Pharmacological nuclear stress test help!

[Scat319]

I am scheduled for a pharmacological nuclear stress test on Monday where they induce exercise medically through an IV. I am nervous as to how it’s going to feel when my normal Brady heartrate which is typically in the low 50’s will shoot up to the 140s and how it’s going to make me feel. I’m worried it may induce an episode of afib, which I typically don’t have many, but when they do, I am totally useless. I am having my friend drive me there just in case. Just curious if anyone has had this. I’ve had a nuclear stress test before, but I was on the treadmill but my doctor wants me to do the pharmacological one this time due to pains in my back. Thanks in advance for any info you can give. I’m a nervous wreck complete with palpitations that go along with the stress! AGH!

[mjames1]

Your concern is legitimate. I went into afib after a nuclear stress test and I'm sure it's not uncommon.

Suggest you bring up your concerns to your doctor and perhaps explore alternate testing such as a CT angiogram, which may be more accurate anyway if they're looking for blockages.

Jim

[Scat319 in reply to mjames1]

Thank you, I actually rescheduled for the treadmill test and not the pharmacological induced test. I did have a CT scan, 3 arteries normal 1 moderate, so doctor isn’t overly concerned.

[Abbyroza]

Ask them to use a static bike instead of a treadmill, much easier on the back and just as good for the test. I do that every year.

[Scat319 in reply to Abbyroza]

Will do! Scheduled now for the end of April. I’ve always done the treadmill, never the meds to increase the heartrate, that scared me! Thanks!

[secondtry]

Before having any of that type of test I would need to be totally convinced it was essential.

Can't recall now why I had to have the treadmill one but I deliberately didn't push myself up to the level they wanted and they accepted it with no issues later.

[Scat319 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you, I don’t have issues with the treadmill, it was the meds I didn’t want that they use to make your heart rate rise.

[Tapanac]

believe me I’ve had a few and so much better than going on the treadmill and echo

You are monitored the whole time and yes I did feel a few of the thumps I get when I go into tachycardia with my afib but you have a cannula so any problem and it can all be easily stopped it’s definitely not so scary as when you go into afib/tachy alone at home in fact it’s not scary at all just the thought!

Please try not to worry. All the best. Pat x

[Scat319 in reply to Tapanac]

Thanks Pat! My doctor changed it to the regular exercise and not the meds. I don’t know, the thought of suddenly having a racing heart didn’t appeal to me.

[Tapanac in reply to Scat319]

👍

[Tomred]

If you have had stress test before, what reason are you having another one for, that would be what i would be asking, is it to confirm if you have afib, this is the reason i had stress test, and went into afib followed by 3 attempts at cardioversion, which i must say at the time alarmed me as it was all new to me, but everything worked out fine, but i do question myself if my afib events have gotten worse since cardioversions, looks possible with the diary i have kept of events.

[Scat319 in reply to Tomred]

I’ve had paroxysmal afib for 16 years, typically a few times a year. Yes, had a nuclear stress test several years ago. My doctor wants to do this because of pain I’m getting in my back and also because my Mom, who also had afib, eventually had a stent because of a clogged artery. I don’t mind the stress test, it was the medicine that I didn’t want to increase my heart rate. I can exercise on the treadmill to get my heart rate up. I’ve never had a cardioversion. I do take Eliquis and have 30mg of Cardizem I do have an episode and they only last a couple of hours. I’m sorry you’re getting worse, although they do say Afib is a progressive disease. I’ve been fortunate to not have any episodes, should I, I would definitely have my EP do the PFA. Wishing you all the best.

[JeanNazz]

I had a the test right after coming back into nsr after a long bout of afib. I have a bum knee, so couldn't do the treadmill. It was a bit uncomfortable, but no big deal. Yes, I have bradycardia. Happily, I didn't go back into afib. Everybody's different, but it's a necessary test and if they're worried about your back, then this is what they recommend. Try thinking of it as this is just another version of the same test you've had before....

[Scat319 in reply to JeanNazz]

I am very brady too…fast heart rate for me is 75! I’ve always had a slower heart rate because I was very active, I do like my cardiologist’s theory though. He said at birth we’re all given a certain amount of heart beats, so we’re economizing ours My doctor did change it to the non pharmacological and back to the treadmill but stil the nuclear test. I feel better about that. Thank you, all the best.