Wellness

[Mom2Dogs]

My DH has this stress test scheduled for next month....the treadmill test has him a tad stressed.....he has AFIB and with medication he is still having issues.

We walk all the time, uphill, downhill, etc...I do not understand his concern about the treadmill.  I 'think' he thinks they will have him practically running uphill the entire test!

I am not always sympathic to his concerns and he thinks is going to tell the doctor that he won't do the treadmill part of the test, but opt for Lexiscan administered thru the IV for the stress portion of the procedure.

Can anyone that is familiar with the test or has had this test explain to me how the treadmill portion works?

Yes, he has a doctor, yes, he will discuss this with him, but first hand experience/advise is also important.  thank you

[Mz iMac]

The test is timed per age group.....

The dr will start you off slow on the tredmill & gradually increase its speed.  The tredmill test is timed.  The goal is to see if you can "run" at a top speed for a certain length of time for your age group.

The last stress test I took, I was 65.  I am in the 40-45 age group.  I am pretty healthy & thin.  That being said, my legs hurt after completing the run-leg cramps.  I was surprised cause I am a swimmer.

Told my dr, not to order any further stress tests cause I will NOT be going.

[mac116]

I had the treadmill stress test because of afib at age 65.  The treadmill started out slowly, then increased speed on a slow and steady basis.  When I felt that I could not continue, the treadmill was stopped.  I was more fearful of the IV medication that can be given in place of the treadmill.

[I am still oxox]

I have had both and when they administer the heart medication you feel as if your heart is going to jump thru your chest, I had a nurse talk me thru the whole thing and it only lasted maybe 30 seconds

The test with the IV medication there is no walking the tread mill

[Mom2Dogs]

@I am still oxox Thank you...I will tell him about your experience with the injection.

[Mom2Dogs]

@mac116  I don't understand his fear about the treadmill....I am sure they do not force the patient to run...which at 79 years old he does not run!

[Mom2Dogs]

@Mz iMac , If you care to answer...why would you not have another stress test....were the test findings not a benefit to you?

[Pook]

I have had several over the years and had no issues.  The test was actually less strenuous than my daily workouts!  You are monitored the whole time as it becomes faster or harder in case of negative issues.  Several I know with AFIB have breezed through it.  I would think that the nontredmill test would cause more concern for someone with AFIB.

[corita]

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@I am still oxox wrote:

I have had both and when they administer the heart medication you feel as if your heart is going to jump thru your chest, I had a nurse talk me thru the whole thing and it only lasted maybe 30 seconds

The test with the IV medication there is no walking the tread mill

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        Due to bad knees, I have had the injection stress test twice.  The first time I did think that my heart would jump out of me and it was somewhat painful and I hated it!  But the second time was not as bad....maybe because I knew what the test was going to feel like...

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[Mz iMac]

@Mom2Dogs  I've had a total of 4, 2 IV & 2 tredmill stress tests twice a year & the results were always the same, normal for age group 40-45.  I always completed the tests w/no issues until the last one.

I started the tests at age 55 & stopped at age 65.  I am currently 69 yrs young.

The tests were "required" because I was taking 2 different "triptans" for my migraines.

After the leg cramps from the tredmill, I was DONE! My neurologist took me off of one my 2 "triptan" pills & put me on 1 "nasal spray" triptan which required no stress test.