stress test results and catherizatio

[vads]

i had a nuclear stress test a little over a week ago.  my primary care physcian called to say the results were abnormal and i she was refering me to a cardiologist.  i saw a cardiaologist on friday.  he again said my stress test results were abnormal and he scheduled me for a catherization in a week.  abnormal is all i keep getting when i question the results of the stress test.  should i be concerned about skipping other test somewhere between stress test and catherization?  

[toneman76]

I have had two nuclear stress tests over the past two years. As you most likely already know, they are about 85% accurate. It is possible to get a false positive, especially if you are a female, however if both your family doctor and your cardiologist say your results are abnormal, then a cath sounds like a necessary test. Abnormal results could mean that the pictures taked before and after your test show an area that is not getting enough blood supply under stress. They may also have seen some changes on your EKG during the stress test or you may have had some physical symptoms. Did you feel any chest pain or dicomfort during your test and how long were you able to go on the tradmill? Why did you have the test in the first place, what were the symptoms that made your doctor have you take the thest?

Tony

[Goldie54]

The cardio should have explained to you what was abnormal about your stress test during your appointment. What else was there to talk about?

Yes there are other non-invasive tests that you could have, such as the 64 slice coronary artery imaging ct scan, or one of the very latest MRIs of the coronary arteries. I had the 64 slice ct scan a couple of years ago and it was 100% accurate.

[Barbarella]

Are you a heavy smoker? Are you overweight?  My husband who is not overweighed but was a very heavy smoker for 45 yrs (4 packs a day) too failed the nuclear stress test, not because of chest pain etc but because he couldn't "get his wind" as he said.  It was because of his heavy smoking, he since has quit smoking three yrs ago.  He too had to undergo the catherization which showed NO blockages, despite his heavy smoking, and elevated cholesterol, and he was at the time of the test 62 yrs old.

Unfortunately when you fail the nuclear stress test you have to undergo the catherization unless you can have a none invasive test like "Goldie54" suggested.

Good luck!

[vads]

i had my catherization done on Thursday.  The cardiologist found no abnormalties during the process with my coranary arteries.  He did however find a 70% blockage in my right iliac and repaired that with a stent.  this came as a total surprise and it happened so fast, i am not sure if i made the right decision to let him correct it right there and then.  I did make the decision and it is done none the less.  I spend the night at the hospital for recouperation and came home yesterday.  i am feeling ok but a little bit dizzy at times and go lower back pain on the right side.  should i be concerned about this 'new' pain or is lower back pain normal along with the discomfort in the groin?  

[Waleygator]

Somewhat similar experience as yours.  Had a nuclear stress test done last Wednesday/Thursday and the cath and stint done on Friday.  Right coronary artery was 95% blocked.  I had not had any of the "normal" symptoms, just some mild discomfort a couple of times.  

Almost a week later and I still have the bruising and slight discomfort in the groin area, mostly when I walk for extended distances, or sit for too long.  I've also been tired more, but believe it is the change in meds.

Overall, NO more chest irritations, etc.  Glad I had it done...Art

[turkeyrun1]

53 yr old female. Knee surgery from broken patella,resulted in blood clot that went from behind knee to belly button.  Had roto rooter prodedure done. With a stent placed incorrectly in iliac vein. Had extreme groin pain  after stent placement.  Vein was re-stented by another doctor, because first stent developed another clot. Second stent was put in incorrectly resulting in a kinked vein.  Finally went to Cleveland Clinic where stent issue was resolved and done correctly.  However, the groin pain has never let up.  It hurts if I am resting. Worse when I am active.  I am now having the sensation of a broken ankle and burning red foot. My intire leg throbs constantly.  Pain meds have no effect on the groin issue.  Going from sitting to standing or standing to sitting position is horrible pain.  I am now developing a stabbing pain in stomach with it radiating to a spot just under my ribs on the same side. (left) Don't know if it is connected to this problem. If this is a nerve issue, will my being active (mall walking trying to fight pain) make the nerve issue worse? Can't see nuerologist until September.
Thanks