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Developed Pain In Arm That Is Radiating To Neck And Back. Family History Of Heart Disease. Suggest?
Question: Hello, I am a woman 41 years of age, no cholesterol, low blood pressure (sometimes too low) with a family history of heart disease. My mother has had bypass surgery twice and my brother suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 43 (6 blocked arteries). I have been experiencing pain in my left arm which radiates into my neck and back. I also have heart palpitations, wake at night in a sweat and feel anxious.
My GP feels I should not worry about my risk until menopause.
My GP feels I should not worry about my risk until menopause.
Brief Answer:
The risk increases as you age
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Although your GP is right that women should not worry until menopause because of the protective affect of the oestrogens, this may not be true in your case with a significant display of symptoms.
Since there is a strong family history from parents and sibling I would alert such patients in my clinic for a thorough health check. I would specifically ask for regular BP check (once in two months) and cholesterol check (6 months) annual ECG, TMT and/ or Spiral CT Angio. Since spiral CT angio is within Cardiologist domain I would refer if the TMT is not within normal limits. I would put you on low dose prophylactic aspirin 75mg if needed. This can significantly reduce the risk towards heart disease.
Hope this helps you in choosing the right direction.
The risk increases as you age
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Although your GP is right that women should not worry until menopause because of the protective affect of the oestrogens, this may not be true in your case with a significant display of symptoms.
Since there is a strong family history from parents and sibling I would alert such patients in my clinic for a thorough health check. I would specifically ask for regular BP check (once in two months) and cholesterol check (6 months) annual ECG, TMT and/ or Spiral CT Angio. Since spiral CT angio is within Cardiologist domain I would refer if the TMT is not within normal limits. I would put you on low dose prophylactic aspirin 75mg if needed. This can significantly reduce the risk towards heart disease.
Hope this helps you in choosing the right direction.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Answered by
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