I an a 50 year old. im a  a diebetic f 3 weeks now. my dad died of a heart attack at age 35. my mom dird at 60 of a blood clot in her main artery; my sister a geart attach at 48. i smoke for 20 yrs now. im having chest pains on and off. i have hot flashes. pain in both of my lrgs crampingg in legs foot and toes.i want to know what kind of test my family dpctor can do . a simple test

                                                                                                                                        thank you bill

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****
Hi Chadsyre, here is an answer from Dr. Marie Savard, ABC News Medical Contributor:

Dear Chadsyre,

You are right to be worried about your heart. You have three important reasons why you could have heart disease: your diabetes, your strong family history with heart disease at such young ages, and your smoking. Since you are having symptoms of possible heart disease right now, I would have your family doctor check you now. I would not wait for your family doctor however but would go to an emergency room if you are having chest pains. You should have a number of tests including your blood pressure, blood cholesterol and other blood fats checked, along with an EKG. However even if all those tests are okay, you could still have worrisome heart disease with your history and a referral to a cardiologist for additional tests like a stress test and a heart ultrasound would be a good idea.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Marie

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