Finally decided to go see a cardiologist, Brigette and Dr. Woods had been saying I should go as my BP is not under control. Been having chest, front of shoulder, and shoulder blade (all left side) has been having a dull ache so I've been concerned. Dr. Bagheri says its not the heart, most likely the popped rib. But it's been hurting more lately, and occasionally I get a sharp pain (2-3 seconds). They run an EKG, all looks normal. HCTZ can caused triglycerides and A1C to rise so lowering dose by half. But adding back a low-dose Amlodipine to take at night which should prevent some of the side effects, the other two meds take in the morning. Returning on Feb 16 do to a ECHO.
An echocardiogram may be done for further evaluation of signs or symptoms that may suggest:
Atherosclerosis. A gradual clogging of the arteries by fatty materials and other substances in the blood stream. It can lead to problems in the wall motion or pumping function of your heart.
Cardiomyopathy. An enlargement of the heart due to thick or weak heart muscle
Congenital heart disease. Defects in one or more heart structures that occur during formation of the fetus, such as a ventricular septal defect (hole in the wall between the 2 lower chambers of the heart).
Heart failure. A condition in which the heart muscle has become weakened or stiff during heart relaxation and blood can't be pumped efficiently. This can cause fluid buildup (congestion) in the blood vessels and lungs, and edema (swelling) in the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body.
Aneurysm. A widening and weakening of a part of the heart muscle or the aorta (the large artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body). The aneurysm may be at risk for rupture. .
Heart valve disease. Malfunction of one or more of the heart valves that may cause an abnormality of the blood flow within the heart. The valves can become narrowed and prevent blood from flowing through the heart or out to the lungs and body. The valves can also become leaky with blood flow leaking backwards. An echocardiogram can also check for infection of the heart valve tissue.
Cardiac tumor. A tumor of the heart that may occur on the outside surface of the heart, within one or more chambers of the heart , or within the muscle tissue (myocardium) of the heart.
Pericarditis. An inflammation or infection of the sac that surrounds the heart.
Pericardial effusion or tamponade. The sac around the heart can become filled with fluid, blood, or infection. This can compress the heart muscle and prevent it from beating and pumping blood normally. This can cause symptoms of feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Atrial or septal wall defects. Irregular channels between the right and left sides of the heart may be present at birth, or may occur form trauma, or after a heart attack. These defects occur in the upper filling chambers (atria) or the lower pumping chambers (ventricles). This may cause heart failure or poor blood flow, or increase your risk for stroke.
Shunts. Shunts can be seen in atrial and ventricular septal defects but also when irregular blood flow is pushed through the circulation from the lungs and liver.
An echocardiogram may also be done to assess the heart’s overall function and general structure.
Follow-up on March 30 to see how the meds are doing, going in for labwork about 2 weeks prior. Also at this appointment will be a carotid ultrasound.
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