stress test experience

[navyguitar]

I had my stress test done today and was wondering if I had a typical experience. I had the test done because I almost fainted a month ago doing cardio at the gym. The first did an EKG (lying down). I then went onto the treadmill. It started off slowly. Every 3 minutes they increased the speed and incline of the treadmill. I was supposed to get into a range of 159 to 180 bpm. I went up to a fast walk and everything was fine. The technician even asked me if I jogged because I wasn't breathing hard. They then bumped me up to a jog. My heart rate was already within range at the fast walk. I guess they just wanted me to go as high as possible. At the 1 min 30 second mark, I started to feel light headed. I told the technician and she just told me that I only had a minute and a half to go. I started to sweat profusely. I pushed myself to the 2min 10 second mark before a different technician said we should stop. I was told to immediately lie down on the table to do an Echo. I was told to exhale all of the air from my lungs and hold my breath. This was extremely difficult because I was gasping for air already. I did this about 4 times. I'm guessing the last ekg while jogging will be invalidated because I stopped before it was finished. Was my experience normal? I didn't think it was going to be this intense. Also, is it normal to go from being fine to gasping for air and sweating profusely in such a short period of time?

[kenkeith]

The usual protocol is to stop the exertion part of the test if and when the patient asks to discontinue when feeling discomfort, whatever....you should have been told prior to taking the test.  Stopping prior to finishing doesn't invalidate, but it does provide information regarding your tolerance for exercise. Your other experience will also add or help make a diagnosis.

Thanks for your question.  Take care,