i had an abnormal stress test with mri and abnormal stress echo.  i am now scheduled for a cardiac cath at nyu.  my medical history is significant family history of heart disease and high cholesterol.  they say it looks like there is not enough blood getting to a few sections of the heart and they suspect some blockages.  my question is can i have blockages if my cholesterol and triglyceride levels  are within normal limits? my other question is that i am allergic to iodine (found out after having ivp) and have some asthma.  i was given a prescription of prednisone and was advised to take it before and after cardiac cath.  how risky is that and does the risk outweigh the reward?  i do become breathless after exertion and not much exertion  oh - i am a woman - i think symptoms are different for us.

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****

 

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*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****

Hi, my husband and I workout @ the gym 2-3/week, eat healthy, are not overweight, no cholesterol, not diabetic, and do not smoke. But on 9/13, after a work out at the gym, he suffered a massive heart attack.  The Cardio Cath/angioplasty was unsuccessful and eventualy had multiple bypass/ open- heart on 9/15.  Doctors say it was a combination of stress and genes.