Anteroapical wall hypokinesia

[Kimlouise]

Hi all

I have just received the copy of the letter sent to my GP after my stress echo recently. I feel so upset as I've been feeling so well and had pretty much put my symptoms down to 'cardiac neuroses' . It says the test revealed 'anteroapical wall hypokinesia at the peak of exercize, which is very suspicious of SIGNIFICANT coronary artery disease' . I haven't had an angiogram as I got so anxious when I went to have one, and just had a CT scan instead which revealed a calcium score of 48 (which was high for my age -58 - but didn't seem too high to me. I have high systolic blood pressure, strong family history of early heart disease, and my anxiety levels have gone through the roof this evening. At the moment I'm just taking Bisoprolol 2.5 which I feel very well on. Any info/advice would be really welcome.Thanks so much

[Judith_BHF]

Hi Kimlouise

I am sorry to hear you became so anxious that you were unable to go ahead with your Angiogram. The CT Scan result showing hypokinesia, means that part of your heart muscles has gone into a type of hibernation to protect itself. So the heart is not working effectively. Therefore it is really important to see your Cardiologist to have an angiogram to investigate the significant coronary artery disease. The Cardiologist will look at all your main arteries and if they are blocked with fatty plaque (cholesterol) which has hardened over time (calcified), then if possible he/she will stent the narrowed vessels. Once stented your heart will receive an adequate blood supply and will be able to work more effectively.

I am pleased to hear you are feeling well on your dose of Bisoprolol but it would be beneficial to work with your GP, to bring your systolic B/P down to a normal range which will be better for your heart long term.

Perhaps it will also help if you try some Yoga, meditation, meditative breathing and relaxation which may improve your anxiety levels, which will also help with your B/P.

[Kimlouise in reply to Judith_BHF]

Thank you so much for replying Judith. I have a GP appointment and a cardiologist appointment next week so looking forward to getting some more info then. When you say 'gone in to hibernation' does that mean the full function may come back, or has the muscle actually died? I know I have calcified plaque in 2 main arteries. Thanks again

Kim