High Blood Pressure cardiac ischemia

[meamoron2]

I Need help understanding situation.  My cardiologist won't explain anything - actually looks at watch - and simply tells me to do nothing to increase heart rate above 120.  Will only let me walk up to 2 miles a day. That's unacceptable for a 49-year-old extremely active female though I'm 20 pounds over weight. Have never smoked. He's now my EX-cardiologists.  I have appointment with new group next month.

In late June I suddenly lost all endurance.  Walked 5 miles one day and then was short of breath after walking only 50 feet the next.  Visit to family doctor showed BP of 185/115.  Have had blood pressure problems in past but no insurance until recently.  Nuclear stress test showed heart rate doubled (75 to 150) in less than 20 seconds on treadmill.  Ischemia under exercise stress.  Resting OK.  EKG is OK with minor PVC's.  Evidence of heart murmur - will schedule echo test with new doctor.

Had Cardiac Cath on July 24th.  Result is moderate 3 vessel atherosclerotic coronary disease (30 to 40% blockage).  Also 40% blockage in Left Main Coronary Artery.  100% blockage on mid obtuse marginal vessel which steals from left to left collateralization. Preserved systolic function.  Ejection Fraction 75%.  Normal ventricular chamber size with hyperdynamic left ventricular function suggested.

Cholosterol - LDL 163 - HDL 55

Now on Lisinopril & Hydrocholorothiazide (20/12.5) - twice a day
            Metoprolol 25 MG - twice a day
            Zocor 40 MG

Blood Pressure now averages 120/65 with a resting pulse of 70.  I'm now able to walk and keep Heart Rate down.  Walked 6 miles a few days after Heart Cath with no problem.

I understand most of the findings after a ton of research.  Have a family history (both sides) of early cardiac death.  I'm frustrated with thought of never being able to exert myself or exercise.  I'm used to high intensity Dance Dance Revolution and my business requires some heavy lifting.  Doctor told me to hire full time assistant or shut it down.  I know it's too soon to consider Bypass or Stents (don't usually stent the Left Main) but if that would increase blood flow and thus quality of life I'm willing to do it.

Big question; is there any hope for substantial reversal of blockages and will this help Ischemia?  I've lost 6 pounds (probably diuretic) but it's hard to lose more when I'm advised not to exercise.

Any input would be so greatly appreciated.
            

[Brooke_38]

Hello-

Absolutely! Post your your question in the expert forum as well. Since you were not able to get straight answers from the fool treating you, hopefully a Dr here might be able to point you in the right direction before you get into see your new doc.

Good luck!

[meamoron2]

Thank you for the kind and swift response.  I hadn't even thought about the Doctor being a Moron too -   just an ignorant jerk.  It's an old family joke from the 60's and made a great screen name.  

Doctor said no exercise because of the Ischemia - lack of blood to heart under stress.  I guess he's trying to prevent a heart attack.  I"m willing to take some risks if I can get a handle on the extent of risk.  Of course exercise is the key to strengthing the heart and he doesn't want me to do it.  Before this problem I biked, walked or swam every day.  Usually climb our lighthouse every week.  Was hoping to get back to playing racquetball but that's not looking too promising.

I'm new to this forum.  Would it be OK to post my info under the Expert Forum too?  I don't want to break any rules: written or otherwise.

Thanks Again!

[Brooke_38]

Love your nickname. I hope that you are not referring to yourself. It seems to me that your ex-cardiologist is the real moron! His behavior is absolutley disgusting! You did the right thing by firing him.

Ok, that said...Why have you been told not to exercise? It is important to talk with your new doctor to learn about the disease and what you can do to help manage CAD and prevent its progression.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can delay and possibly reverse the course of CAD.  Eating a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, and getting regular exercise are the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

As far as a more aggressive approach, there is angioplasty. My father was 42 when he had a CABG. He subsequently had an angioplasty and is alive and well today, 18 years later. His only problem now is a very low heart rate and is now a candidate for pacemaker.

I am sorry that your going through this but i am even sorrier that you were not able to have your very important questions answered by that POOR excuse of a cardiologist.

Good luck