I had a friend die yesterday from a heart attack. I want to get my own heart checked out.

Who's the best around Houston for a heart test? 

I go to Dr. Kedernath Vaidya at St. Lukes The Woodlands.

He has literally save my life twice. I highly recommend him. 

I saw Dr Rick Ganim in KW and liked him a lot. 

Dr Baptista is my doctor at Kingwood Medical Center. I love the whole group.

I never had a heart attack, but the tests saved my life. Especially the calcium test, which caused them to order a heart cath, which found a 95% blockage, which let to a triple bypass by Dr. Maniscalco (best surgeon ever).

Good Luck

(PS Your family doctor can order the tests, you don't need a specialist for that) 

I never had a heart attack, but the tests saved my life. Especially the calcium test, which caused them to order a heart cath, which found a 95% blockage, which let to a triple bypass by Dr. Maniscalco (best surgeon ever).



This is what I'm afraid of, undetected blockage. Thank you for the information. 

Stay out of Dr Little's office (Houston Vascular) whatever you do. 

This is what I'm afraid of, undetected blockage. Thank you for the information.

Blockage can become very evident real fast.

They will likely start with a nuclear stress test. Them if needed they will order a heart cathertization. 

I passed a stress test. I passed a carotid Doppler and an echogram.

It was the calcium test that I flunked so miserably. Top 1% of women my age. That is when the heart cath became necessary.

Also, the hospital said that insurances do not like to pay for calcium tests. So I paid for it up front. Where is the irony in that? 

Be careful that the cardiologist doesn't say (after 4 stents) that you should go ahead and have by pass. They lie. 

Be careful that the cardiologist doesn't say (after 4 stents) that you should go ahead and have by pass. They lie.

Do they lie? or are we maybe in denial? Believe me, if they had told me in the doctors office that I needed a bypass, I probably would have balked. But when you are already in a hospital and they would rather I not leave, but be admitted and have surgery the next morning, it is hard to say no. Especially when you have a bunch of people there that insist that you stay. The surprise is when it all turns out well and you realize how fortunate you are. 

Do they lie? or are we maybe in denial?

No, they don't lie but so far, I've rolled the dice and won. 

No, they don't lie but so far, I've rolled the dice and won.


It is your heart, but I would say not to roll them again. Bypass is so common and easy and far more long lasting. 3-4 days in the hospital and you too can be a good example. 

Why roll the dice Emp? Just curious. 

I passed a stress test. I passed a carotid Doppler and an echogram.

It was the calcium test that I flunked so miserably. Top 1% of women my age. That is when the heart cath became necessary.


I've heard of this several times. I don't understand why insurance won't cover the calcium test when it clearly saves lives.

Thanks again for the good info! 

Let us know what happens, Matt. 

also, the calcium test was only $200. well worth every dime. 

Yes it was! 

the calcium test was only $200. well worth every dime.

I found out the same thing about the shingles vaccine. Medicare nor my supplemental insurance would pay for the vac ($220) but I guess they are waging a bet that I would never come down with shingles. I put out the money which was easier to swallow than dealing with the affects of a case of shingles. It is what it is ... 

RedMulch --- 2 hours ago - quote - hide comments
Let us know what happens, Matt.

Will do. I'll tell 'em, Red sent me. 

Prayers with you Matt! 

I found out the same thing about the shingles vaccine. Medicare nor my supplemental insurance would pay for the vac ($220) but I guess they are waging a bet that I would never come down with shingles. I put out the money which was easier to swallow than dealing with the affects of a case of shingles. It is what it is ...

I have my doubts about adult vaccines. I have never had a flu shot in my life. Then again, I have never had the flu. I had the chicken pox, but no shingles to date. I think the vaccines fight your own immune abilities. 

Will do. I'll tell 'em, Red sent me.


Please do. If you find you need any further advice, please PM me. I am happy to help. 

Why roll the dice Emp? Just curious.

I don't really have a good reason, fear I guess. 

I can understand that... 

My dad uses Ganim and others in his practice and loves him. He is a frequent visitor due to several heart issues and has always had good experiences. 

Dr. Leachman or Fish at the medical center. They are the best! 

My choice is the doctors at Houston Cardiovascular Associates in the Texas Medical Center. I chose a doctor in his forties - recently educated but with enough experience to do the job right. Also, they have a heart surgeon on staff who has operated on both my husband and me. 

I work at a hospital and love the Ganim group! They really know their stuff. 

Dr. Rick Ganim. I work with him everyday in the Cardiac Cath Lab, he's the best, and he's also my Cardiologist.