So what is an exercise stress test like?

[Hawaii Hiker]

I'm 49 and with losing a father to heart disease when he was 48 (he died in 1980),cardiologist suggested, but didn't demand, we do an exercise stress test this summer..

With my family history, I've had many tests done over years incl: cardiac MRI, echocardiograms, regular standard blood tests, but also have done more uncommon lipid tests like apolipoprotein b, liproprotein a, LP-PLA2, and inflammation tests like CRP-hs, fibrinogen...

So what is the exercise treadmill test like for those who've done them?...

Thanks

[Bradshaw3]

1. Can be taxing but better than a chemical stress test

I had had one before on the treadmill but was having so much trouble breathing when they wanted to do a later one I had to go with the chemical stress test. Never ever do that again. It literally made me feel suicidal, even for just that minute or two. Worst feeling I have ever had.

[htuttle]

4. OH, GOD +100 agree about the chemical stress test

Holy shit. I've gotten into some bad stuff here and there in 56 years, but nothing comes close to the abyss of the chemical stress test. I honestly thought it was going to kill me.

I did the treadmill the time before that, and though I got great marks, left me panting with exhaustion for about 10 solid minutes afterwards. I thought the chemical stress test would be 'easier'...lol. No way. Treadmill for me from here on out.

[Hawaii Hiker]

6. Someone at work told me about the one where they inject the chemicals in you

that's probably the nuclear stress test...He said he thought his heart was going to pop out of his chest...

There;s also the stress echocardiography, where they'll do echo, then you go on treadmill, then they'll do echo post exercise....

[Bradshaw3]

15. Yeah the same feeling

I said suicidal but like you wrote it was more of a feeling that I was going to die. I wish they had told me beforehand about the effects.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

2. YouTube it...

I did before I was getting mine... bought new shoes... worked out on hills to build endurance...day of the test I got a chemical stress test. They figured my A-fib might be triggered by a physical test...so no treadmill... past it anyway...kinda disappointed no treadmill.

YouTube has everything.

[TexasProgresive]

3. I've had 4 or 5

The 1st i has ekg leads a nurse was doing regular BP readings. Later ones were more sophisticated with dye injected pictures taken. Then on the treadmill to get heart rate up to 80% max, followed by more pictures. It gives a more comprehensive look at the heart.

The 1st one of those caused me to have a cardiac catherization because of a suspected scarring on the bottom of my heart. All was clear. The doc said my heart must be close to the diaphragm.

If I figured correctly 80% max for you is 144 bpm

[ProudLib72]

5. I had one like that, with the dye.

Did they administer the dye while you were on the treadmill? I remember being on that damned thing and tasting the dye a few seconds after they pushed the plunger. It was really unsettling.

I have supraventricular tachycardia, so they really wanted to push me as hard as possible, all while hooked up to the ekg and intravenous.

[TexasProgresive]

13. I don't think I could taste it, but I think that is a common reaction.

It takes a lot to get my HR to that 80% max number on a treadmill. I have osteoarthritis in both knees combined with being a daily cyclist. Jogging up hill on a treadmill is just not fun and evidently my heart is fairly strong for a 69 year old diabetic.

[Merlot]

7. It wasn't bad, just left me a bit tired for about 15 minutes

If you're in otherwise ok shape it probably won't be a big deal. They used an ultrasound with mine, and constant taking of BP.

The weirdest part was when it was done I was thirsty and asked for water. They couldn't find a cup and asked me if I had brought a water bottle. So, take some water just in case.

[procon]

8. I couldn't complete the exercise stress test due

to medical probs, AFib being one. Next they did the chemical version. Thought I was going to die. I'm scheduled for another one in a couple of weeks and I admit to being quite anxious.

[Aristus]

9. I had one done about eleven years ago.

I was having regular episodes of a fluttering sensation in my heart, and was worried about the possibility of atrial fibrillation. I underwent the exercise stress test, the results of which were normal. The cardiologist concluded it was probably stress-related anxiety.

Considering the fact that I was in the process of starting P.A, School at the time, that sounded about right.

[Major Nikon]

11. I've had a few of them

My EKG is irregular so every time I get an EKG, I get referred for a stress test which always comes out normal.

They hook you up to an EKG and you start out walking on the treadmill. Progressively they increase the speed and angle of the treadmill. The goal is to get your heart rate up to a prescribed rate, depending on your age. If you are out of shape, this doesn't take long. The better shape you are in, the longer it takes.

Once your heart rate gets to the level they are looking for, they lay you down and take a sonogram of your heart.

[applegrove]

12. 10 minutes or less. Running not too hard. It was not tough at all. You are only mildly jogging.

Just tell the recognition you are worried. They will explain it all.

[Hawaii Hiker]

14. I get so nervous in hospital setting, or MD's office

When I'm at home, my pulse is usually 58-74 range, BP usually 115-125 / 60-75 range, but DAMN do i get anxious in a hospital/MD office setting...

And of course, rapid heart rate will show on an EKG....But a cardiologist will know an anxiety driven rhythm as opposed to something more dangerous like V-tach, long pauses, etc...