I was recently given two stress tests. They both had abnormal results. The second being the thallium test with the dye. In advance let me appologize if any of these questions seem dumb, for lack of a better word, but this is new to me. I am 35 year old male who's had chest pains for a number of years. I finally went to check things out and now have an appointment with a cardiologist in a week. My primary Dr. wouldn't tell me anything, only that they were abnormal and I needed to see a cardio.

My question is this. I have alot of congestion, especially in the morning when I wake up. I assumed it was allergies which I've never had before, but now I am wondering if this may be related to a heart condition.

Any information anyone has would be great. I guess I should also say hello to everyone;) I have the feeling I'll be on here with more questions soon enough.

Thanks in advance for anyone that responds.

ndb1,

Its hard to really say what could be wrong and if it is means to worry. The best thing to do, is to ask many questions when you see the cardio. If they mention any stats or conditions, then come back to the boards and ask for help with the info you receive from the cardio.
A cardiologist is the best person to read your stress tests and to give results and answer the questions you have.

good luck,
lyl

Lylone,

Thanks so much for the reply. There's so much information out there its hard to make sense of it all. I have an appointment with the cardio this week. Hopefuly I'll get some answers and I'll be sure to ask questions like you suggested.

Thanks,

ndb1

It is probable your symptom (chest pain) and waffling by doctor regarding stress test is some heart vessel blockage.

My congestion that is related to the heart was a serious dry cough and some gasping for breath when inclined sitting up provided some relief. As it relates to the heart the congestion happens when the blood pumped is less than the blood received and this causes lung edema (fluids in the lung). If you ever got some water in your lungs (swimming, drinking goes down wrong), it is a sensation such as that but worse.

Except for your reading of the doctor's reponse, I would guess your problems are respiratory and not heart.

I was recently given two stress tests. They both had abnormal results. ... My primary Dr. wouldn't tell me anything, only that they were abnormal and I needed to see a cardio.

I never leave a doctor's office without a copy of the tests that were taken that day. If not available, I have them mail me a copy when they are available. It has really helped me, especially when the doctor(s) have missed something, or have made an incorrect diagnoses.

You might consider asking for a copy of your results. Even if you have problems interpretting results, there are plenty of good people here who can help.

My question is this. I have alot of congestion, especially in the morning when I wake up.

What kind of congestion? Is it mostly difficult, or labored breathing, in the morning? Is it dry or wet congestion?

It's wet congestion, like I have a severe cold. After an hour or so it's cleared up, mostly from me getting it out. I'm going to the Dr. tomorrow and hopefully get some answers. Thanks for everyones advice.

ndb1

ndb1,

Morning congestion like you describe is VERY common and almost always UNrelated to any cardaic problems.

What has turned up with your abnormal nuclear stress test is most likely some ischemia, part of your heart isn't getting enough blood flow.

The next step can be either to ignore it if you are symptom-free or else have an angiogram done via catheter to ascertain the precise degree and location of any blockage. Since catheter carries some small risk, you don't want to do it just for a look-see.

What was the proximate cause of your getting the nuclear stress test... I ask because they aren't given as part of a routine exam?

On your primary provider: If the jerk (IMHO) considers himself too stupid to interpret a test then he should have left it for someone with more knowledge to ORDER the test in the first place.

Everyone,

After seeing the Cardio today, I go in for Cardiac Catheterization on Monday morning. The stress test showed low blood flow to the front and rear of the heart. He also stated that the stress test was " ambivelent" and couldn't tell me if I had or did not have a problem, so thats why I am having the cardiac catheterization procedure on Monday.

I hope all goes well and will let everyone know the results.

Thanks