Stress test injection and chest pressure

My father recently had a stress test injection and the injection itself caused what he described as extreme pressure in his chest...like an elephant sitting on his chest (his description)...he said the technicians said it happens sometimes and to just breathe slowly? Then they proceeded with the test and they said he should come back in two months to see the doctor?? He said he felt ok on the treadmill, but he is 80 and has had high cholesterol and high blood presure for years, the meds he has been on put him in a bradycardia state daily...low 40s, and his doctor is well aware of that. Does the pressure from the injection indicate anything or is it nothing to worry about like the technician said?
Thanks,
Amy

[blondie313]

I just want to see if there is nothing to worry about...any similar experiences out there?

[kenkeith]

The side effects can be divided in two parts: those due to injection of the radioactive compound and those due to the treadmill stress test.  Your father did not have any side effects form the exercise phase, but side effects from the the treadmill can be chest pain, irregular heart rate and rarely, death have been reported during treadmill stress test.  There should have been a doctor supervising the test that is the appropriate procedure, so it may have been a dotor who answered questions and not the tech.

It is possible your father had side effects from the injected diagnostic agent. One can be allergic to the agent, etc. and side effects can include: chest pain/pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a warm and flushed feeling. Some patients experience a burning or stinging sensation at their IV site.

[blondie313]

Thanks Ken,
He had the pressure during the injection and as a result of the injection, he did not have pain during the test.
Amy