topic Re: Heart Issues Advice in Wellness

Heart Issues Advice

bonnielu — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 11:46:17 GMT

Anyone had any tests to discover heart problems. ECG?ECO? Something called PETS. Just caring about a family member who does not want to pay attention to advice. They say they have no symptoms.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

Carmie — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:07:40 GMT

Many times people with heart disease have no symptoms until it is too late. An ECG And EKG can be done in a few minutes , usually in the doctor's office, and is not invasive or painful.

The PET is invasive and though not too bad does take time and involves an IV.

I hope you can convince your loved one to at the very least have an ECG. There are so many modern medications that can correct heart problems and help people live longer.

I have had all of these tests and would not hesitate to have them again if necessary.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

LindaSal — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:01:53 GMT

Any screening is always a good idea. I have a very healthy heart, have been active my whole life and before I went through chemo for breast cancer I was sent first to the cardiologist, as chemo and radiation can cause damage so prior to treatment they have to make sure you have no issues. Well low and behold they found a minor valve problem and had to change the chemistry in my chemo treatment as it could have made that valve issue much more serious than it was. Me, I totally believe in screenings.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

Travone — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:03:33 GMT

Just curious....why do you think this person needs the tests if there are no symptoms? Did a doctor tell them they needed the tests during a routing visit? If so, there are symptoms, just not known yet to the patient.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

Zhills — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:17:50 GMT

@Travone wrote:
Just curious....why do you think this person needs the tests if there are no symptoms? Did a doctor tell them they needed the tests during a routing visit? If so, there are symptoms, just not known yet to the patient.

What kind of symptoms would you look for?

Re: Heart Issues Advice

hckynut — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 18:17:28 GMT

HI @bonnielu

No advice, but I have had most heart test that are available. You name it, I have probably had it. Way before my 1st heart attack in 2003, I was having Maximal Treadmill Stress Tests run, and every other year. Those I started having in the early 1980's.

I am sure you have heard many say the "I have no symptoms" routine. For many, they are getting notice from their body that something "is off", but they either aren't listening or are ignoring what they body is saying. Popping antacids all day is 1 classic example. Many "don't have time" for real tests to find the source.

If a person doesn't want to listen to advice from their doctor, chances are, they don't want it from anyone else. I gave lots of health and fitness "soap box speeches" to many of my co-workers over many years. Some listened and paid more attention to those things, others did not.

A "resting EKG" gives little future information. It can tell a person what is happening while being taken, and at times discover if they had a past issue. The heart is similar to an engine in a vehicle. It sounds fine when at idling or slow RPM's, but when it is carrying a load at much higher RPM, things just might be much different.

A Heart Echocardiogram shows much more detailed functions of the heart. I have had many, both resting and seconds after completing a Maximal Treadmill Stress Test. These are done specifically for the RPM reasons I mentioned above.

All I can offer is a few explanations and my own personal experiences, but advice I leave to a person's doctor(s).

hckynut

Re: Heart Issues Advice

SeaMaiden — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 17:09:08 GMT

I would recommend this test as a preventative test..... and pay out of pocket for if your insurance will not pay for it. It could save your life.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686

coronary calcium scan, is a specialized X-ray test that provides pictures of your heart that can help your doctor detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in the arteries.

Plaque inside the arteries of your heart can grow and restrict or blood flow to the muscles of the heart. Measuring calcified plaque with a heart scan may allow your doctor identify possible coronary artery disease before you have signs and symptoms.

Your doctor will use your test results to determine if you may need medication or lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart attack or other heart problems.

Why it's done

Your doctor may order a heart scan to get a better understanding of your risk of heart disease or if your treatment plan is uncertain.

A heart scan uses a specialized X-ray technology called multidetector row or multislice computerized tomography (CT), which creates multiple images of plaque deposits in the blood vessels. The imaging test provides an early look at levels of plaque.

Plaque is made up of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood. It develops gradually over time, long before there are any signs or symptoms of disease. These deposits can restrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscles of the heart. Plaque also may burst, triggering a blood clot that can cause a heart attack.

When is a heart scan used?

A heart scan may help guide treatment if you have a low to moderate risk of heart disease or if your heart disease risk isn't clear. Your doctor can tell you if you might benefit from having a heart scan based on your risk factors.

A heart scan also may help motivate people at moderate risk to make important lifestyle changes and follow treatment plans.

When is a heart scan not used?

A heart scan requires exposure to radiation. While the exposure is generally considered safe, the scan isn't recommended if the risk of radiation exposure outweighs any potential benefit.

According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines, a heart scan may not be recommended for the following people:

Men under age 40 and women under age 50, because it's unlikely calcium can be detected at younger ages
People who have a very low risk, because detectable calcium is highly unlikely if you don't have a family history of heart attacks at an early age
People who already have a known high risk (especially heavy smokers or those with diabetes or very high cholesterol), because the heart scan will likely not provide any additional information to guide treatment
People with symptoms or a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, because the procedure won't help doctors better understand the disease progression or risk
People who already had an abnormal coronary calcium heart scan

Re: Heart Issues Advice

hckynut — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 22:51:51 GMT

Hi @SeaMaiden ,

More factual info on this topic is always a good thing. People thinking or concerned about potential cardiac issues should also understand that a Coronary Calcium Scan does not show the functions of the heart, in action.

Some Cardiologists swear by this test, while others deem it unnecessary in detecting the total health of one's Cardiovascular System. My Cardiologist, from years of testing, does not find the Coronary Calcium Scan to be beneficial for the majority of his patients.

While all types of testing of the Cardiac System can be done, each patient needs an individual evaluation by a reputable and experienced Cardiologist. That doctor can then decide what tests he deems as necessary, individually, for their patient.

I find it to be an optimal choice to leave those decisions up to the Cardiologist, which also includes input from the patient and their thoughts on any and all procedures that might be done.

I have never had this particular test done. Would it have prevented either of my 2 heart attacks? In my Cardiologist's and my opinion, no it would not. That is just my case, which has absolutely no connection to others that read this, or their decisions.

hckynut(john)

Re: Heart Issues Advice

mousiegirl — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:49:36 GMT

@bonnielu wrote:
Anyone had any tests to discover heart problems. ECG?ECO? Something called PETS. Just caring about a family member who does not want to pay attention to advice. They say they have no symptoms.

@bonnielu I had an echocardiogram last year, no pain, taken as I was lying down. I refused a stress test, so researched and found this test, shows how the heart is functioning and the blood flow to and from the heart.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

happycat — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 18:36:33 GMT

Yes, a hospital about an hour away was advertising bheart healthy heart tests. Told my dh we should do it, I was worried about him, he works a lot of hours and I feel like his job is very stressful at times. Wel, he is fine, thank God. But they found something with me.

I went to a specialist then, who confirmed the findings, but the only recommendation is to come back in a year and let him retest me.

The only thing there is to do is to keep an eye on it, I guess.

Your relative needs to follow whatever advice they have been given. I feel its like a gift in a way, I wish I didn't have this thing going on with me, but I know what it is and I'm glad to know I need to keep an eye on it.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 20:11:29 GMT

@bonnielu ..who ever the person is you are talking about he should have the test...DH went in for a routine procedure about 4-5 years ago....they discoered he was in AFIB. We had no idea what AFIB was at the time.....and he did not have symptoms....of course he was a stroke waiting to happen, from what I understood.

The only 'symptom' that we noticed after thinking about it was he would come home from work, fall asleep, eat, and sleep again, then go to bed....it irriated me because he was sleeping all the time....we just chalked it up to being self employed and busy, let alone it is a physical job.

He is now on blood thinners and will be having a stress test in the next week or so. When he went in for his bi annual appt. he was in AFIB and he did not know it. Sometimes he can 'feel' the heart racing, sometimes not.

If a doctor found something...the patient should heed his advice.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

tsavorite — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 22:00:30 GMT

@SeaMaiden I second the suggestion to get a CAC done....In my area you do not need a doctor's script for this test. All hospitals offer it....price is out of pocket anywhere from $75 to $125.

I had a echo done...ultrasound with gel and you lay on a table. I have a slight heart murmur...doctor thinks I was born with it and to just watch it and re-check every 5yrs.

I am planning on getting my CAC done later this summer....I admit I am kinda nervous about it. I hoping I do not have build up going on...but without seeing inside how could I know??

Hubby and I did the Life Line Screening basic tests....his were all perfect (as I expected) but not me. My score for the PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) was just a smidgen under the normal range in one of my ankles. I admit I didn't think I would have a issue perhaps in this area...was way more concerned about the Carotid Artery Disease test and my bone health. Well my bones were listed as HIGH likely hood of osteoporosis. I knew I was in osteopenia before this screening and have been doing all I could to hopefully keep it there but now I am worried.

Anyway....perhaps your friend is thinking they would rather NOT know if something is going on.

A quick "funny" kinda story...was at a funeral yesterday and my H's uncle was telling about his heart attack (15yrs prior) he is a runner and coach in sports all his life...has a resting heart rate of 40....well he said he felt something abit off on his normal daily 10mile run...some discomfort a little pain...but just kept running...in fact he was doing so good his time was under 7mins per mile! He finished his run....felt abit off after but ignored that. Next day he was looking at himself in the mirror and thought he looked "gray" and pasty....thought to himself geez maybe I do have something going on....perhaps a heart attack! He ended up calling 911...and several stents later he is fine. No damage to the heart....still in great physical shape!

You just never know....a person can be in terrific physical shape...and have a heart attack....no symptoms.

@bonnielu

Re: Heart Issues Advice

sophiamarie — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 22:03:12 GMT

Just in case somebody doesn't know what an Echocardiogram is - it's the same thing they give pregnant women when they go to find out the sex of the baby.

A cardiac Echo is exactly the same, except the doppler is in the area of the chest, not the stomach.

It's a "visual picture of the heart"...... An ultrasound.

HTH instead of a long diatribe.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

SeaMaiden — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 23:54:02 GMT

@tsavorite . You and I are very similar in thinking! DH and I had those life line tests done this past year like you. I was fine except for my bone density test was not great. my neck artery scan was good. DH’s tests were fine but the PAD test on one ankle was not great. He showed his vascular surgeon ( DH had a abdominal aortic aneurysm repaired about a year ago) the test results and the Doctor said that his PAD test results were nothing to worry about...so you may be worrying needlessly as well.)

i am am going to consider having the CAC test done even if I have to pay. I like you have a slight heart murmur that my Dr mentioned my last physical. Other Doctors I have seen over the years mentioned it too. Now 63,I guess I want to keep an eye on my heart. I do my best to eat carefully and walk a lot.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

chiclets — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 15:05:08 GMT

You can feel no symptoms, and suddenly have a heart attack. Just because you feel nothing it does not mean you have nothing wrong. Have that person get any test the doctor would want them to have. If they insist they have nothing wrong tell them to get the darn tests just to satisfy themselves for be able to tell the doctor he was wrong. It is arrogant but sometimes to help a person you need to give them a reason to show they "could" be right.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

jannabelle1 — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 00:40:13 GMT

@bonnielu, a routine visit to a primary care physician must have raised some questions about your family member's heart. At least that's what it would seem to be what happened. It was the same with me - my doctor found an irregular heartbeat (an extra beat) and referred me to a cardiologist. I had no symptoms that I was aware of. After the tests I was prescribed an oral heart medication and that has worked for me - a normal heartbeat.

If you can't get through to your family member, his or her primary physician needs to be more adamant and set up the appointment with a cardiologist to get it checked out. The tests are necessary to determine what the problem is and how to treat it. And sometimes symptons are not all that noticeable. Best of luck to you - don't give up with your family member.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

hckynut — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 02:32:14 GMT

@mousiegirl wrote:

I had an echocardiogram last year, no pain, taken as I was lying down. I refused a stress test, so researched and found this test, shows how the heart is functioning and the blood flow to and from the heart.

@mousiegirl

While having a Echocardiogram is always a good thing in regards to one's heart functions! I mentioned in 1 of my other posts that "I have had many, both before my Maximal Treadmill Tests, and immediately after I stepped off the treadmill".

I am talking "seconds not minutes". They have a bed right next to the treadmill, and the whole purpose is to see your Heart Functions, at close to it's Maximum Heart Rate Level.

Just as with "Resting EKG" shows the heart functioning at a lower Beats Per Minute, shows the heart at an idling speed, a Resting Only Echocardiogram, does exactly the same. While it does give Ejection Fraction Numbers the same as at a higher heart rate, valve function might be just a wee bit different when the heart is being pushed harder.

This was from information I learned years ago at Classroom Clinics given by several different Cardiologist, and also told me individually by my own Cardiologist. He twice saved my life and for me that gives even more credence to the differences in how these tests are performed.

Just my curiosity, but what were you told by your Cardiologist after the results were read, in regards to your EF Reading, and the functioning of your Heart Valves?Answer only if you want.

I have known since the early 1980's that I have a slight leakage in 1 of my heart valves. Fortunately, over these decades it has not gotten any worse.

This is meant only as info for you and others that might be interested, certainly not "advice".

hckynut

Re: Heart Issues Advice

mousiegirl — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 08:04:14 GMT

@hckynut wrote:
@mousiegirl wrote:
I had an echocardiogram last year, no pain, taken as I was lying down. I refused a stress test, so researched and found this test, shows how the heart is functioning and the blood flow to and from the heart.

@mousiegirl

While having a Echocardiogram is always a good thing in regards to one's heart functions! I mentioned in 1 of my other posts that "I have had many, both before my Maximal Treadmill Tests, and immediately after I stepped off the treadmill".

I am talking "seconds not minutes". They have a bed right next to the treadmill, and the whole purpose is to see your Heart Functions, at close to it's Maximum Heart Rate Level.

Just as with "Resting EKG" shows the heart functioning at a lower Beats Per Minute, shows the heart at an idling speed, a Resting Only Echocardiogram, does exactly the same. While it does give Ejection Fraction Numbers the same as at a higher heart rate, valve function might be just a wee bit different when the heart is being pushed harder.

This was from information I learned years ago at Classroom Clinics given by several different Cardiologist, and also told me individually by my own Cardiologist. He twice saved my life and for me that gives even more credence to the differences in how these tests are performed.

Just my curiosity, but what were you told by your Cardiologist after the results were read, in regards to your EF Reading, and the functioning of your Heart Valves?Answer only if you want.

I have known since the early 1980's that I have a slight leakage in 1 of my heart valves. Fortunately, over these decades it has not gotten any worse.

This is meant only as info for you and others that might be interested, certainly not "advice".

hckynut

@hckynut I experienced racing heart about eight years ago so did have a stress test and then went to the table right after, just do not want to do that again, so as I mentioned, I had the ultrasound last year, everything looked great, same as after the stress test. The racing issue never showed up on any EKG so I wore the monitor and it showed a few episodes. I have been on Flecainide ever since, which hopefully will keep working as well as it has been.

I don't know how someone can have a racing heart and not know it It woke me up from a sound sleep and scared me to pieces.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

Still Raining — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 19:38:37 GMT

@bonnielu wrote:
Anyone had any tests to discover heart problems. ECG?ECO? Something called PETS. Just caring about a family member who does not want to pay attention to advice. They say they have no symptoms.

If this person does not “want” to pay attention to advice and has no symptoms, perhaps you should leave well enough alone.

Re: Heart Issues Advice

sfnative — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 19:44:28 GMT

@bonnielu

The best advice you can share with a loved one is that many types of heart ailments or diseases can be "silent," as they work to do damage. By the time the patient experiences symptoms of one sort or another, it's often classified as moderately severe or severe and can place the patient and loved ones in precarious decision-making positions.