Still Confused

[country]

Well I just had my appointment with a new cardiologist. I'm a little more comfortable that I'm not as bad off as OSU Medical center says I am but I'm still a little confused about the whole EF thing. I had a echo/stress test and did good on the treadmill....13 minutes I believe. They said my EF was "ESTIMATED" at about 50%. Not as low as OSU's 30-35% but still lower than all of my other echos. But they said the ef increases under stress, which is good. My thing is if it's broke, I don't care how little the break is lets fix it. I'm not sure he will play nicely though. He did tell me to keep the nuclear stress test appointment with the V.A. next month. Any hints or advice???

Stuart

 

[tobagotwo]

Another stress test? Is this an exercise test, too?

They don't read their own guidelines.

See http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?p=109038#post109038 about stress tests for symptomatic patients.

Try to look into your echo reports from the past, and plot the increases in size of your heart chambers and wall thickness. That should be as important or more so than what they can run off you on a treadmill, playing "guess your EF."

I would seriously consider a different cardiologist. You weren't a hamster last time you looked in the mirror, were you? I didn't think so.

Best wishes,

 

[Marguerite53]

hm.

hm.

Stuart. I had a nuclear stress test. I know that Bob and others justifialby have concerns about them, but they are in pretty wide use around the country so there must be some reason why they want you to do the nuclear type. The only difference, I believe, is the increased sophistication of the equipment and the fact that they inject you with, well, was it radioactive dye? They get great pictures and the techs are usually very talkative because it's rather interesting to see what they can see. I'm sure they have a reason for requesting this second, more detailed test. Can you ask them what they are looking for? You might also ask this new cardio when she generally calls in a surgeon. That might help you feel more comfortable about a time frame for your event.

Good luck! Marguerite