complete Hysterectomy in 1999)
I have gone through many test (stress test, Echo, EKG) everything has been returned as normal. My last EKG was done on April 22, 2008. The hospital reported to my family doctor that there were “Minimal Ischemic changes”, but my doctor has reviewed and stated that he is doubtful that I even have Angina. His Diagnosis is that more than likely my chest pains are due to heart burn or irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have also been told by hospital staff that I have a very low heart rate 50-55 BPM, But when I go see my family physician my heart rate has been anywhere from 56-86 BPM. What is the possibility of getting normal readings from all these tests and still have angina
Best answer:
Answer by Dinty Moore
Extremely low. It sounds like your pcp is giving you good advice. There is a form of angina that occurs with normal coronary arteries (Prinzmetal Angina) but this is a non exertional form of angina. Gerd can closely mimic angina and even respond to nitro at times. Try some antacids or PPIs and see if it helps.
What do you think? Answer below!
Your case appears to be a fit case for a CABG(coronary bypass surgery).
And your pulse variation also requires a detailed study by a Holter monitor, and a check up of BP, and BS(blood sugar), serum cholesterol, T3,T4, TSH tests etc.,.
You may consult your cardiologist immediately for a detailed examination and necessary advice please.
You need to see your cardiologist. “minimal blockages” are not normal for a woman in her 40′s, maybe her 60′s. Also women with a heart disease are 10 times more likely to be underdiagnosed therefore leading to more extreme cases when they are older. I would see a cardiologist specializing in women. Women’s chest pains or angina present in a different pattern and fashion than do men. Women typically have a more heart burn type feeling, a burning to the right side (i.e. arm or chest) than the left (although the left is still a strong indicator in both sexes). Heart rate can vary depending on your mood, what you were just doing etc. Hope this helps.
This Patient Guide is written for the loved ones of heart patients who are dealing with the short-term stress that comes with a test, procedure or recent diagnosis of heart disease. It explains why support is so important to a loved one with heart disease. It also offers practical strategies on how to support a loved one while also taking care of yourself.
Angina is pain, “discomfort,” or pressure localized in the chest that is caused by an insufficient supply of blood (ischemia) to the heart muscle. It is also sometimes characterized by a feeling of choking, suffocation, or crushing heaviness. This condition is also called angina pectoris.
Often described as a muscle spasm and choking sensation, the term “angina” is used primarily to describe chest (thoracic) pain originating from insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle.