Test Frequency

[erijon]

Just a quick question, it's time for my annual physical here in a few weeks and was wondering if it is necessary to request a stress test or echo again. My last echo was last September and was normal as were my echos in 2005 & 2006 and I had Thallium stress tests in 2006 & 2005, both were normal.

I am a 50 year old male, about 50 or so pounds over weight but have lost 70 since Jan 2007 by life style changes and daily exercise. I work out 45 - 60 mins EVERY day on a treadmill at 80 to 85% of my max heart rate with no issues, controlled high blood pressure (110/65), TC of 151 (LDL of 58 & HDL 40) and no family history.

I had my gallbladder removed in 2006 which was cause of my chest pain back to 2005, I have had no symptoms of cardiac issues since. Last year when I had my last visit to cover my last echo, my cardiologist told me it was no longer necessary for annual workups. What are your thoughts on how often these tests should be repeated? I would hate to have these too often and risk false positives which would lead to more invasive testing.

Thanks!

Jon

[Cleveland Clinic]

these tests are only indicated in patients who have a moderate risk of CAD and have symptoms.  given that you have no SX I would not subject you to any of the above tests.  As you mentioned earlier, given that false positive rate is relatively high could put you at risk for further unnecessary testing.  

[erijon]

Thanks so much, that's a big help!