By Howard Levy, M.D. Provided by: Johns Hopkins University

Your Health Today

Common Heart Tests: What They Reveal Posted Wed, Feb 20, 2008, 6:50 pm PST

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  • 1. Posted by paula987 on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, 9:40 am PST

    Very interesting and true recently had by pass surgery. Thank you very much.

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  • 2. Posted by Becky on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, 10:05 am PST

    Stress tests can look at the amount of blockage in the coronary arteries. By using a nuclear isotope that is injected at peak exercise/peak stress on the heart, we can map about the blood flow the heart is receiving. Its about 95% accurate. The nuclear tracer has no side effect for those who are concerned. Also, changes in the stress EKG are also a good indicator that there are blockages. That normally is about 80% accurate. The only 100% for sure test to find blockage is a cath. I do stress tests all day long and our nuclear testing is almost always right on the money. I've also seen people come in for tests who are being screened solely on their age and wound up having bypass 3 days later. Chest pain isn't always your first sign of heart disease; it can be a massive heart attack. And you don't always survive and get a second chance to change your ways. If you have family history of CAD, keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in check, exercise, and quit smoking. Thats my soapbox. Thanks!

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  • 3. Posted by drceg on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, 10:08 am PST

    Fifteen years ago I had chemotherapy for breast cancer....6 dosages. I often wonder what effects on a healthy heart have been found. I asked my Dr. about the possible effect of chemo and he said "could be".

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  • 4. Posted by cadembroidery on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, 10:54 am PST

    If you have a fast pulse rate of about 112 to 122 beats per minute and your blood pressure is normal and you are calm, is this something that should be a concern? Also, when you get a bit stressed and feel anxious and you feel your heart beating in your chest like it wants to pop out of your chest. Should you be concerned? Even though you are thought to be too young?

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  • 5. Posted by cadembroidery on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, 11:10 am PST

    Beckysuebraden, just read your comment. The problem most people have is being a woman, Doctors tend to treat us as if we are making up our symptoms. We ourselves can't go in and request tests, which would be nice. I had a lot of problems complaining of chest pain pain in my left arm, like an ache in the upper arm, and would get occaisionally numbness in my neck plus jaw and mouth. I was in my 30's and had a doctor tell me I was NOT at risk, even though both sides of my family have bad heart problems and high blood pressure. My daughter is 21 and she has been experiencing the same things, and of course she is treated worse than I was. It is extremly frustrating! Age shoudln't play a factor in our complaints, people can be born with genetic defects. Who is to say when that defect will decide to act up if at all? You know?

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  • 6. Posted by raddahab on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, 2:28 pm PST

    YOUR MD NEEDS TO SHAVE ANS SHOWER.. HOW CAN I TRUST A MISERABLE LOOKING PERSON

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  • 7. Posted by woody38114 on Sun, Feb 24, 2008, 4:45 pm PST

    Hello !! Looking for a blood pressure/pluse monitor that you wear on the wrist?

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  • 8. Posted by woody38114 on Sun, Feb 24, 2008, 4:48 pm PST

    Hello!! Looking for a blood pressure/ pluse monitor. woody38114

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  • 9. Posted by mathias_philip on Tue, Feb 26, 2008, 9:02 pm PST

    It was informative, Most of the time the doctor tells you to go for so and so test but usually does not tell you why it is to be done or what the test will determine. thanks.

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  • 10. Posted by lloydjenkins46901 on Mon, Mar 03, 2008, 3:44 pm PST

    Being a heart victim I found this infomation very interesting.

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  • 11. Posted by corajunejuly on Tue, Mar 04, 2008, 8:39 am PST

    Reactive protein test?

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  • 12. Posted by AYUB A on Thu, Mar 06, 2008, 12:49 am PST

    It's informative & noteworthy for heart patiens, thanks alot.

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  • 13. Posted by wisephyl@verizon.net on Fri, Mar 07, 2008, 4:01 pm PST

    Very good information. Thank you. I am 59 yrs old and my only health issue is my Cholestrol leve. Combined its very high (over 240) My LDL Cholestrol level have been a problem for the past 10 yrs. Does menupase have anything to do with it. I refuse to talk the statin drugs. When I try them for a few days they always made me sick. Why should I take something that makes me feel lousy? I thought that my diet was OK but I will try changing it a little more to see if have any positive results. I am presently taking "Cholesterblock" one before breakfast & one before dinner. The ingredient: Beta-sitosterol 600 mg, B-6 ( Pyridoxine)12 mg, B-12 50 (cabalamin) mcg and Folic Acid 500 mcg. I also take in extra fiber. I am hoping that in a few months when I go back to get my blood work, that my bad Cholestrol has decreased and my good has increased. Thanks again for the info I do not drink cows milk, but I do drink Almond & Soy. Do they have any negative effects on my cholestrol level.

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  • 14. Posted by bgaime on Tue, Apr 08, 2008, 3:21 pm PDT

    I really like the article, even though it might be lengthy for the general public, but it really goes in depth and is very detailed. Thanks

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  • 15. Posted by nailbndher on Sat, Apr 26, 2008, 6:40 am PDT

    Can anyone answer why the LDL sticks to the vessel linings?

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