[JimRed]

But the scary part is, I had NO SYMPTOMS. No shortness of breath, chest pains, weakness, etc. I play rec basketball 2-4 times a week and do some running, IOW I'm reasonably fit for my age. The Saturday before the Monday procedure I jogged through a local five mile race (mostly for the neat T-shirt and fun after party) and the next day played about an hour and a half of b'ball with the guys. I really thought they'd find nothing, that they were just looking to sell another service.

Fellow FReepers, if you have not done so, I suggest that you schedule yourself for a stress test, or at least an exam. I'd like to keep as many of you around as possible, for as long as possible!

[ObozoMustGo2012]

Jim Red, how old are you if I may ask (range is ok)

[stevio]

Wow. How old are you if I can ask?

[eyedigress]

To each their own. My Father had one done and days later endured a massive heart attack. Died 3 months later.
47 years old.

[Chauncey Gardiner]

Was this the neuveau chemically-induced stress test or the real deal sweat your ass off on a treadmill test?

[GOP Poet]

Thank you so much for posting this JimRed. I had a similar incident. I am as fit, active, and clean eating as they come. People comment ALL the time on the extraordinary dedication to both in my life. I went in to have a CT scan of my heart thinking no brainer. Although all my ventricles were clear the Left Descending Ventricle was show 80% calcification--the widow maker. It also show compared to females in my age group I was 90% worse and more likely to get cardiac disease!! Me the healthiest of them all!!

The reason I got the test at 51 (even though I look 32 and am as fit and healthy looking as well) is the people in my family who were obese or very much inactive and overweight had died suddenly in the last two years from heart attacks. They were siblings a decade older than me. So my primary felt this substantiated a family history of heart disease that I would not have been aware had these two passed. The good news is all my blood work (cholesterol etc) were exceptional great AND I am so fit my heart rate is very low because it is so well conditioned and efficient.

Yet. I still will be getting an echostress test to insure there are no other red flags. It also has allowed me to be more conscious of the amount of red meat and other high in saturated fat and cholesterol food are in my diet and to minimize them. It also solidifies just how important exercise and diet are as I age. As well as lowered stress levels.

Thanks again for sharing JimRed. Yours could be a life changing and saving post for many.

[Salvey]

It’s also possible that, had you waited, you might have developed collateral circulation around the blocked vessel (angiogenesis), obviating the need for a stent (sometimes called “natural bypass”).

[Salvey]

It’s also possible that, had you waited, you might have developed collateral circulation around the blocked vessel (angiogenesis), obviating the need for a stent (sometimes called “natural bypass”).

[RebelTXRose]

Viascan. We both had one done a few years ago. Full body scan much cheaper than dr ordered CT scan. Found out minor conditions to watch, put our mind at ease about blockage which was virtually nonexistent. Much more info.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Have been getting a cardiogram and stress test once a year - couple weeks ago had a hybrid - cardio followed immediately by a stress test followed immediately by another cardio - lots of fun - but the doc decided he had me on too much BP medication which was limiting the amount my heart rate could climb when needed and reduced one of the meds by half - worth the trouble...

[Moonman62]

What’s really nice is when they catch early enough so they don’t have to open your chest.