You may recall that I had a little trip to the ER recently.  Well, after my week off I had a visit with my primary care doctor to follow up. 

I was cleared to go back to work and I really have not had any issues.  She ordered two tests for me – an angiogram and a stress test. Those will happen next week.

While at the hospital they ran the enzyme tests to see if I had a heart attack, but they were negative.  However, the baby aspirin and nitro that the EMS crew gave me may have stopped something according to doctors. 

My angiogram was scheduled on a day that I was supposed to speak in front of a class of EEG students.  When I called the director to see if we could reschedule the talk, I explained what happened. 

Her background is in cardiology.  She told me that based on what happened, it could be something ischemic.  If you are unfamiliar with that:

Ischemic heart disease (IHD), also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD), is a condition where the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen. This typically happens due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the coronary arteries, which narrows them and restricts blood flow to the heart. 

Dizziness and sweating are symptoms. I experienced both before going to the ER.    Lightheadedness is also a symptom and I get that on occasion. So it makes sense.

From all I have read on an angiogram, if there is any type of blockage they will place a stent in during the same procedure.  I have a feeling this may happen.

There is some cardiac history in my family.  My maternal grandfather died of a heart attack and my father has a stent.  During that procedure we found out he had actually had a couple small heart attacks and he didn’t even know he had them.

Either way, my stress test will happen a couple days after the angiogram.  One way or another, they should be able to tell if there is an issue with my ticker.

To say that the incident was a wake up call is an understatement.  The day after, I rejoined Weight Watchers.  Something I should have done a while ago.  I’m two weeks in and down 11 pounds.  I really hope to stay focused and have better success this time around.

I will keep you posted.