topic Re: Stress Test Question in Wellness

Stress Test Question

Georgiagrama — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 05:41:25 GMT

Has anyone had one lately? How long did it take and is there an IV involved?

Re: Stress Test Question

Kathlen — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 05:45:24 GMT

I had a stress test and echocardiogram. Total about 30 minutes procedure - about an hour all together with prep and consult afterwards.

Re: Stress Test Question

Georgiagrama — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 05:48:08 GMT

On 3/5/2014 Kathleen said:
I had a stress test and echocardiogram. Total about 30 minutes procedure - about an hour all together with prep and consult afterwards.

Thank you Kathleen. I have very small, hard to find veins and I am horrified with any procedure that I may need one of those "ports". I feel more at ease now.

Re: Stress Test Question

151949 — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:22:09 GMT

There are two ways to do a stress test. One is for the patient to run on a treadmill while all hooked up to machines that will nmonitor heart and respirations. The other way is to hook up the monitoring equipment then the patient lies on a stretcher and gets an injection IV of a medication that will stress the heart that way so it can be monitored. Generally doctors prefer the results from the one using the treadmill but sometimes patients can't do that for a number of reasons. Then after you have that part of the test you can leave for a while but have to return for a second part a while later - just them putting you back on the monitor to look at the resting heart after it was stressed.

Re: Stress Test Question

cater — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:44:06 GMT

I had the stress test like the one Happy Housewife is talking about Let me be honest I thought I was going to have a nervous break down I was so worked up. Happened to go over to the Cancer thread and a poster had just had it done were you don't have to do treadmill. She said how they did it exactly the way HH is telling you and she ended with saying not to be afraid it easy peachy. She totally put my mind at ease and I went and had it done and was not afraid. To this day I am very grate full to that poster. I went in at 7am. and was done by 12noon. I could not do the treadmill because I have a lot of problems with my legs.

Re: Stress Test Question

hckynut — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 09:22:41 GMT

There are many types of ""stress tests"" and I have had many different protocols since my first one in 1982. Depends on what the doctor orders and what exactly he wants to see in the results.

If the doctor is looking a the inner heart they usually do a ""contrasting stress test with Echo-cardiogram both before and right after the end of the test"". If you cannot do the physical type of stress test there are a few that the doctor can order where one does not have to exercise in any way. One of them is a Nuclear Test where some material is injected into an IV and then sometimes read with and Echo-Cardio or could be done with a Nuclear CAT type of scan.

They have different names for them and some are the names of doctors that set up the Protocol for a specific test. One is the Balke Protocol and another is the Bruce Protocol. I've done both of these and also modified versions of both of them. One of them is done more with ""athletic individuals"" as it involves running all but the first 2 warmup minutes. Warmup 2 minutes walking and the rest is running. The comes a cool down walk and many Cardiologist want you to walk until your heart rate reaches a specific number of ""beats per minute"" and this is usually based on what your resting heart rate was before starting the test.

Got any specific questions throw them my way and I will try to answer them. I've had stress tests which involved being hooked up to Pulmonary equipment to measure oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination. This tells more about physical fitness than just a regular check of the heart and it's arteries and/or valves.

Re: Stress Test Question

sylviahomeatlast — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 10:22:06 GMT

last year I had a nuclear stress test -----arduous

Re: Stress Test Question

violann — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:11:19 GMT

On 3/6/2014 sylviahomeatlast said: last year I had a nuclear stress test -----arduous

I'm so sorry you had a tough time with it. I had one about 4 years ago and didn't think it was too bad. The wait time was kind of annoying for me. Hope everyone passes his or her test with flying colors!

Re: Stress Test Question

hckynut — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 16:31:16 GMT

On 3/6/2014 sylviahomeatlast said: last year I had a nuclear stress test -----arduous

I have had the Nuclear Test twice and this was when I was suffering from Anemia and could not do any of the exercising stress tests. That was far and away the easiest one I've had of any of them. No effort whatsoever and certainly no aching muscles since all I had to do was lie there on different tables.

Don't know what was arduous(definition:taxing to the utmost/testing powers of endurance)as the most difficult thing I did was climb onto the couple of different tables to lie down. Unless there is a Nuclear Test for the reasons of this thread that I am unaware of, I have no idea what was arduous for you and I am quite curious as to exactly what it might have been.

Re: Stress Test Question

redbird — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 18:27:38 GMT

My husband had a nuclear stress test a couple of weeks ago. It took about 4 hours, much of which was waiting time between parts of the test. An IV was inserted in his hand and he was given the chemical substance. The test consisted of 2 sets of MRIs with a treadmill stress test in between. If you are having the nuclear test you will know as there is a page of instructions regarding fasting, meds, etc to be followed prior to the test.

Re: Stress Test Question

depglass — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 18:36:58 GMT

I had the test where you just lay on a gurney (pacemaker). The worst part was the boredom. They should put a TV in that room.

Re: Stress Test Question

hckynut — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 20:50:36 GMT

On 3/6/2014 redbird said:
My husband had a nuclear stress test a couple of weeks ago. It took about 4 hours, much of which was waiting time between parts of the test. An IV was inserted in his hand and he was given the chemical substance. The test consisted of 2 sets of MRIs with a treadmill stress test in between. If you are having the nuclear test you will know as there is a page of instructions regarding fasting, meds, etc to be followed prior to the test.

Regardless of what kind of procedure for what part of my body I always refrain from eating and drinking or taking any of my medications for at the very least 8 hours before the procedure or testing. This includes the 7 years I was on Coumadin and having a full blood draw at least 3 times a week, many times 7 days a week. I feel the best readings can be attained when food nor too much fluid or medications can interfere with some or any of the readings. I have no medical or scientific proof of this, this is just what I have always and will continue to do before any type of testing or procedure.

I had this same type test but it was called a Cardio-lite Stress Test. They did an Echo-cardio(times 2) on me, not MRI's. Had the IV placed prior to starting any of the testing. Then they did a resting Echo and from there I went to the treadmill.

A bed was about as close to the treadmill as it could get, just to make this clear. This test was walking starting at 2mph at 2% elevation. Every 2 minutes the elevation went up 2% and every 3 minutes the speed went up 0.5mph. The Cardiologist and the Nuclear Med doctor both told me to let them know when I could only last 1 more minute on this test. I was on the treadmill for a total of 16+ minutes, not including warm up.

When I gave them the signal I would poop out in 1 minute that is when they shot the Nuclear materials into the IV. With a lot of huffing and puffing and legs and lungs aching I was able to finish that 60 seconds each time I had this Cardio-lite Stress Test.

Immediately after the shut down the treadmill I had to jump right onto the bed so they could take another Echo-cardio before my heart rate dropped to quickly. They want the "beats per minute" to be as close to maximum in the "after Echo" to see how the heart is reacting when running wide open. After this "after Echo" I got back on the treadmill for a 5 minute cool down walk. This was not included in the 16+ minute testing.

I don't consider these to be arduous at all. They are physically taxing for sure but the instances when these tests were ordered by my Cardiologist, I was at a good physical fitness level.

Re: Stress Test Question

Georgiagrama — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 04:21:30 GMT

I just looked over all the forms I have to fill out for tomorrow. I'm guessing that I will be doing the treadmill test because there are no special instructions. I don't know how I will do on a treadmill. I can't run for 5 minutes....I'm old and I have COPD. This should be interesting.

Re: Stress Test Question

sophiamarie — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 06:04:37 GMT

On 3/6/2014 Retired08 said:
I just looked over all the forms I have to fill out for tomorrow. I'm guessing that I will be doing the treadmill test because there are no special instructions. I don't know how I will do on a treadmill. I can't run for 5 minutes....I'm old and I have COPD. This should be interesting.

Just wear comfortable clothing (pants and top). You will have to remove your top because you will be hooked up to electrodes (leads) for an EKG while you are on the treadmill. They have little lockers for you to keep your belongings.

Just don't have any caffeine at least 3 hours before the test. (don't listen to all this nonsense on the boards). If your doctor ordered a stress test with contrast, they will start an IV and right before you are just about finished walking on the treadmill, they will release the dye and then you will be finished with that part. You shouldn't walk any more than 7 minutes at the most. If you have trouble walking, then they can put you on a stationery bike or even a wheelchair. Don't worry - they know what they are doing.

Just don't worry - relax and the whole thing should last no more than 2 hours, depending on the facility and other minor factors. Usually, they start these tests first thing in the a.m., like 8 am..... Good luck - and most of all - don't worry..... When is your test???

Re: Stress Test Question

Georgiagrama — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 06:32:52 GMT

On 3/6/2014 sophiamarie said:
On 3/6/2014 Retired08 said:
I just looked over all the forms I have to fill out for tomorrow. I'm guessing that I will be doing the treadmill test because there are no special instructions. I don't know how I will do on a treadmill. I can't run for 5 minutes....I'm old and I have COPD. This should be interesting.

Just wear comfortable clothing (pants and top). You will have to remove your top because you will be hooked up to electrodes (leads) for an EKG while you are on the treadmill. They have little lockers for you to keep your belongings.

Just don't have any caffeine at least 3 hours before the test. (don't listen to all this nonsense on the boards). If your doctor ordered a stress test with contrast, they will start an IV and right before you are just about finished walking on the treadmill, they will release the dye and then you will be finished with that part. You shouldn't walk any more than 7 minutes at the most. If you have trouble walking, then they can put you on a stationery bike or even a wheelchair. Don't worry - they know what they are doing.

Just don't worry - relax and the whole thing should last no more than 2 hours, depending on the facility and other minor factors. Usually, they start these tests first thing in the a.m., like 8 am..... Good luck - and most of all - don't worry..... When is your test???

First thing in the morning (Friday). I've been trying to drink a lot of water tonight, just in case they have to start an IV. I have tiny, hard to find veins and they always send someone in who can't find a vein.

I thank you for the encouragement. I'm a little afraid actually.

Re: Stress Test Question

sfnative — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 06:03:52 GMT

I had a nuclear stress test about a month ago because I was unable to have a normal stress test due to a bone-on-bone left knee. It took maybe 2+ hours. Yes on the I.V., but no "port," as in a device which is meant to remain in place over an extended period of days/weeks - just a regular I.V. A good tech should be able to handle your anatomy, so please don't fret too much.

There was much imaging and back and forth, but when they injected the vasodilator, I was asked to tell them what I was feeling, so gave them a blow by blow. The physician said, "your face never flushed." Well, my face never flushes for any reason, but I suppose it was indeed expected with my vessels dilated. But--it did make my migraine worse!

Best of luck to you!

Re: Stress Test Question

granddi — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 23:46:14 GMT

I had stress test and echo. I was NOT happy that both of my nurse "techs" were male. Your chest is bare then "covered" For the Echo, you lay on your side with bare chest. The tech uses a hand held scan with gel and moves it over the chest. Yes, he did cover me with a small towel but it was a very long 22 minutes!

Re: Stress Test Question

hckynut — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 06:12:40 GMT

On 3/9/2014 granddi said:
I had stress test and echo. I was NOT happy that both of my nurse "techs" were male. Your chest is bare then "covered" For the Echo, you lay on your side with bare chest. The tech uses a hand held scan with gel and moves it over the chest. Yes, he did cover me with a small towel but it was a very long 22 minutes!

Do you want me to tell you what gender treated me most of the time when I had a major artery hematoma after a Heart Catherization? A Heart Cath is put into a major artery in your groin in case you aren't familiar with them. And guess what gender did this on the 5 I have had to date? Doctors don't do this and I met very few male nurses during my many stays in the hospital.

I also was hospitalized with 2nd degree burns in my groin area that had to be cleaned 3 times a day and covered with Silvadene Creme each time. I'm thinking most males would prefer a male nurse during these types of treatment, but you get what you get. While I understand the way you feel?

When one faces life/death situations as I have several times? Modesty is nowhere in the picture. Anyone that has had these types of experiences learns very quickly that modesty goes out the window and saving a life is what is important.

Re: Stress Test Question

sylviahomeatlast — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 06:26:31 GMT

the procedure took 1 1/2 hours

Re: Stress Test Question

bells4me — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 06:43:14 GMT

On 3/9/2014 hckynut said:
On 3/9/2014 granddi said:
I had stress test and echo. I was NOT happy that both of my nurse "techs" were male. Your chest is bare then "covered" For the Echo, you lay on your side with bare chest. The tech uses a hand held scan with gel and moves it over the chest. Yes, he did cover me with a small towel but it was a very long 22 minutes!

Do you want me to tell you what gender treated me most of the time when I had a major artery hematoma after a Heart Catherization? A Heart Cath is put into a major artery in your groin in case you aren't familiar with them. And guess what gender did this on the 5 I have had to date? Doctors don't do this and I met very few male nurses during my many stays in the hospital.

I also was hospitalized with 2nd degree burns in my groin area that had to be cleaned 3 times a day and covered with Silvadene Creme each time. I'm thinking most males would prefer a male nurse during these types of treatment, but you get what you get. While I understand the way you feel?

When one faces life/death situations as I have several times? Modesty is nowhere in the picture. Anyone that has had these types of experiences learns very quickly that modesty goes out the window and saving a life is what is important.

I actually want a male doctor & nurses. I don't like women touching me. I cringe when I have to go for a mammogram. I agree with John that it really doesn't matter what the s*x, they are just doing their job.