Slightly abnormal picture after stress test

[Onnie61]

I recently had a nuclear stress w/pictures.  Not sure I'm describing that correctly.  I sailed through the treadmill portion and then was told my "picture" showed borderline abnormal.  Have now been told to consider a heart cath and am concerned about the safety of the invasive procedure.  I have family history of heart attack (father), high BP and high colesteral.  How do you feel about a 64 CT scan compared to heart cath?  Thank you for this service.


This discussion is related to 64 slice ct heart scan.

[Flycaster305]

I've had many of both procedures.  The heart cath is quite safe, and will provide the best information in my opinion.  Given the family background and an abnormal stress test, a heart cath would serve to give you and the doctor a good view of your cardiac arteries and also serve as a reference point if further work needs to be done.  I suggest you put away your fears by doing some research, you will find the procedure  is very safe, and proceed with confidence.  Believe me, plaque buildup is serious stuff, and the procedure is very safe.

[Onnie61]

Thanks for your response.  Tomorrow's the day and your thoughts will help me through the procedure.

[Roosevelt44]

Also, you can have an artifact on the thalium stress test.  The part of the heart that sits on the diaphragm may look like it is not being perfused even though it really is.  This is a possibility.

Roosevelt44.

[fizzixgal]

Yes, artifacts are very common. What part of the heart looks abnormal varies with body type and gender. In general, "apple shaped" persons (especially males) tend to have inferior wall artifacts caused by the diaphragm; females tend to have anterior wall artifacts due to the breasts.