Has anyone been diagnosed with cardiac ischemia? I don't know alot about it other than the heart is not getting enough oxygen. I was diagnosed with it 2 weeks ago and have to go next week for a heart cath to determine where the blockage is. I just wanted to know if anyone has any info on this. I am just a little nervous. Not sure what I am facing. Keep Smiling!!!

:)

Hi Tammy,
Rather than try to describe all the possibilities its easier to wait until the catheter test (angiogram) is done. True, your heart (part of) is not getting enough oxygen and usually it's just some or even one artery that's the problem. It's caused by a "plaque" build up on the artery wall. The walls are generally flexible and can open as required to pass more blood, but with the plaque they become narrowed, less flexible and may even block completely.
And it's amazing just how an artery will narrow just at one point.
This sort of heart disease is primarily due to a genetic factor - that's the big number one - check your family history for that. The other main factors are smoking (past or present) and stress. Strangely obesity, diet, and physical exercise are quite secondary by comparison. In fact my cardiologist was extremely surprised that both my parents had no heart disease and lived well into their 80s.
The other thing you may want to clear up is just what the cardio will do if he finds a blockage. If you can manage your ischemia (the pain and lifestyle) you may not want a stent (coil) placed at this stage. You really need a well-informed opinion before that critical step is taken.
The angiogram has a small risk but it's well worth taking to find out your true condition. It's just a x-ray opaque dye they introduce through the catheter tube, and for a few seconds only it shows the blood pathways around the heart. They do this a few times, taking some video footage, and usually that's it. Also it's virtually painless. They calm you down first with a decent-sized valium tablet - on an empty stomach thats like 3 double scotches. :dizzy: The cuppa after is nice. :)
Good luck, Beefy

Thanks Beefy, you cleared up alot of questions I have. I appreciate your response.
Thanks,
Tammy

I think you helped me too. I had a stress test done in april and was positive for ischemia. I have a large family history of heart issues. My mom passed at age 46 from a heart attack and they found she had atherosclerosis. The dr is sending me to a cardiologist, The dr said I should have a cardiolite done to rule it out or in. He thinks I am fine but have been having shortness of breath alot. I had some at the stress test but the nurse must not have told him that. Becasue he thinks I had no symptoms.
I am only 26, Not overweight. Do have sleep apnea which my dr thinks is stramge beacsue Ia m not overweight.
That confuses me too.
Thanks

Tammy,

I presume it was diagnosed via stress test? Nuclear?

What kind of symptoms did you exhibit that prompted you to have the tests done?

Lenin, What I originally thought was that my acid reflux meds were not working. I told my dr that I felt the need to throw up but couldn't and sometimes I felt like I had an elephant sitting on my chest. I didn't have any pain other than just a dull pain that caused my breathing to become labored occassionally. She immediately sent me for a stress test. Then on to a cardiologist. Hopefully everything goes well Wednesday when they do the heart cath. I don't need one more medical problem in my life. :dizzy:

Tammy

Then it sounds like your treatment is progressing normally.

Make sure you think about the angioplasty/bypass decision so that you are propared to make a possible BIG decision. LEt your cardiologist know your feelings.
Also, angina is a symptom that many people can manage with drugs.

Don't allow them to rush you into anything you haven't fully bargained for and thought out.

Take your daily aspirin.