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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Percent of blockage that shows up in a Thallium stress test
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Percent of blockage that shows up in a Thallium stress test
by rodney cierllo, Nov 19, 1999 12:00AM
In a previous question that was asked, you stated that a significant blockage must be present for the Thallium stress test to detect it. What would be the least percentage of blockage that would show up on this test? On the other hand, in another previous question, you stated too that any blockage less than 70% is considered insignificant. I'm confused. If I had a Thallium stress test done and was told I had a 40% or 60% blockage then I would consider that signnificant. Please clarify this fo me. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Nov 19, 1999 12:00AM
Speaking in generalizations, a Thallium test usually picks up blockages that are about 70% in severity. Most blockages less than 70% do not require surgery or angioplasty, but are better treated with medication. I would not, however, classify a 50% blockage as completely insignificant, but this level of blockage would not be expected to cause symptoms.
