I am a 39 year old female with a history of a prior silent heart attack.I was diagnosed after a routine ekg and echo were abnormal, and I had a heart cath that showed an area on my heart that was not moving due to a prior heart attack, but normal coronary arteries and an EF of 45-50. After extensive testing, no cause has ever been determined, although the theory is that it may have been caused by a blood clot due to birth control pills I was on. My blood pressure is normal,and I have no clotting disorders or other health issues,but I'm overweight.
I currently take 81mg aspirin, 25mg atenolol, and 1mg folic acid daily, as well as 1 fish oil capsule and a multivitamin. My cardiologist now wants me to take an Ace Inhibitor as well as a statin to lower my cholesterol, which is: tot chol 200, LDL 143, HDL 43, Trig. 69.
I'm not sure why I need an ace inhibitor-the doc just said that it was the new protocol to follow in people with a history of MI. Why would an ace inhibitor be needed for me? Which ace inhibitor would you recommend, and what side-effects could I expect? Also, I am worried about starting a statin after reading posts about statins causing cardiomyopathy and other problems. Do I really need to start these meds? I really don't want to take anything more unless absolutely necessary, and I'm afraid of side-effects. I have postponed my followup visit while I think about what I want to do.
I now exercise 3-4 times a week, although I am still 40 lbs overweight, and I have just started the South Beach Diet (low-carb). Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.