Cardiac stress tests

[celine1970]

My mother recently completed a cardiac stress test on a treadmill in which she was taken to an extremely high level of endurance.  When she reached her max, and was ready to stop, her cardiologist asked for an additional minute - which she did give.  Following the treadmill exercise she was tested as normal and was eventually released.  
When she emerged from the test center, the whole left side of her face was distorted and sagging - like she had experienced a T.I.A. (mini stroke).  It took her a full five days to recover.
In addition to this, her cardiologist told her to continue taking the prescription medication (inhibitors) right up to the test day.  The result of the test showed that her heart did not respond to the exercise.
My questions are:
Should she have been taken to that level of stress?
Second, if she is on inhibitors to control her heart rate - wouldn't that directly affect her heart's ability to respond to the cardio.
I am very concerned that her cardiologist is using her as a GP for research and is not treating her condition.
any insight - professional or not is most appreciated.  

[kenkeith]

Flycaster is correct.  A beta blocker will keep the heart rate lower than may be advisable for a test that uses heart rate as one of the indicators of the patient's tolerance.  Also, a nitrate med should not be in the system as that will also skew the results  as the vessels will be dilated and show a better blood flow than without or normally.  

A rule with the test is to discontinue if there appears to be a problem that shows on the monitor or at the the patient's request.  That procedure should be followed to avoid any problems that your mother seems to be experiencing.

[ed34]

What did her heart rate go up to?
Sometimes a piece of clotting material can be lodged free from inside the heart when it works hard, of course causing risk of stroke. I am relieved it was only a mini stroke but they should investigate this much further.

[mammo]

Your mother should have been taken directly to the hospital, because she was obviously having a stroke, and it still needs to be addressed.  Yes, if her meds were not restricted it very well could have kept her heart rate down.

[Flycaster305]

What drug or drugs are you referencing as inhibitors?  Beta blockers are always restricted from my stress tests.