STRESS EKG

[helpmeplease613]

I had a stress EKG done that indicates shows the following results:
the patient was exercised according to the Bruce Protocol, for 12 minutes (stage 4) with an estimated workload of
13.4 Mets. The test was terminated because of satisfactory cardiac workload.  patient did not experience chest pain with stress. The heart rate was 96 bpm at rest and reached 196 with exercise which is 108.3% of predicted maximum. The blood pressure at rest was 126/86 and reached 150/90 at peak exercise which is a
normal response. The resting ECG demonstrated sinus rhythm. The ECG with exercise was positive.
MAX ST inferior segment depression was 1.7 mm, with slow upsloping contour, returning to baseline in around 1 minute.

Summary
1. Positive ECG with exercise at high workload, ie 13.4 Mets.;
2. No chest pain with stress.
3. Normal chronotropic and blood pressure response.
4. Clinical correlation recommended consider further risk stratification with
exercise stress echocardiography.

I have to go next week for a stress echo.  How serious are these results? the dr. barely looked at me when I had the stress EKG (results above) and said "ya, you have some abnormalities here but it's probably nothing - we can do a stress echo to be more sure" - waved me out like I was "wasting his time" and I got a call the next day from my family doctor saying he'd set up the stress echo the end of the week.  I'm scared to death because I have no idea whether this is serious or not - my Mom had a quad by pass at 49 and I'm 39.  I am in great shape, eat right, and feel good - even after 90 days of T25 workouts! HELP ME PLEASE I cannot sleep, eat, or think.  

[GuyM]

I know it's easy to say, but you really need to calm down.  You're going to be fine.  So, let's say your stress echo is positive; at your age and physical fitness, the problem can easily be fixed.  You know what's bad for your heart?  Mental stress.  Let the doctor's do their tests and you can look at it like a mini adventure.  If you said you had stage 4 lung cancer, then that should keep you up at night.  I recently had an angiogram and stent placed.  And my stress test was not marginal, it was outright bad.  So, stop trying to analyze and speculate.  Fill your time with cool things.  It will all be good.

[is_something_wrong]

Yes, you are right.

You should get the stress echo done, but it doesn't sound at all like you have any heart disease. A doctor should have the final word though.

My mom also have ST dep on stress tests, but no heart disease except for a mild mitral valve leaks.

[helpmeplease613]

I read somewhere that upsloping ST depressions are the least likely to indicate blockages, and, in some cases, are considered normal.  Anyone confirm or deny this?

[is_something_wrong]

Research has revealed that an exercise capacity above 13 METS indicate a good prognosis regardless of the EKG findings. Please be aware that stress testing have a LOT of false positive results. If you were able to exercise at 13 METS and didn't have chest pain, that sounds very reassuring.