thallium stress test

I am a 70 year old male, do not smoke and slightly overweight.  I walk 2 miles per day. have done for the last 4 years.

Two years ago I had chest discomfort after starting my walk.  I had a nuclear stress test that turned out to be a false negative.  Dr. said I was fine, but symptoms persisted.

Follow up catheritization showed three arteries with blockage.  One at 40%, one tiny one at 90%, one at 70%.  I received a stent in to 70% artery.

The symptoms returned this Fall, but disappear after a few minutes walking.   I had ANOTHER nuclear stress test at Christmas and the result was reported by my cardiologist as normal.  Should I insist on another cath, procedure to confirm the stress test?

Or, should I wait and see if the symptoms get worse?

Thanks for your attention.

T.K.

[erijon]

If you want to be 100% sure you need to get a cath. A nuclear stress test is about 85% accurate, but since you have had one false positive you may want to consider a cath. What does your cardiologist say? I'm sure if he thought there was a risk he would order a cath, but you can always ask for one.

Good Luck,

jon

[Sweetwaterguy]

Talk to your doc about a 64 slice ct scan.  It can image your coronary arteries and provide the information you seek.  A heart cath is more accurate, but comes with risks.  The CT, however, is almost as good.