Connect
← Return to First Visit to Cardiologist
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@jlharsh “ How does my elevated lipoprotein(a) affect my long-term management?””
He mentioned he hoped in a year there would be treatments. For now aggressively lower LDL.
I was a bit surprised as I thought at least a stress test would be ordered. He felt that at this point there was no reason. The calcium is heavily in the LAD. And he said that is the typical place to get the most.
I told him I always took the steps to my office, (4th floor) and never had symptoms. He felt that was a bit of a daily stress test that I passed. But I do think I’ll ask for a basic test.
Replies to "@jlharsh “ How does my elevated lipoprotein(a) affect my long-term management?”” He mentioned he hoped in..."
@bearcat998
Ah, it sounds like your cardiologist does not think having a stress test will provide new information or change his treatment recommendations.
My LAD is where most of my calcium is deposited as well. I’ve been told, as @njx58 comments that this is typical. Concerning, and typical.
One helpful cardiologist told me that the reason they tell patients to exercise regularly, is of course good for cardiovascular health but it is also extremely helpful for the patient to immediately recognize when something concerning changes. I also understand a stress test is a good test to show what is currently happening with the heart, though my dad’s experience was a heart attack one week after getting great results. I guess I say all this express I appreciation of your doctor’s comment about taking the stairs at your office.
Here is a summary Mayo Clinic provides about the stress test, if you haven’t seen it. I particularly want to point out the section addressing why the test is done:
“A stress test may be done to:
- Diagnose coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary artery disease happens when these arteries get damaged or diseased. Cholesterol deposits in the heart arteries and inflammation usually cause coronary artery disease.
- Diagnose irregular heartbeats, also called arrhythmias. An arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slowly.
- Learn if heart treatment is working, or decide on a treatment. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition, an exercise stress test can help your healthcare team know if your treatment is working. The test results also help your healthcare professional decide on the best treatment for you.
- Check the heart before surgery. A stress test can help your healthcare professionals determine if surgery, such as a valve replacement or a heart transplant, might be a safe treatment for you.
Here is the entire summary:
- Stress Test Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/stress-test/about/pac-20385234
Do you think you will try Zepbound to lower your A1C? What is your fav flavor of pop tarts? 😀
Connect
@bearcat998 The LAD is the worst place to have it. I would want an angiogram to confirm what state my arteries are in. My calcium score was much lower than yours, and my doctor had no problem ordering an angiogram (and an echo, and a stress test, and a carotid ultrasound.) He says the more data points he has, the better.