Could This Be Ischemia? -- Cardiology Patients' Forum

Current Postings (4):

• Marie, the primary side effect of angina is not heart pain but shortness of breath. You may very well have angina and if it is diagnosed as Class III or IV you might want to consider seeking a prescription for a course of the non-invasive FDA approved treatment option for the indication of angina i.e., Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Info for this procedure can be obtained here at the forum and at www.eecp.com
Gerald O., Illinois, USA, January 16, 2007

• Hi, I am 34 years old male. Diagnosed three vessels atherosclerosis with LAD being 80% narrowed to the mid portion in August 2004. However, it is not known what is the blocked percentage on other arteries. I am on Atenolol 25mg, Aspirin 75mg and Atorvastatin 20mg. I do have occasional chest discomfort with burning chest sensation, jaw pain and feels my ear is blocked but gets slightly better when swallow. Recently went for stress test which was ok. Completed 12 minutes without any pain or discomfort. Didn't take the Atenolol on the day of my stress test to see how my pulse rate do. It went upto 182. Consultant thinks the Atenolol isn't actively working. So he changed it to Bisoprolol 5mg and Diltiazem 120mg. As soon as I took the new medication, my heart was pounding and I felt really bad including chest discomfort and pinching.... Called my Cardiologist straightaway and he put me back on to my old Atenolol. Now it is ok but still feel discomfort on my chest almost everyday. Frequency of this symptoms are now often. Cardiologist is now saying to have the angioplasty done in around 2-3 months time. I am scared of this procedure. Has anyone got similar symptom as mine?
Luthfur Ali, Fidessa, UK, July 12, 2006

• Marie, have you reported these symptoms to your cardiologist? One way to determine if you ischemia is a stress test of some sort -- what are called "functional tests" -- they don't measure blockages but do measure blood flow to the heart and can tell if not enough is getting through (ischemia). Usually ischemia is by angina, chest pain -- but some people, especially women, don't necessarily experience those symptoms. A new way to determine blockages is through the use of a 64-slice CT angiogram which is non-invasive (no catheter in the femoral artery), takes only minutes and does not require hospitalization.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 6, 2006

• Two years ago I had an angiogram: one artery was 70% blocked, not enough to have a stent. I feel tired again and get out of breath very easy. Sometimes I can't get my breath in bed. I wake during the nite, then I can't go back to sleep because of my breathing. Perhaps that is anxiety, but I still am out of breath during the day. I am 71 years old, female, on lipitor, cholesterol level is good: 128 -- LDL is good, 64; HDL is a little too low, 45. Blood pressure usually 110/70 or lower. Could this be ischemia? Thank you.
Marie, Florida, USA, July 5, 2006

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Could This Be Ischemia?

Could shortness of breath be a sign of ischemia?