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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Nuclear stress test, catheterization or nothing?
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Nuclear stress test, catheterization or nothing?
by lynnbrook, Jul 22, 2007 12:00AM
Interpretation of stress echo shows .5mm ST segment depression in anteroseptal lead(s) and regional wall motion abnormalities (the report mentions anteroapical hypokinesis w/exercise). Resting EKG was normal and there was no chest discomfort during exercise but report also notes that dyspnea during exercise was observed (hr was 98% of maximum - wouldn't ANYONE be breathless with that rate of exertion?) Normal bp and cholesterol levels, recently became non-smoker, 7 years post menopausal (surgical). Based on this test three options were given: 1. Catheterization 2. Nuclear stress test 3. Do nothing but monitor
What would you do?
Thank you so much!
What would you do?
Thank you so much!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-CA, Jul 22, 2007 12:00AM
The EKG portion of the exam seems to be within normal levels, but an anterior/ anteroapical wall motion abnormality makes it a definite positive test. I would recommend bypassing nuclear stres testing and proceed directly with left heart catheterization and stenting of any lesion severe in nature ( > 70%).
