Doggydaycare

[Doggyday]

Hi again,so still haven't had my nuclear stress test,now been scheduled in July after waiting nearly a year.My question is after so long a wait and only needing angina spray twice in that time(although I've had a few odd sensations)is it honestly worth me going for test after all this time?It terrifies me and my doctor says I'm on all the right medications,isn't it best to just carry on taking them instead of risky procedure,I'm in my mid seventies now,no body relying on me, shouldn't I just let nature take it's course?I've had wonderful support before and I thank you all,but please abit of honesty would be much appreciated am I being stupid?

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Doggyday,

As I recall, the nuclear stress test wasn’t too bad at all—-actually not nearly as bad as I had overly anticipated. I had that test about 2 weeks following my HA in 2022.

I’m so sorry that you have had to wait so long for this test. Waiting is awful! You asked whether it is still worthwhile to bother with this test after such a long wait.

In my humble opinion, I would say “Yes.” It is worth the additional information about the functioning of your heart. I felt that this test really drilled down into the issue of ejection fraction and how your heart is functioning overall while at rest and also under stress. It is one more piece of data to help in analyzing/explaining your heart health.

I hope that you will soon be able to sort out the scheduling for this test if you decide to continue. Remember, all additional heart information can be helpful to you and your doctors. Best wishes to you! ❤️

[quirk13]

I had a nuclear stress test about 6 months ago, it really isn't too bad. You feel like you are going on an increasingly difficult walk but its over in a few minutes and you have someone monitoring the whole time. It does give useful information about how your heart is functioning so I would say definitely worth going.

[Sljp0000]

I think if you get any sort of angina you should get tests offered you as you may be needing stents or bypass surgery. I'm not sure why any of these tests get the reputation as "scary" because they're absolutely nothing to worry about. Honestly, you'll be fine.

What I would like to say is that test didn't reveal the cause of my Angina. It wasn't until I had a CT Angiogram that it showed how calcified my arteries were.

If you're content to live with knowing you may have a problem that needs dealing with then cancel the procedure but just because you only get pain now and again doesn't mean there's nothing going on. I only got pain when I walked fast up steep hills, on wet sand or swam in cold water.

Take care and look after yourself.

Susie x

[roughquest]

The nuclear stress test where you are injected is different to a treadmill or cycle test. It is uncomfortable and I would arrange a lift or collection afterwards - personally I was wiped out after.

[Nelson71]

you’re not being stupid. They don’t carry out these procedures for a laugh. If there is anything wrong they can sort it out. I had an NSTEMI in December and they found 3 blocked arteries. I had triple heart bypass and was discharged Xmas day. Four months later I feel fantastic, I have been given a new lease of life. It’s better to sort out any potential issues rather than just sitting there worrying if everything will just go away. It won’t, but they can fix any thing they find in there. These guys are awesome

[scentedgardener]

Hi, I'm 72 and had myocardial perfusion stress, then 1 week later rest, scans last year. If you're having the same there is nothing to worry about except boredom. You have to hang around for about 4 hours for the stress test, slightly less for the rest one. When they inject the stress agent it's uncomfortable but lasts 2 minutes at most, at the same time you are having an ECG and BP is taken. The two things I found uncomfortable were that they accidently pinched my arm when they first put the BP cuff on, and the scanner bed had little to no padding, they raised my legs so my lumbar spine was flattened, and I have severe spinal problems but didn't realise that wasn't neccesary.The best news was my stress ejection fraction is 60%, and my rest ejection fraction is 55%. I was told that those results were better than they would expect from a healthy young person.

There has been some discussion about a couple of procedures for my heart, and I haven't been keen as I'm largely symptom free, but they told me that they'd rather do it while I was 'young' than wait another 10 years! When I queried the 'young' bit they told me that in heart health terms I am young.

So from one 70+ year old to another, go for it.

[Nottscaz]

hi do you mean the drug induced stress test? If so I have recently had one and thankfully it was proven my heart is ok no blockages. Try not to worry I was worried but honestly it was fine. Really strange sensation having your heart pounding but I felt safe and reassured the whole time. I kept ringing my consultants secretary every Monday asking where I was in the waiting list until I was given a date a month or so earlier than expected. Keep badgering them and apologetically telling them you are one of those anxious patients. Hopefully you will get a sooner slot if I were you I would have the test even if you don’t think you need it otherwise if you have any probs in the future you will have to go through the referral system again x

[Doggyday]

Thank you again so much for taking the time to reply everyone,this is such an amazing site.Special thanks to Scentedgardener for the we are young remark from their test!!I am unable to have an angiogram due to bad allergic reaction to the dye used,so I suppose part of my concern is what if I have the same reaction to this nuclear dye.You have all been a great help and I'll read all replies again and make a decision,thanks again and please take care.x

[Astronomyrules in reply to Doggyday]

Hi, I took have reacted to the angiogram contrast die, once so severe that adrenalin had to be admitted to raise my blood pressure. I have had many CT, NMR , and nuclear contrast dyes and not reacted at all. Different dyes and amounts are used for different tests. I'd advise that you make sure that your reaction is in you notes, together, if possible, with the actual dye used and that you make sure the radiographers etc are aware when you get your appointment and again when you arrive for your procedure. The chances are you'll be fine, but they can check the dye they intend to use against the one you reacted to and if they decide it's okay to proceed they will monitor you with extra care. I hope this eases your mind a little. I too am in my 70s and do think it's worth having the test as it could improve your future quality of life. Good Luck and keep phoning pointing out that you've been waiting so long and would be happy to come in at short notice if there is a cancellation ,( if your circumstances allow).

[Doggyday]

Thank you so much for your reply and what you've said makes so much sense,I will do all of above I was just so worried after my reaction to contrast dye.