Stress test

[Bikerdude]

I've had several NST's, most recently about 2 yrs ago. I have passed all with no issues. The "gold" standard for blockage detection is still the angiogram. However, it comes with some risks.

[easysurfer]

Isn't the heart stress test one that if it doesn't kill you then, you are healthy.

I'm joking, but only sort of as I remember years back reading about an upper manager from a company who when for a test.but never made it back alive.

[Alan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by easysurfer Isn't the heart stress test one that if it doesn't kill you then, you are healthy. I'm joking, but only sort of as I remember years back reading about an upper manager from a company who when for a test.but never made it back alive.

When I was working I had a friend who, like me, was a soccer ref, except he was qualified to a higher level, and imo was a lot fitter than myself, and would run all weekend refereeing adult games at soccer tournaments.

However, he had a family history of heart problems and our company paid for him to have an annual treadmill stress test. He always passed with flying colors but 6 months after a test he started getting chest pains and was admitted for quadruple bypass surgery. He was in his early 50's and did just fine after the surgery.

I know that when I've had stress tests, the doc emphasizes that it is just a test, and even passing with flying colors doesn't mean you won't have a heart attack the next day.

[homestead]

My dad had a stress test and they told him he could have a heart attack at any time.
They gave him some nitro. He didn't believe what they told him so the very next
day he unload a pickup load of shingles at his mountain cabin, that night he had
a heart attack. The nitro and helicopter saved his life.

[Lsbcal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by easysurfer Isn't the heart stress test one that if it doesn't kill you then, you are healthy. I'm joking, but only sort of as I remember years back reading about an upper manager from a company who when for a test.but never made it back alive.

I run a lot in the hills. When I asked my Doc about testing above and beyond the normal physical, he said that I basically passed the tests every time I did my runs in the state park. I pointed out that well, yes I passed but if I didn't there was only wild turkeys and deer to help me out. Of course, there are always vultures willing and able.

That is when he said I could consider the Coronary Calcium CT Scan. I'm probably in the very low risk group and the Doc was thinking this when he made the "running is a good test" remark.

[bld999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerdude I've had several NST's, most recently about 2 yrs ago. I have passed all with no issues. The "gold" standard for blockage detection is still the angiogram. However, it comes with some risks.

I don't think angiograms are given on a request basis [?] If you are referred for one, the risk of not getting it is likely higher than any built-in risk in the process. If a stentable blockage level is seen, IIRC, they can do one then and there by changing tools.

[NoMoreJob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by timo2 Treadmill stress test: As long as you can walk and have a normal ECG, this is normally the first stress test performed. You walk on a treadmill while being monitored to see how far you walk and if you develop chest pain or changes in your ECG that suggest that your heart is not getting enough blood.

When they did mine they kept raising the incline and increasing the speed until I called 'uncle.'

[Amethyst]

I've never had one of these stress tests, but have had several EKGs as part of physical check-ups related to various work assignments. I never got any feedback from the EKGs so I guess all looked good.

OTOH, I was given an echo-cardiogram in my mid-20's - something to do with my scoliosis - which revealed a prolapsed mitral valve. The doctor asked me if I sometimes seemed to have a double heart beat, and I realized that yes, sometimes I did. He said this was the valve having to work harder to push the blood through. Also, that some day I might need a replacement valve.

Since I've been doing serious cardio exercise (can't run due to the scoliosis, so do other things), the feeling of a "double heartbeat" has gone away. Nevertheless, I've mentioned the mitral-valve prolapse to various doctors, but none has ordered any tests. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm being properly cared for.

Amethyst

[Lsbcal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amethyst ...(snip)... Nevertheless, I've mentioned the mitral-valve prolapse to various doctors, but none has ordered any tests. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm being properly cared for. Amethyst

Maybe making a specific appointment for this issue would get a specialist Doc to focus on it instead of "just thought I'd mention this" kind of physical checkup discussion. It's not good to feel like the issue hasn't been truly addressed.