Question 1

can you have a heart attack without high cholesterol or high blood pressure? can you have buildup of plaque in the arteries without these two symptoms? is their a way to screen for heart attack before they happen?

Accepted Answer

: One still can get coronary artery plaque despite normal BP &amp; lipid profile. We see this in youngish women,smokers,strong family history of heart attacks.males over 45.   A coronary artery calcium score and maximal treadmill stress test screen for coronary artery disease.

Question 2

do you need to feast to test for cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol: You don't feast to check for cholesterol. Recent studies suggest you might not need to fast either. Check with the lab you are using.

Question 3

how do i test for cholesterol in mayonnaise?

Accepted Answer

5 mg: Mayonnaise has 5 mg of cholesterol per serving (13 grams). (however, be advised that mayonnaise is 100% fat-use it sparingly, if at all. Mustard is a much healthier substitute).

Question 4

i had slightly elevated cholesterol for last 10 years age 35 total 200~240. is there any test to access the damage i have done so far to arteries.

Accepted Answer

High cholesterol: Hi. Total cholesterol is a fairly uninformative number, and treatment decisions should not be based on it. It helps to know your overall profile. If "high" is due to HDL, no problem. If "high" is due to LDL, that is a risk for atherosclerosis. Are your triglycerides high or normal?  Hi triglycerides correlate with low HDL, which is another risk for atherosclerosis. So without more information...

Question 5

i hear that ldl  p is the preferred test for cholesterol. what your position on this?

Accepted Answer

Don't treat numbers: Over decades in medicine, i've watched new markers for cardiac risk come and go. The difficulty with evaluating each new marker is that we are only looking at correlations with mortality / illness in a complex system that's largely still not understood, with often-inaccurate self-accounts from patients. Use your wishes and i'd suggest the classic labs to make decisions (lifestyle, statins).

Question 6

how long does it take for plaque to build up in arteries and is there a way to test for it?

Accepted Answer

Depends on diet : Arterial plaque has been found at autopsy of gang members (teenagers) and in deceased soldiers. The "western" diet (watch "supersize me" for more info) speeds deposition, while mediterranean & others slow it. Family history and cholesterol levels (if very high) can also contribute. Certain ultrasound studies of the blood vessels can screen for it. Ask your doctor if concerned.

Question 7

i have a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease. what test can i request to learn if my arteries are narrowing?

Accepted Answer

More than one test: You should see your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation as no single test is good enough. The tests incluse, fasting lipids, fasting glucose, high sensitivity c-reactive protein, ultrasound examination of arteries in the neck, scan to detect calcium in coronary arteries and more. Discuss the issue with your doctor for proper selection of tests.

Question 8

is heart attack is about clogged arteries? mibi test normal, no cholesterol, blood pressure normal. can it be concluded no heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Heart attack: Heart attack is from complete occlusion of one of the arteries.  Unless opened right away - can lead to permanent damage resulting in a scar of the myocardium.  Normal MIBI, low chol and BP means you are a low risk for developing coronay plaque which usually is the reason for heart attack. Plaques can break leading to occlusion in the arteries that result in heart attack.

Question 9

can heart artery  spasams cose chest pains for over a year  and  mis undiagnosed  by cardiologist  is there a test for it thank you

Accepted Answer

Coronary Artery : Spasm of coronary artery happens in people with coronary artery risk factor or in people with no risk factors.
Happens due to stress, cold exposure, alcohol withdrawal.
Diagnosis is hard, needs high level of suspicion.
Relieved pain with Nitroglycerin is the way to diagnose it.
Also ecg, angiogram is done, bout hard to pick it up.

Question 10

chronic pain in both calves and feet throbbing when resting. test for artery disease negative. blood tests normal. what could be going on?

Accepted Answer

Pain in calves: Glad to hear health tests are good so far.  Are you taking a statin medication for cholesterol?  That can cause muscle pain but your doc probably is keeping that in mind.  Do you exercise?  If so, do you cool down slowly afterwards?  That can be a cause if not.  Peace and good health.

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Doctor answers about:

Is there test for the effects of colesterol on my arteries

A member asked:

Can you have a heart attack without high cholesterol or high blood pressure? can you have buildup of plaque in the arteries without these two symptoms? is their a way to screen for heart attack before they happen?

A member asked:

Do you need to feast to test for cholesterol?

A member asked:

How do i test for cholesterol in mayonnaise?

A member asked:

I had slightly elevated cholesterol for last 10 years age 35 total 200~240. is there any test to access the damage i have done so far to arteries.

A member asked:

I hear that ldl p is the preferred test for cholesterol. what your position on this?

A member asked:

How long does it take for plaque to build up in arteries and is there a way to test for it?

A member asked:

I have a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease. what test can i request to learn if my arteries are narrowing?

A member asked:

Is heart attack is about clogged arteries? mibi test normal, no cholesterol, blood pressure normal. can it be concluded no heart attack?

A member asked:

Can heart artery spasams cose chest pains for over a year and mis undiagnosed by cardiologist is there a test for it thank you

A member asked:

Chronic pain in both calves and feet throbbing when resting. test for artery disease negative. blood tests normal. what could be going on?

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