just back from my cath

Hi Friends,

I posted several times over the last few weeks. Too make a long story short, it all began with my last pm check which show a few short times of fast beats.

That lead to an echo, then those results lead to a chemical stress test. That showed an area in the front of the heart that was a concern with circulation. Next a heart cath was order.
This morning I had that cath.

Thank the good Lord...I have no blockages or areas of concerns!
They told me all the false positives were a result of the pacemaker and sometimes how it effects testing.

This is somewhat a miracle for me because my father passed with a sudden heart attack at the age of 53 and my only sibling, a brother, at the age of 57. Both were very heavy smokers and drinkers. I am 54 but do not drink except for a glass of wine nor do I smoke. The cardiologist who did my cath said I have
a good heart, nothing like my family.

As soon as I can be back to normal with this sore leg from going into the artery, I am being a new journey....to try my best to make getting into a healthy shape my number #1 aim!

Thank you my dear family of PM friends for all of your help and support...I will always be there for you.

Searching Woman


3 Comments

Excellent News

by Pookie - 2008-12-08 05:12:47

Hi.

You must be over the moon, tickled pink and relieved with such good news, not to mention the peace of mind.

I only have one question: would you explain to me, you wrote: "They told me all the false positives were a result of the pacemaker and sometimes how it effects testing." What does that mean exactly?

Thanks and good luck on your journey.

Pookie

False positives

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-08 11:12:35

During an echo or chemical stress test the ECG is monitored for waveforms that are diagnostic of heart problems. The pacemakers artificial pacing causes changes in the waveforms that would indicate a heart problem in a non paced person. This generates a false positive which means the person tested positive for coronary blockage when it didn't exist.

This is why I have chosen not to undergo any of these tests unless I actually have symptoms that are fairly obvious. As I told the cardiologist a while back I'm not going to treat his anxiety by being tested.

enjoy the holidays,

frank

Fantastic Searching

by walkerd - 2008-12-09 06:12:11

Im so very happy for you. Im so glad nothing was found in the cath. trying to do a cartwheel for you and fell flat on my face. lol. great news searchen.
dave

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