Stress test

[Tux18]

At my recent visit to EP he said he would schedule me for stress test. I asked why and he said it had been 4 yrs. since I had one and he didn’t want to miss anything. I told him after my last one I didn’t plan to do it again!

My afib is brought on by extreme physical stress and/or extreme emotional stress and it takes time for my body a while to “settle” after either. Right now the percent of time I’m in afib has actually improved and I don’t want to rock the boat.

Is it common to have to have repeat stress tests and how often?

[etheral]

In the absence of symptoms of angina, such as chest, arm or jaw pain with exertion, shortness of breath or other new symptoms while physically exerting yourself, or resting EKG changes, I would question your EP as to why he feels a repeat stress test is necessary. I am not aware of any other indications for repeating a stress test. If you are doing well, it seems like an unnecessary provocation to me. Get a second opinion if he pushes for it just to be safe. Curious as to what meds you are taking to control your afib.. Best,etheral

[Tux18 in reply to etheral]

Fortunately, I do not have any of the symptoms you mentioned . Before the last adjustment of pacemaker I had times when exerting myself I felt weak, but that’s improved greatly! I take metropolol and xarelto. Makes me wonder if there is something else wrong other than afib with my heart that he’s not told me. He will have to tell me before I do the stress test again.

Thank you so much for your reply!

[Jalia]

I've had AF ( including 4 ablations and 22 dccvs) and have never had a stress test!

[Tux18 in reply to Jalia]

Interesting and helpful, thank you!

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had AF and flutter for 17 years, 3 ablations and numerous cardioversions, but have never had a stress test.

[Tux18 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for your reply as it was helpful!

[Tux18]

Thank you for your reply. Very helpful.

[john-boy-92]

By stress test I assume that you mean a Bruce Protocol test: walking on a treadmill that incrementally increases in speed and elevation, whilst "fully wired up" and the heart waves monitored on a large screen. I've only had that once several years ago, as it produced sufficient evidence.

[Tux18 in reply to john-boy-92]

The stress test they would do would be chemical so the injection stresses the heart not on the treadmill type . Thank you for responding!

[john-boy-92 in reply to Tux18]

Is that test nitroglycerin sprayed under the tongue? What is known in the UK as a tilt table test?

[Maggimunro]

My husband is going through the procedure of having his angina definitely confirmed by the medics. When he asked “Shall I have a stress test?”, the answer was that stress tests are really old fashioned now and much better information is gained from a cardiac scan.

So, like the others on here, I wonder why your EP/Cardiologist, thinks it would be useful. Are your symptoms getting worse? If not, why rock the boat?

[Tux18 in reply to Maggimunro]

Actually my symptoms have improved (less afib) but still have off and on short spurts of tachycardia. And that’s how I feel “don’t rock the boat”. Thank you so much for your response.

[secondtry]

I agree with the consensus above that a stress tested is only relevant if there is a very specific issue that can only be determined by such a test.

This test was one of the ones that i was told was 'necessary' without too much explanation. I didn't like it, even less when asked to sign a blanket disclaimer whilst on the treadmill just before starting and didn't push myself to reach the desired limit....in short far too much risk for the reward of a bit more info. I wouldn't agree to another unless no other option.

[Tux18 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely ask more questions before I will agree to the stress test. Good day to you!