positive and negative results of tests

hi just a question on terminology. When a cardiologist says a test is negative are they saying there is no issue I.e. the issue they are looking to whether there, is not there?

So when say positive, the issue is there?

Was being daft confusing positive as there being nothing wrong, taking the word literally if that makes sense. It’s a positive outcome, nothing wrong!!!!! But it’s not that is it?

Context as example my nuclear stress test was negative (cardiologist said I have no vasospasms which is what they were looking for). So on this logic my CT FFR score of 0.77 which is stated as positive means there is an issue with flow?

thanks and apologies for silly questions, I always have to think about it when they say positive or negative 🤭

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

The most accurate way to test for coronary vasospasms is with an invasive angiogram using acetylcholine. Known as functional testing rather than structural tests that look for permanent narrowings.

internationalheartspasmsall...

I suggest you ask your Cardiologist to discuss with you the implication of your FFR score and results in full.

You're correct it's confusing, 'negative' for what?

Especially if they are not using the best technique to detect what they are looking for.

You should ask about the specificity and sensitivity of a particular test.

[Hidden in reply to Milkfairy]

the current cardiologist said that acetylcholine needed what sounded like a whole committee at the hospital to decide on whether could be used. I can’t remember the terminology but it was not readily used / needed approval. However, with the new cardiologist once referral goes through, I’ll take is as opportunity to get wider perspective such as you’ve mentioned above but current hospital was not considering / felt was ruled out. Endothelial dysfunction, vasospasms and microvascular dysfunction have been shown to be caused by the impact of the bridge on the artery, even after the artery has been released through surgery, many still have issues largely vasospasms. For the bridge Diastolic FFR and iFR are key numbers and are tests new cardiologist specialises in. Thanks

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

I really hope you don't have to wait to long to see the specialist in myocardial bridges.

[Hidden in reply to Milkfairy]

Me too, I’m hoping he knows enough about the other issues too not just the anatomical stuff that come with a MB too. Letter today says current cardiologist has already made referral, fingers crossed. 🙏

[Hidden]

best thing is to ask-it’s YOUR body you need to know what is happening and how you can help yourself. Understanding test results puts you in a better place to learn what is going on and what you can do to help yourself-be it taking the meds prescribed or adjusting your lifestyle to minimise effects.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thanks yes agree in full, this was the first time the FFR had been referred to as “positive” although it was known in February this year! My own research at that time told me it was in a grey area - less than 0.75 definitely requires intervention, greater than 0.80 meds or nothing, between those two up to clinical views. I hate being in the grey area! Better communication by current cardiologist. Was getting my positives and negatives mixed up. 👍