Stress Test

[electric10162]

Had my first ever stress test yesterday. Results came back good with no blockage or structural issues. High blood pressure and heart disease run on my Father's side of the family with my Brother having some issues but is maintaining just fine. My primary physician thought, at 58 years old, I should get a baseline test due to my family history. Cardiologist wants me to take a beta blocker to lower my at rest pressure of 130/80. I've never been on a prescription medication before.  Getting old sucks!

[Rjtfd]

18 minutes ago, electric10162 said:

Had my first ever stress test yesterday. Results came back good with no blockage or structural issues. High blood pressure and heart disease run on my Father's side of the family with my Brother having some issues but is maintaining just fine. My primary physician thought, at 58 years old, I should get a baseline test due to my family history. Cardiologist wants me to take a beta blocker to lower my at rest pressure of 130/80. I've never been on a prescription medication before.  Getting old sucks!

Stress test are overrated from what I’ve been told. Nuclear stress are a little better but still doesn’t give a big picture. 
Why a beta blocker at 130/80? That is not terrible and doesn’t justify taking meds for it. Do you exercise regularly eat a balanced healthy diet? You can easily bring that down without meds. I’d try that first before starting on a medication. Doctors are very quick to prescribe and very rarely give you any type of alternatives. 
 

[Nomad]

Andy if you are not doing already go for a brisk 20-30 minute walk 3 times+ per week, eat good, and drop some weight.Will do much more good than that medication they want you on.

[electricstart]

How is your cholesterol ? blood work is very important  

[Rusty]

18 minutes ago, Nomad said:

Andy if you are not doing already go for a brisk 20-30 minute walk 3 times+ per week, eat good, and drop some weight.Will do much more good than that medication they want you on.

What he said!  

[electric10162]

32 minutes ago, Rjtfd said:

Stress test are overrated from what I’ve been told. Nuclear stress are a little better but still doesn’t give a big picture. 
Why a beta blocker at 130/80? That is not terrible and doesn’t justify taking meds for it. Do you exercise regularly eat a balanced healthy diet? You can easily bring that down without meds. I’d try that first before starting on a medication. Doctors are very quick to prescribe and very rarely give you any type of alternatives. 
 

It was a nuclear stress test with walking/treadmill

[electric10162]

25 minutes ago, electricstart said:

How is your cholesterol ? blood work is very important  

Cholesterol is good

[electric10162]

27 minutes ago, Nomad said:

Andy if you are not doing already go for a brisk 20-30 minute walk 3 times+ per week, eat good, and drop some weight.Will do much more good than that medication they want you on.

Unfortunately, I'm not exercising like I should

[Rusty]

2 minutes ago, electric10162 said:

Unfortunately, I'm not exercising like I should

Walking does wonders, don’t over complicate it.  

[Jim_]

You're 58 and the areas of concern are all good?  Terrific! Congrats on having a healthy heart as you're starting your final 30 years of life. 

 

58 minutes ago, electric10162 said:

... Cardiologist wants me to take a beta blocker to lower my at rest pressure of 130/80. I've never been on a prescription medication before.  Getting old sucks!

I understand. Its kinda like a "defeat" in life to have to start taking a daily medication. I take a beta-blocker ... generic Carvedilol. I just remind myself that taking this small dose of a little, cheap, generic, common medication is really good for my heart, arteries, brain, etc etc

(BTW ... I'm at Planet Fitness 5 mornings a week and eat healthy a lot of the time,  still my body needed a little help keeping my pressure in the ideal  range)

Good luck

[JHbowhunter]

1 hour ago, electric10162 said:

Had my first ever stress test yesterday. Results came back good with no blockage or structural issues. High blood pressure and heart disease run on my Father's side of the family with my Brother having some issues but is maintaining just fine. My primary physician thought, at 58 years old, I should get a baseline test due to my family history. Cardiologist wants me to take a beta blocker to lower my at rest pressure of 130/80. I've never been on a prescription medication before.  Getting old sucks!

NJ deer hunting stresses me out - not good for the heart.  Too many buck tags too many assholes shooting dinks too many jealous stalkers. Goal for 2025 - get back into golf and walk more!  

[Rjtfd]

6 minutes ago, electric10162 said:

Unfortunately, I'm not exercising like I should

Tough time of year to get motivated but just a little will help more than none. 
Cholesterol is another number that is overrated. Pharmaceuticals make sure of that. 300 use to be high now it’s 200? Why is that. 
AoPB and Calcium score would be more of a determining factor on meds before just a cholesterol number. 
I don’t know you or your family history or what kind of shape you are in but before you jump to meds I’d speak with your doctor and ask about alternatives first before you go right to taking beta blockers or statins. That is my opinion. Weather you take meds or not I would still try exercising just a little. 

[Rjtfd]

1 minute ago, JHbowhunter said:

NJ deer hunting stresses me out - not good for the heart.  Too many buck tags too many assholes shooting dinks too many jealous stalkers. Goal for 2025 - get back into golf and walk more!  

On top of turkey lottery and fast fingers. Not good for the heart.

[electric10162]

4 minutes ago, Rjtfd said:

Tough time of year to get motivated but just a little will help more than none. 
Cholesterol is another number that is overrated. Pharmaceuticals make sure of that. 300 use to be high now it’s 200? Why is that. 
AoPB and Calcium score would be more of a determining factor on meds before just a cholesterol number. 
I don’t know you or your family history or what kind of shape you are in but before you jump to meds I’d speak with your doctor and ask about alternatives first before you go right to taking beta blockers or statins. That is my opinion. Weather you take meds or not I would still try exercising just a little. 

Thanks! I am waiting for my primary to call before I take anything. I have to make a conscious effort now. Exercise beats the alternative.

[electric10162]

50 minutes ago, Nomad said:

Andy if you are not doing already go for a brisk 20-30 minute walk 3 times+ per week, eat good, and drop some weight.Will do much more good than that medication they want you on.

I need to make the time Mark. Exercise beats the alternative.