Stress test while having a cold

[stormwatchtoo]

Hi,
I have been diagnosed with A-Fib and SVT.  In preparation to see a Cardiologist I am scheduled to go for a stress test on Monday.  I currently have an upper respiratoy infection which makes me feel congested.  (I think it's the flu)

Question, will this throw off the results of my test??  I really don't want to cancel as my App. with Cardiologist is not too long from now and I have been waiting for 4 months to see him.

Thank you very much.

[stormwatchtoo]

The next step is the Cardiologist on Dec. 16th AND I think I am going to sign up with Curves again.  :) I tell you, I have not felt so relaxed in a long time as I did after that workout.  

The Intern who did my stress test explained that if I would not be able to reach my target HR I would have to come back for a Nuclear test. Since I did, they have all the info they need.

I thought it was hugely reassuring to do the test.  I seriously pushed myself 'till I thought I was going to drop and the monitor just kept showing beautiful beats.  Here and there the odd PVC, but they don't mean anything anyway.  Now, I am no Cardiologist and I am sure the Left Anterior Hemiblock must show up on it too, but I'll have to study to see if I can discover that in the tracings.  At any rate, I am happy with the results!
Thank you all for your support!

Well, onward and forward.  

[Brooke_38]

I am soooo happy for you! Was it a nuclear test or just treadmill? What's the next step for you?

[stormwatchtoo]

Yahoo!  I passed the stress test!  I was able to reach my target HR so no blockages in the bloodvessels it seems.  

So, aside from the electrical conduction issues, I seem to be in very good shape!  

[Brooke_38]

Hope that it all works out for you! Good luck...let us know how you make out.

[stormwatchtoo]

Feeling much better today but still a little congested.  Hopefully that won't matter for the test.  Wish me luck!  :)

[Brooke_38]

How are you feeling today? You thought maybe flu? Have you had your flu shot yet? I had a stress test while I had a cold and my cardio said that this would have no impact on the results. Certainly, not advisable to proceed if you have fever, shortness of breath etc.

Hope you're feeling better:)

[stormwatchtoo]

Thanks for your comments!

Brooke, I don't know whether I am having a nuclear scan as well.  As far as I know it is an ordinary threadmill test.

[greendave]

as an avid watcher/recorder of pulse rates , rhythmns etc. and how infections affect these under physical stress I can 100% guarantee that your stress test will be affected with a much higher rate under less stress and certainly will not be 'typical'. So good advice to let then know in advance
dave

[Brooke_38]

I agree with dolfnlvr...The only thing that I think could be affected is how long you would be able to walk briskly on the treadmill, being congested. Are you having a nuclear scan as well?

[dolfnlvr]

You should call your doctor to ask if they feel that you should postpone.  However, A-fib, SVT and other arrhythmias are often worse when we have an infection.  Given that I prefer for things to show up when I'm with the doctor then when I'm not....it would be my preference to go ahead and go.  Unless they say otherwise...go for it.