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Heart Rhythm (Expert Forum)
Is stress (or other) test necessary?
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum are answered by Dr. Michael J. McWilliams. Topics covered include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.
Is stress (or other) test necessary?
by Tigger716, Oct 20, 2007 02:02PM
I am a 51 year-old male with a history of bipolar disorder. For years, I’ve taken a number of medications that can produce cardiac symptoms (Eskalith, Celexa, to name two). But until I started taking Synthroid recently for lithium-induced hypothyroidism, my annual electrocardiograms always came back negative. Now, there is evidence of PVCs (arrythymias).
I went to a cardiologist and he said that, as a precaution, I should have a stress test. But is this really necessary? I don’t even notice the PVCs; I have no other symptoms; and there are no cardiac (or other serious problems) in my family – happily, longevity is the rule, not the exception.
I do not like unnecessary tests. I would appreciate your comments.
I went to a cardiologist and he said that, as a precaution, I should have a stress test. But is this really necessary? I don’t even notice the PVCs; I have no other symptoms; and there are no cardiac (or other serious problems) in my family – happily, longevity is the rule, not the exception.
I do not like unnecessary tests. I would appreciate your comments.
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Oct 20, 2007 05:09PM
, Oct 20, 2007 05:09PM
That is a tough one. The decision is made based on the history and physical exam and evaluation of your risk factors. For someone your age, I could understand your doctor wanting to see a stress test.
It is always your decision as to whether you decide to do it. What I will tell my patients is that I recommend it even though I think it will be negative and leave the decision to them. There are risks to doing and risks to not doing it -- there is not always a right or wrong answer. I think that is the position you are in and you can make an argument for either case. I recommend asking your doctor why they think it is necessary and base your decision on the answer.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.
It is always your decision as to whether you decide to do it. What I will tell my patients is that I recommend it even though I think it will be negative and leave the decision to them. There are risks to doing and risks to not doing it -- there is not always a right or wrong answer. I think that is the position you are in and you can make an argument for either case. I recommend asking your doctor why they think it is necessary and base your decision on the answer.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.
