Is there a generally available test I can take to prevent a future heart attack?

Question

My father had a triple bypass in his 50s (I am 49). Over the years my diet could have been healthier. Is there a test I can ask my doctor to arrange that would check if my heart is becoming blocked?

Answer 1

Start with an E.K.G, an EKG can give an indication of
a blockage and give the doctor an indication if an
angiogram is needed.

Bypasses are not as common now as they used to be,
because they can do angioplasty and insert a wall stent
to open the artery, the wall stent keeps the artery open.

I know that heart troubles run in families but just because
your dad had a triple bypass in his 50's does not mean
that you will have one (especially today)

My dad died of cancer at age 43, I had cancer at age 23 and never in my life thought that I would out live my dad, well so far
I have beat him by 16 years (I'm 59) but I do have clogged arteries including 50% blockage in the carotid arteries, have an aneurysm and little blood flow through my legs. Coronary disease runs in my family, my oldest brother died at 59 2 yrs ago and 10 days later my youngest brother had a heart
attack at 54 (he survived).

My suggestion is to change your diet, now, exercise
and quit smoking, I should have followed my own advice
maybe I would not be in the mess I'm in.

See a cardiologist and follow his advice and you should
be OK

Good luck to you

Answer 2

Angiogram, using dye in the cardiac arteries, which they won't do without strong symptoms of chest pain related to the heart.

Thallium scan that tries to view arteries through the chest.

Stress tests can be inaccurate for people with good collateral circulation. Mine is good, and a stress test 9 months before angina showed up gave no hint I would have 99% occluded coronary arteries and nearly die.

If you are that worried, change your diet and lifestyle as if you were diagnosed with heart disease. You can head it off, level out, or possibly reverse current damage a little at a time.

I have four siblings, same age or older. I am the only one with a heart problem, severe blockages, for which I had a triple bypass.

It is partly genetic, but also depends on diet, stress, and lifestyle.

Answer 3

Jack,

Tests do not prevent heart attacks. Not smoking prevents heart attacks; maintaining healthy weight prevents heart attacks; exercise prevents heart attacks; low cholesterol prevents heart attacks; proper sleep habits prevent heart attacks; managing stress prevents heart attacks!

Tests are recommended to persons who like you have a family history of heart attacks but generally only when you reach age 40 and above and may be at risk by smoking, being overweight, heavy drinking, supporting high cholesterol, improper sleep, tension and/or stress.

For those who can take the "Stress Test" on the treadmill and for those who due to health or weight reasons must have the test administered chemically, the result will determine if there are reasons for concern.

If the test result is suspect it may be recommended that a cardiac catheterization be performed to identify partial or significant blockages. In my case, a heart attack preceded this test. However, when the test was done a stent was placed in a single blocked artery. Since, I've had a second stent inserted in the same manner. This one was discovered by taking preventative stress tests: I do them every 9 months.

Jack, at age 49 with your Dad's history, it is wise to request your doctor check things out.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Yes, an angiogram, it will show how blocked up the arteries that feed your heart are getting.
EKG is for the electrics, Echogram, MRI etc for the valves.

An angiogram is simply an x-ray image of blood vessels after they are filled with a contrast material. A coronary angiogram is the "gold standard" for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). A coronary angiogram can be used to identify the exact location and severity of CAD.

Worth doing the real deal straight away w. your history if you've pigged out and smoked especially so!

Answer 5

yes, there are several methods

Thallium stress test and various other stress tests
blood work (can show high cholesterol, triglycerides, good and bad cholesterol, inflammation rate)
ekg
there is a special machine out that can view the inside of your arteries for blockages, I do not remember its name and it is usually not covered under insurance. My sister had that done, it was a whole body image.
ultrasound of the carotid arteries(in your neck) and of the heart.
Many different ways, make and appointment and go. Be honest with your doctor in your wonderings and that you have not had the healthiest diet. Good Health to you!

Answer 6

There's a new test that measures the irritation in your arteries. It is supposed to be more reliable because it shows what damage the plaque may be doing. You will have to research it, but it has detected heart problems in people who showed a normal EKG and stress test.
It's good because I know 2 people who were in their 40s, had a clear EKG, and dropped dead soon after they finished a perfect treadmill test!

Answer 7

A stress test to begin with. Don't do the angiogram until all non invasive procedures are exhausted

Answer 8

Ask your doctor about a nuclear stress test.

Answer 9

EKG to make sure you have normal heartrate and an MRI. There is a special MRI to detect blockage.

Answer 10

MY GOD LOOK AT ALL THESE ANSWERS. GO TO YOUR DR AND ASK HIM TO SET YOU UP FOR A STRESS TEST. THAT WILL GET THE BALL ROLLING. I HAVE HAD 2 HEARTATTACKS 1ST AT 36 YR OF AGE. IM 45 NOW. GOOD LUCK