new with heart problems & concerns

miss dalinna

New Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 1

Posted 5/25/2007 2:48 PM (GMT 0)

I went to the Dr. on May 8th, with mild chest pains. He ordered and EKG and noticed arrythmia. I had an ECHO/stress test done a few days later, and on the 23rd had a heart cath done. All my blood work is normal, including my cholesterol (155 - hdl 52). I am soon to be 46 years old. Overweight (185) and 5'3" - (not that it matters). I have worked & worked out at a gym for the past 12+ years. I do 1 hour of strength training & 45 - 55 minutes of cardio 5 days a week ( I also wear a heart monitor so I know I am in my training zone). After the heart cath I was told that I have absolutely no blockage (yeah!) but I was told I have a "weak heart muscle". My follow-up appointment isn't until the 31st and this is driving me nuts. Is this something serious? The internet can be a curse, because when I "google" "weak heart muscle" nothing GOOD comes up. My cardiologist did put me on 10 mg of Lisinopril even though I do not have high blood pressure.

els

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 4033

Posted 5/25/2007 5:22 PM (GMT 0)

Hi miss dalinna, Welcome to healing well forum, we are glad to have you join us here. Yes, the internet can be a curse! You may want to stick to sites like WebMd, Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association for information on your condition as these are known for being accurate with their info. Some of those other sites can be very misleading and focus on the negative side of things...IMO.

I dont know much about the condition your having. I do have arrthmias and V-Tach but I also have a Pacer which records every little beat my heart makes. It is stressful when your first going through the diagnosis process and trying to figure out what you need to do and trying to wrap your mind around having a heart condition. My suggestion would be to listen to your doc's and try not to stress too much. I am sure other members will be along shortly to lend some suggestions also.

Hang in there and please do keep posting and let us know how your doing. This is a wonderful site for information and support. Take care

CNSKris

Regular Member

Joined : May 2006

Posts : 236

Posted 6/15/2007 5:24 PM (GMT 0)

Dalinna:

I was just put on an ACE Inhibitor too. Although I have high BP, it was not the reason for my being put on it. It was explained that it helps the heart muscles out when it isn't beating sufficiently. I have mitral valve prolapse and enlarged left ventricle. My heart is having compensation problems I believe. Apparently there are a lot of causes for the valves and muscles to weaken. Hopefully they will be able to find the cause and repair/stop the damage. Like me, it is a concern but not an immediate one or they would have had you in surgery by now. I gather we just pay attention to any new symptoms or symptoms that worsen and call the doctor right away

so they can monitor it. I am frustrated too.

In your case, it sounds as if they did everything possible to research what is going on. I would be more comfortable with that. A heart cath. is the best it gets. They should be able to see everything in that. If there are no immediate/emergent problems or blockage then usually you will be okay for now. The ACE inhibitor should strengthen the muscle enough to get it working better. I never did like the wait and see approach. My foot or something okay, but I'm a little touchy when it comes to my vital organs. It takes forever to get into these specialists. Or at least it seems that way. I'm sure time is on our side though or we would be in the E.R.

Hope for the best for you - Kristin

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