treadmill vs. thallium stress test

Posted By chris on May 12, 1999 at 10:12:08
I hope you don't mind me asking two questions in a row. I have a friend whose husband (51 yrs old, elevated lipis under control, poor family history, was complaining of shortness of breath and had a treadmill stress test done which was normal. His doctor ordered a thallium stress test "just to be sure" which showed a blockage in the right coronary artery. He then had a cardiac cath and angioplasty scheduled. Why would the thallium test show something the treadmill did not? Should a thallium test be done when symptoms persist even if the treadmill is normal? The reason I am personally interested in this is that when I started on a fitness program (the reason I started!) I couldn't climb more than a few landings of stairs or climb hills without exhaustion, shortness of breath, and upper chest discomfort. (not pain, just a feeling of discomfort) The stress treadmill test required because of my age (not old enough to require physician supervision) was normal. I didn't seem to have this problem with hills when the technician increased the grade of the treadmill.I thought maybe I was out of shape.  After 6 months of the exercise routine, I can climb stairs without much discomfort other than what you would normally expect from someone my age. (48 yrs,female) However, I still have a problem with hills, especially if I am carrying something in my arms. I'm usually okay if I go slow and balance the weight between both arms. After hearing of my friend's experience, I am a little worried. I don't want to be an alarmist but I also don't want to collapse on the street.  Thank you for your response. I find it fascinating reading the doctors answers to all the questions!  Chris      










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Re: treadmill vs. thallium stress test CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 5/12/1999
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treadmill vs. thallium stress test chris  5/12/1999
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treadmill vs. thallium stress test Melissa Lanham 5/12/1999
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A related discussion, What are dangers of Thalium Stress Test was started.