Exercise stress test with echo

[Goldenheart]

Hi, just had my phone appointment and scheduled for this test.Has anyone any experience with this test, and how useful it is for revealing microvascular angina or coronary spasm? Thanks in advance.

[BobD Volunteer]

Had a couple over the years. It should help indicate if there are any coronary artery issues although angiogram will follow if there is any suspicion

[Goldenheart in reply to BobD]

Thankyou for replying. I have suspected coronary artery spasm,along with possible microvascular angina. Also atrial fibrillation and a flutter. So although im aware the test is needed for a diagnosis, these conditions are often triggered,for me anyway,by exertion,and very painful. So is there a limit to how long you have to complete the test?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Goldenheart]

Until they say stop. Generally they go up in stages till you are at max HR which could be ten or fifteen minutes. You are wired up the whole time and they will stop if they see any anomalies. They then keep the ecg going as you recover to watch how it goes.

[Goldenheart in reply to BobD]

Ok, thankyou for your time.

[secondtry]

Suggest you ask them to fully explain the plan before they start and be aware they will ask you to sign a disclaimer just before you get going. I have Lone AF and in my caseI think it was just part of a blanket of tests with nothing specific in mind.

Personally I am wary of these sort of things although I accept they can be useful. I deliberately didn't push myself past uncomfortable and although I didn't reach the desired level, they accepted the result. Good luck you will probably be fine.

[Barb1]

I am on the list for a stress ECHO without the exercise, as my EP says that I couldn't do it! This is to test my arteries are clear before commencing flecainide.