Cardiolyte Stress test reliability

[rosycheeks]

I had a cardiolyte stress test Wednesday after recovering from an episode of atrial fibrillation. I was able to do 10.5 minutes on the treadmill without any pain.  The results showed "one area of possible ischemia"  and I have been scheduled for a cardiac cath on Monday for a clearer diagnosis.
Unfortunately,  we are scheduled to leave on vacation on Wednesday and I want to prepare myself for possible disappointment, hence my question:
What is the percentage of false positives in this type of stress test ?

[rosycheeks]

My heart cath did not show any abnormalities - Thanks again for your input

[rosycheeks]

I appreciate you comments and have taken it to heart (no pun intended).  Thanks

[anacyde]

Cardiolyte tests are pretty accurate for a non-invasive technique.  Be prepared for whatever news comes, knowing that whatever is...is.  Reagrdless of what the catherization shows, the only thing it changes is your knowledge of it.  Knowledge is power.  Either you're fine, or you will know exactly what you need to do to get and stay healthy.

Take care and best of luck to you.

[rosycheeks]

Thanks so much, I'll post again after the heart cath

[Toneman]

A cardiolyte stress test is 85% accurate in detecting CAD. Having said that, there is also a large number of false positives due to soft tissue attenuation when breast tissue and diaphram muscle and fat block the ability to get clear pictures of the tracer in the heart muscle. I don't know the percentage of times this happens but I have heard of many cases. Hopefully, this will be the case with you. If you did not experience any pain or EKG changes during the test you may have a false positive.

Good luck!

Tony