I m 58, don t smoke, eat fairly well and only about 10 lbs overweight; exercise on a stationary bike 2-3 times a week for an hour each session. I just had a treadmill test, and then an echo cardiogram performed. Although I am experiencing no chest pains (never have had a heart attack, but my father died from one at age 60) and my cholesterol levels are excellent (I m on Lipitor), both the treadmill and ECG were abnormal. My doctor did suspect the treadmill to be a false positive as I had gotten well above my maximum heart rate. He said one of the atrial walls on the 8 picture ECG wasn t bouncing closed as all the others, which he said looked excellent. He thought there was a chance that could even be attributed to a badly placed sensor, but even so he wants me to have an angiogram, saying there s a 2-5% chance of a partial blockage. Of course, I m reluctant to have anything so invasive performed (and don t like the expense) if it could be avoided. He says my insurance would not pay for a re-test, but I m wondering if I should ask him for a referral for a second opinion before the scheduled angiogram on Wednesday (in just 5 days). Can you make any informed opinion on the basis of this information?
Hello, Consult a cardiologist and get evaluated. Beta blockers have to be started. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Wishing all the best. Thanks.