Class I Heart Disease

[georgiapapa]

Hamslice,

You should keep a close eye on your heart disease and follow up with your cardiologist on a regular basis. However, be aware that some cardiac tests are not always reliable. The most reliable test I have had is a heart catherization procedure. I have had three heart catherizations so far.

I have had hypertension and mitral valve prolapse for over thirty years. In July 2012, I had my annual cardiac tests with my cardiologist. The tests included EKG, chest X-rays, nuclear stress test with isotope imaging, ultrasound of heart, and ultrasound of carotid arteries. No significant problems found during the tests.

Two months later in September 2012, I was taken to my local ER by ambulance after experiencing severe chest pains. Initial tests at the hospital did not reveal heart problems but my cardiologist performed a heart catherization procedure and placed two coated stents in my heart as a result of a 90%-95% blockage and an 80% blockage. My cardiologist stated I was lucky I did not die before going to the hospital.

Then in November 2012, another trip to the ER due to chest pains, another heart catherization and another stent for an 80% blockage.

My cardiologist admitted she was surprised the July tests had not revealed the blockages and she stated she would send me straight to the cath lab if I have severe chest pains in the future.

Good luck and take care.

GP

Edited July 28, 2015 by georgiapapa

[Chuck75]

I'd say that a cath is relatively save as invasive proceedures go, not "very" safe. Things can occasionally go wrong.

Edited July 28, 2015 by Chuck75

[Pete53]

I believe that the VA is piss poor in handling Veterans with Heart Disease. It takes an act of Confress to even see a Cardiologist, few if any tests are given and the meds are old and cheap.

[Jwbkam]

Have any of you known the VA to take a calcium score along with evidence? My husband has a calcification score of 27 (as of 2012) in his LAD, and occasional angina.

(The cardiologist calls him WIDOWMAKER.super comforting.)

My husband is a 45 year old gulf war vet (tanker, 17th Engineering Battalion,Tiger Brigade, 2AD) with no other risk factors.

[Carl the Engineer]

Talked to the nurse over the phone today, she asked me some questions and said the the scheduler will be calling me to schedule an appointment.

I told her about the 5 ecg's, medical records and symptoms and my concerns.

She asked me if I exercise, I said no, but that I was active.

She asked if I ever had a stress test, and I said no, she asked if I had ever had a echocardiogram, and I said no. Also, heart cath, and no.

So, not too sure what instore for me.

Hamslice

[Pete53]

I believe that VA does as little as possible for heart patients. I have a stent and it takes an act of congress to see a heart doc.