Testing failed to show blocked artery

November 7, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m a fairly healthy 51-year-old male. My only ongoing issues are some allergies that are being addressed and mild to moderate sleep apnea for which I use a CPAP. In early June I started a new job at a wellness company and began exercising – mainly brisk walks for at least 30 minutes – more regularly. I eventually felt comfortable to jog (20%) and walk (80%) a 5K dressed (because it was themed) in an Elvis jumpsuit. I completed it in about 45 minutes.

The following week, I started feeling some chest pains when I’d exert myself. After I’d rested for a few minutes I would be okay. My doctor did an EKG and saw a couple of slightly unusual dips/jumps so he ordered a stress test. The cardiologist monitoring the stress test saw nothing heart-related despite the fact that my pain gradually increased as the incline and pace of the treadmill were raised. [Read more…]

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10 years of woe for cardiac patient

November 26, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have never seen a column about someone who has a 100 percent blocked artery. I was diagnosed in 2000 after an angiogram as having a right artery that was 100 percent blocked. I was told by the surgeon not to eat more than three eggs a week. I’ve had to find all information on my condition all by myself. I watch my saturated fat and cholesterol intakes and walk 2 miles every other day.

I’ve been to the VA doctors. They say whatever I’m doing, I should keep it up. I have no symptoms, none! When you quit smoking, they have classes and support. When you get cancer, they have classes and support. When you have diabetes, they have classes and support. [Read more…]

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