What is the usual follow up test for abnormal EKG?

[asheekst]

I had Anterior Cervical Discectomy with cage fusion. That night I had a funny feeling in my chest so they did an EKG which had inverted T-Waves. I have had previous EKG's done for various reasons that were all normal,plus normal CBC and Chest X-Ray.  My BP  hovers around up to 110 and between 65 and 75, HR is usually under 100. They did 2 more EKG's that came out fine and my BP and HR remained consistant. The blood syrum 6 hr tests came back negative. Now they want me to do a Stress test which I am not to thrilled with considering my neck hurts. I have no other risk factors besides beig a smoker. 5'2 and 125 lbs. no high choles, BP. I am being tested for Peptic ulcer and Reactive Hypoglycemia. Considering I hadn't eaten because of surgery I figured it was due to Electrolyte imbalance. I asked them to do an Echo first since I was in the hospital from the surgery and the nurses refused to call doc. Why would they not do an Echo which is way less invasive? I refused the stress test and went home, but mt Gp still wants the stress test done.  Thank You

[asheekst]

All 3 Troponin markers were negative and 2 subsequent ECG's were normal. Does that really constitute such a heavy test so soon after Cervical Discectomy with cage fusoin?
I usually feel pretty quesy without eating anyway and I didn't have anything for almost 24 hrs.
I do not want to be labeled as having a heart problem. I Definitly would want to know but they are doing the same thing to my mom. All her tests are fine and they just keep sending her for more. She has had countless ECG's , Echo's, Thallium, stress, and now they her wearing a monitor at home. Is the point to stress you into having a Heart Attack?
Lastly, why would you say " CLEARLY" I should have one? Was there something that doesn't sound right?  Why would an Echo not be a choice? They can see blockage on them also?

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

While there are other causes for the ECG changes clearly you should have a stress test to make sure you don't have artery blockage.