topic Re: Stress Test in Wellness

Stress Test

ozarkgirl — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 22:09:42 GMT

I am having a Lexiscan Sestamibi Stress Test next week . I am not a brave person and I am scared to death. Anyone had one and should I be overly concerned?

Re: Stress Test

jaxs mom — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 22:14:23 GMT

My husband has had it done when his knee was messed up and he couldn't walk on the treadmill for the normal stress test. What are you scared of? I know he said he didn't like the way it made him feel. But it doesn't last a really long time.

Re: Stress Test

hckynut — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:21:06 GMT

I had this type of stress test done a little over a year ago. Over several decades I have had about every type of stress test protocol that exists, and then some. I had this type of stress test and this time because I was experiencing different types of symptoms and because of my two heart attacks my cardiologist did not want to have me do the typical type of walking running stress test.

The only thing I can say about this type of test is that I did have a rather strange feeling that I had not experienced before, but this does not fall into the category of pain. There is no reason for you to be afraid of this type of test unless you are just the type of person that is prone to be concerned about any type of procedure. While I can understand your concern about the outcome of this procedure I wouldn't worry beyond that.

Re: Stress Test

Q4u — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:30:41 GMT

I'm very surprised that your doctor didn't discuss what to expect when he/she was deciding what test to give you. Here is info off the Internet:

http://www.somc.org/heart/testing/lexiscan.php

I had a test a year or so ago November. I went into the ER because of a radiating pain going down my shoulder to my elbows and back again. Never had anything like it before and of course was concerned. Spent about 10 hours in the ER and the next morning went for a Stress Test (I don't think it was the Lexiscan)... everything turned out fine. Turns out it wasn't my heart at all but a pinched neck nerve!

You'll be absolutely fine. They know what they're doing and they're watching you carefully. Good luck!

Re: Stress Test

hckynut — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:36:05 GMT

It is not surprising to me at all that the doctors didn't tell her what to expect. The doctors or nurses can give you some literature on what you might feel, but I have been around enough patients that have had this done and everyone does not experience the same type of feeling.

Those that are administering the test or procedure usually make you well aware of what to expect once they inject the radioactive substance into your IV. These technicians are much more qualified to tell you what you might expect because most of them have done enough of these tests and have gotten feedback from all types of different patients.

Re: Stress Test

FastDogWalker2 — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:49:17 GMT

Don't be nervous, the worst part of this type of stress test for me was that it made me sick to my stomach. That feeling didn't last long however and all was well. I had it when I was having knee surgery and was unable to work out on a treadmill. Best of luck to you!

Re: Stress Test

I am still oxox — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:51:46 GMT

I had it done last June, there are a few minutes of discomfort when they inject the chemical into you, my doctor was there and talked me through it, your heart will beat very rapidly for a few seconds, and then it slows down

Re: Stress Test

chlema — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:22:44 GMT

I find it interesting because I got an email from AARP and it is on the list of the 10 tests to avoid because it rarely proves anything. I have had this test 3 times in the past, not my favorite test but the feeling of discomfort did not last very long. Now I don't know what I will do if doctor suggests it again.

Re: Stress Test

betteb — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:35:54 GMT

I just had it done about a month ago...no big deal. They give you the isotope, I felt no effects from that.

Are they going to give you Adenosine, a drug to stress your heart, or are they going to make you run on a treadmill?

I had the Adenosine...I didn't really feel any effects from that either.

I had a stress test 2 yrs ago and they ran me ragged on a treadmill. I felt the effects of that...for a couple of days after

Worst part is, it's time consuming..take about 2 and half hours.

Re: Stress Test

kittymomNC — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:51:06 GMT

I thought I had had this test, but when I looked it up I realized mine was different. It was called a nuclear stress test, because they injected radioisotopes into my blood stream, but I did have to get on a treadmill at one point, and they also did the scans before and after that. It took about 3+ hours. I was scared to death about the injection of radioisotopes, but had no ill effects during or after the test. Good luck with yours.

Re: Stress Test

Kalli — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 02:01:53 GMT

I never heard of this stress test but had the treadmill one about 4 years ago. I was really nervous but once I started, I could've gone on and on. They had to tell me it was time to stop! I was on a roll.

As I said, I'm not familiar with this type of test but try to stay calm. I hope the test will yield the info your dr needs. Good luck and keep thinking positive thoughts.

-Kalli

Re: Stress Test

hckynut — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 02:45:24 GMT

On 3/10/2015 Kalli said:
I never heard of this stress test but had the treadmill one about 4 years ago. I was really nervous but once I started, I could've gone on and on. They had to tell me it was time to stop! I was on a roll.

As I said, I'm not familiar with this type of test but try to stay calm. I hope the test will yield the info your dr needs. Good luck and keep thinking positive thoughts.

-Kalli

Hi Kalli,

You must have had one of the easier "moving protocols" for your treadmill tests. I can assure you that if you had a Max Treadmill Test, which measures your Oxygen Uptake and the amount of Carbon Dioxide Expelled. Those in the room/Cardiologist/Pulmonologist/EKG Technicians etc. none of them tell you "when to stop". You go until exhaustion and you want to stop, unless they detect some sort of heart or respiratory problem.

I've had at least 25 Stress Treadmill Tests, some using the Bruce Protocol and some using the Balke Protocol, and others using a combination of the 2. The hospital also had their own Protocol and the speed of the belt and the elevation of the deck varied between the Protocols. That is what a "Maximal Treadmill Stress Test" is all about and if you could reach over 13 minutes? You were among the very, very few that lasted that long with a couple of these Protocols.

I am sure you are in good physical shape with a pretty good Max Vo2, but don't think all "Treadmill Stress Tests" are the same, because I am here to tell you they are not.

Re: Stress Test

luvmyteddy4 — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 03:22:44 GMT

I had one done a few years ago before a surgery. I told them I couldn't do the standard treadmill test and they mentioned this one. I was so relieved there was an option and I found it painless.

Re: Stress Test

Kalli — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 03:40:58 GMT

On 3/10/2015 hckynut said:
On 3/10/2015 Kalli said:
I never heard of this stress test but had the treadmill one about 4 years ago. I was really nervous but once I started, I could've gone on and on. They had to tell me it was time to stop! I was on a roll.

As I said, I'm not familiar with this type of test but try to stay calm. I hope the test will yield the info your dr needs. Good luck and keep thinking positive thoughts.

-Kalli

Hi Kalli,

You must have had one of the easier "moving protocols" for your treadmill tests. I can assure you that if you had a Max Treadmill Test, which measures your Oxygen Uptake and the amount of Carbon Dioxide Expelled. Those in the room/Cardiologist/Pulmonologist/EKG Technicians etc. none of them tell you "when to stop". You go until exhaustion and you want to stop, unless they detect some sort of heart or respiratory problem.

I've had at least 25 Stress Treadmill Tests, some using the Bruce Protocol and some using the Balke Protocol, and others using a combination of the 2. The hospital also had their own Protocol and the speed of the belt and the elevation of the deck varied between the Protocols. That is what a "Maximal Treadmill Stress Test" is all about and if you could reach over 13 minutes? You were among the very, very few that lasted that long with a couple of these Protocols.

I am sure you are in good physical shape with a pretty good Max Vo2, but don't think all "Treadmill Stress Tests" are the same, because I am here to tell you they are not.

Hi, John! How are you?

I only remember that I had the stress treadmill test and I can't tell you which kind. With my family history of early heart attacks, plus the fact that my total cholesterol was over 200, my pcp sent me to a cardiologist who scheduled me for the test. I was hooked up to electrodes(?) to monitor my heart and they took pictures of each chamber of my heart and the valves while I was doing the treadmill. They coached me through the whole thing telling me when to increase. They didn't see anything of major concern after I was on for a while and told me I could keep going or stop because they already had the info they needed.

Then I was shown the pictures. I had 1 small age-related thing that came up with one of the valves. Dr. said it's normal for my age and told me not to take any statins as my good cholesterol was very high and triglycerides were very low. My total number was high due to my very high good cholesterol level. Test was done mostly due to my family history and to see if anything was going on that they needed to know. I had a brother who was born with a fatal heart condition so again, they just wanted more info.

I have 5 siblings. Three of my 4 brothers and my sis are now on statins. As long as my good cholesterol stays high, I can delay that for now but must be checked regularly as things may change.

Re: Stress Test

Tissyanne — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 03:52:17 GMT

I had the stress test a few years ago. Don't be frightened. I drove myself there and back. The only thing I felt was a little light headed. Your heart rate will increase, but only for a short time.

Re: Stress Test

Apple Head — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 05:04:06 GMT

ozarkgirl, I can understand your concerns. You'll do fine, I'm sure. The worry and wondering is worse than the actual test.

At any time during the test you don't feel well or feel faint, etc. just tell them and let them know. They monitor real close. Tell them beforehand any of your concerns or fears.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes, won't you!

Re: Stress Test

ozarkgirl — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:06:44 GMT

Thank you everyone for all the comments. I just have to stay busy and not think about the test. I sure it will be ok but the anticipation and not knowing is the worst and I can see that every person reaction to the rest is different. I will let everyone know what happens next week. Thanks again.

Re: Stress Test

wonderfulworld — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:26:49 GMT

Ozarkgirl, at least with me a large part of the fear is really anxiety over what the test results will be. Anything to do with the heart is scary and I will be thinking about you and wish you the best.

Re: Stress Test

Shelbelle — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:27:39 GMT

On 3/10/2015 luvmyteddy said:
I had one done a few years ago before a surgery. I told them I couldn't do the standard treadmill test and they mentioned this one. I was so relieved there was an option and I found it painless.

I would have to say the same thing if I was to have a stress test. I am petrified of treadmills, my son fell off one as a child and was hurt, since then I refuse to get on one.

Re: Stress Test

LilacTree — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 16:40:18 GMT

I had a chemically induced stress echocardiogram about three years ago (I don't know the name of the chemical they used). I couldn't do a treadmill stress echo (as I had done several times prior) because of my back fractures/osteoporosis and RA issues.

About five minutes into it, I began feeling pain in my middle chest, throat and jaw. I told the doctor about it and his back was turned to me, so I thought he had not heard me. The pain was quickly worsening, so I yelled "I'm having pain!!" He turned around looking annoyed and took his time injecting the antidote into the IV. That took a minute or two (it felt like forever) to reverse my symptoms. I thought I was going to die right there on that bed.

They then sat me in the wheelchair and gave me a huge amount of coffee and soda (caffeine) which I had to sip for over an hour. I was very shaky that night and most of the next day.

I will never have one again. I'm not trying to scare you, and I don't even know if what you are having is the same test. But anytime you can avoid putting that dangerous a chemical into your body, my feeling is that you should do so.

Please go over how this test will be administered and the monitoring that will be done very carefully with the doctor who is going to perform it.

Is there a medical reason you cannot do the test using the treadmill?