Stress Test

I recently had a Stress Test because I have reflux type symptoms and once and while i get chest pain. I had a physical last month and everything was normal even blood pressure. My trilicerides are high i am on a speical diet for that. Well before the strees test my blood pressure was okay, during the stress test my blood pressure went up very high i think the Dr. said 230 i did 90 percent of the stress test and could go more but the dr stopped because of the blood pressure being so high. He said everything else was ok. What does this mean If anything. Also i feel burning in my right arm once in a while. Could all this be stress .I have had heartburn in my stomach that goes to my chest area and around the heart area also. Last year my GI Dr. did all the tests catcan of the abdomin (abdomen) ultrasound Endoscopic and PH probe & 24 Hr mammotry test. Also I suffer from IBS Could my IBS be giving me all the Heartburn. I am on an antidepressent called Celexa Prevacid and Zanax. I am going to my Dr soon. But could use your advice this board seems very knowledgeable. Thanks George.P.S I work out in a gym 3 times a week using the stairmaster & stationary bike for a total of 30 minutes. I have noticed my face gets a little red when I am done.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear George,

In general a high blood pressure response to stress is actually an indicator of better prognosis.  If a certain heart rate percentage is reached however many doctors will stop the test at that point.  The differential diagnosis of chest pain includes many different things but once cardiac causes are excluded the work-up can proceed at a slower pace.  A good internal medicine doctor should be able to help with the diagnosis.