However, lately, when doing my stairs, I experience occasional shortness of breath. I have a family history of stroke through my mother and father. Could I possibly have some type of blockage, even though all signs and tests appear normal? Should I request a stress test at my next physical?

DEAR READER: Yes, you should. While you don’t mention your diet, I can only assume it is a healthful one. Otherwise, it’s likely that your HDL, LDL and total cholesterol levels would be out of the normal range. You mention routine exams and lab work but don’t indicate that you have ever had a baseline EKG. You exercise extensively but have a positive family history that could be of concern. And you are 60. My guess is that you are a young 60, but because you even question the possibility of blocked arteries, you should request a stress test. Your physician should order one because of your age and the shortness of breath.

A final possibility is that your problem is arising directly from your lungs. Request a chest X-ray and evaluation for possible pulmonary disease.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

When I visited my heart specialist following my surgery and told him about the situation, he would only say it was anxiety. He continued to ignore my list of incidences and maintained it was anxiety. I have had anxiety before on various occasions, such as when my car was totaled, but I never had to stop and take deep breaths. I explained that this only began after my stent surgery and that i thought it was something other than anxiety.

Should I ask for a second opinion, or is this normal after receiving a stent? Do I just live with it?

I have had a chemical thallium chloride test. To quote from my family doctor’s report, it said “No definite evidence for ischemia on today’s examination.” I hope this helps you to help me.

DEAR READER: Shortness of breath can be a sign of ineffective contractions of the heart muscle, known as congestive heart failure. It can also reflect anemia and lung problems such as blood clots, emphysema and other disorders. Although your heart workup was normal, you need further testing, and I agree that a second opinion is in order. Ask your family doctor to refer you to an internal-medicine specialist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.