interpretation of stress thalium test which I have gone through atleast 4 times, antiography three times and anigioplasty once. Can the blockages occur time and again?

[upen374]

How do I interpret the conditions put in the stress thalium test when full heart rate achieved at the age of 66 plus. ? What is achiemea etc. ? Kindly clarify if possible. Thanks.


This discussion is related to Re: Thallium Stress Test.

[mammo]

Blockages can continue to occur, and stents can collapse. Ischemia is a term for "lack of blood flow"  caused by plaque build-up.  As plaque continues to build in your veins and arteries, more blockages occur and this is why it is so important to eat healthy to stop the plaque from continuing to build up.

[kenkeith]

QUOTE: "How do I interpret the conditions put in the stress thalium test when full heart rate achieved at the age of 66 plus. ? What is achiemea etc. ? Kindly clarify if possible. Thanks.
_____________________________________

The interpretation will be made with a visual representation, recording and report of how well blood flows to the heart muscle at rest and exertion with an exercise stress test on a treadmill or bicycle.  With exertion there is a heavier demand for blood/oxygen, and if there is constriction (stenosis) due to soft plaque outside the lumen or plaque within the lumen of the vessel, blood flow will be restricted and seen by the imaging monitor.  Also, heart rate is monitored and not to exceed a safe rate based on age, blood pressure, etc. during the exercise portion of the test. ...the test will be interrupted if your heart rate exceeds the predetermined rate and/or individual's wish to stop due to fatigue, etc..  To pass the test requires meeting increasing demand for more exertion measured by METs, maintain an acceptable heart rate for a sustain period of time.

Interpretation can be the extent of artery blockage, prognosis of patients who've suffered a heart attack, effectiveness of cardiac procedures done to improve circulation in coronary arteries, cause(s) of chest pain, and level of exercise that an individual can safely perform. I take a stress test, not to determine degree blockage (I have total blockage of the LAD), but to assess exercise tolerance, and if there is any deterioration.  Do you have continued chest pains?