Cardiopulmonary stress test /cardiac stress MRI - how are they?

[MarmiteB]

Hey Hearties!

I’m now 4 months post 2xCABG and finished my cardiac rehab classes. The mean age will go back up by about 30 years now I’ve left 😂 …I could hear them whispering “damn whipasnapper” as I did the wall press ups. Joking, everyone was lovely and were surprised to see my scar at 34.

But, I’m now starting my journey to hopefully have a family. First stop, cardiopulmonary stress test - the one we’re they strap a mask to your face and make you run. Has anyone had one? What was it like? I’m happy to hear honest reviews, I’d rather know what to watch out for!

Second stop - the stress MRI…I think sounds slightly worse. Anyone have any experience? All I can imagine is that I’m in a MRI scanner and they just show you images of things that scare you…mine would be E.T 😂

[shopman]

For me to have a cardiopulmonary stress test would mean having an undertaker on standby - certainly wouldn't be able to take that. Cardiac MRI is easier where they just inject a dye or similar while you are in the scanner but I like your thoughts of being shown scary pictures - might be the way forward.

[Gibson01]

Cardiopulmonary Stress test is fine. You start by walking on a treadmill and gradually increase the gradient and speed until you say enough! They won't make you run.

Stress MRI is also fine as long as you are OK with the MRI scanner, its bit claustrophobic, but the time soon passes and you are out. A drug is used to stress your heart, its quite gentle, I did not notice any discomfort.

It sounds like your recovery is going well. Congratulations

[Mentdent]

I did the treadmill test a couple of months ago. They attached about 18 sensors and checked sinus waveblood pressure under stress. Once your heart rate or BP get high enough they stop. There are YouTube videos of it.

[Neil2566]

Hi,I had a triple CABG at 34 myself in November 2000, 21.5 years on I’m still here although not without challenges along the way.

I’ve had several stress tests over the years, the last being a cardiac MRI at the end of October 2021 which was nervy due to them trying to induce a response, which it did but fortunately it was very mild.

I had a cardiopulmonary stress test a few years back on a treadmill and about 6 years ago doing shuttle runs, also had a stress echocardiogram and out of all of them I prefer the ones that involve exercise as at least you’re in control.

Best advice I can give, relax as much as you can and have an open mind, try not to worry at the time but you will because it’s natural as it’s fear of the unknown.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Good luck.

[HeartaFlutter]

Hi I'm 6 weeks post cabg x3 n still having a hard time, had setback bc I drove myself for first time in 6 wks, n I'm in pain again. Been told another 4 wks n drive again. This is really hard and painful, I'm in America n here the health care is fantastic, doctors, tests, callbacks are immediate.

[MarmiteB]

Hey! Thank you so much for all of your replies. So, I had my cardiopulmonary test on Monday and it was fine. I struggled to do the spirometer test first - it seems I’m not very good at breath on demand 😆😆

In the cardiopulmonary test they got me walking and then running and then running up hill. I think my HR got up to 175. The most uncomfortable thing was breathing in dry air through the massive mask - I looked like something out of a sci-fi movie!

Unfortunately I got a call from them yesterday saying that some of the numbers weren’t right and they think that the mask wasn’t on properly so I have to do it again next Friday. Another 2 round trip to Bristol for me!! Oh well…diesel is cheap right?! 😂😂😂