Afraid of Taking Nuclear Stress Test - Heart Disorders Message Board

lindasuedallas · 12-12-2005, 08:25 PM

I've been having palpitations and some chest pain for a couple of years and I've had regular ekg and echo which have come back negative. The cardiologist wants to do a nuclear stress and I don't know why, but I'm just petrified of taking it. I've noticed when I'm just exercising on a treadmill that I can't catch my breath when I start out at a fast speed, like at 4.0 mph, but that when I build up over time, even 5 minutes, that I have no problems breathing (I've never had chest pain or palpitations when exercising). So, the thought of going so fast on a treadmill at a steep incline in 5 minutes just terrifies me because I think I won't be able to breathe. I know there will be doctors there if I can't breathe...and I don't know if maybe I'm just afraid of the results. I'm 56, live by myself, no relatives, no family...and I, quite honestly, don't know how I would handle major surgery if there was a blockage or something. I probably wouldn't even do anything with the diagnosis because I wouldn't be able to get anyone to help me recover at home. Maybe that's the reason.

Geoff B · 12-12-2005, 09:02 PM

Do it. The stress test was no big deal for me. I only had to walk till the pain started. The incline was not very steep. I had anginal pain though so you may have to walk more. They watch you very closely though and it is even possible to stress the heart chemically.
As for recovery, if you get it done now they are more likely to find only one or two arteries blocked and fix it with a stent.
Then you can be back at work in a day or two. No matter what they find it's got to be better than dying,
Geoff

started04 · 12-15-2005, 12:26 PM

Hi lindasue,

The treadmill begins slow (about 2.2 mph) for 3-4 minutes, then there is a slight incline about 3 minutes. Speed and incline is gradually increased and the test ends in about 20 minutes if not stopped for any unfavorable signs and/ or symptoms.

Your symptoms are somewhat inconsistent with angina (pain due to reduced blood/oxygen to the heart). If there is angina, usually that happens with exertion/stress as the heart now requires more oxygen but the supply is not meeting the demand. Additionally, pain goes away quickly with rest from the exertion or stress.

If there are blocked arteries that reduce oxygen supply to the heart, often stents can open and brace the arteries open and provide relief from pain. The patient is up and about in a day or two.

Shortness of breath maybe due to respiration problem or something else and not the heart. A stress test will help eliminate the heart as a source of SOB and pain.