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Recovery from heart catheterization

After an first episode of A fib which took me to the ER (oral tambacor converted to NSR) I was scheduled for a Cardiolyte Stress Test which was "abnormal". Apparently it showed one area of ischemia.  The nurse who called me said the only way to tell if it is a blockage is a heart catheterization which I am scheduled for on Monday. Unfortunately we are scheduled to leave on Wednesday for a long driving trip out west.  Is it totally unrealistic to plan on it if the heart cath turns out normal?

What are the percentages of false positives in the cardiolye stress test?
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your info.  I am resonably hopeful, I have never had any chest pain and at 66 yr was able to go over 10 minutes, reach a heart rate of 150, on the treadmill without any discomfort
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230125 tn?1193365857
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Atrial fibrillation is usually not caused by coronary artery disease.  If you drive far after a heart catheterization, your risk of blood clot will be increased.  It would be important to stop frequently and get out of the car and walk.  Ask your doctor for their thoughts before/after your cath.
The incidence of false positive depends on your pretest probability of coronary disease as well as what type of lesion they saw on the scan.  There are some positives that are unquestionably positive.  There are other positive results that are usually false but still require further investigation.  I can't tell without seeing the study and talking to you about your symptoms.
I hope this and hope you can make your trip.
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