Mended Hearts Open Forum

Hello, thank you for accepting me to this Community. I am a 77-year-old woman scheduled for a nuclear isotope stress test in another week, and I am apprehensive. I have a history of ventricular tachycardia which has been managed for the past 10 years by a defibrillator implant, pacemaker, and 50mg metoprolol daily. An echo and nuclear isotope stress test was ordered after my pacemaker briefly activated two months ago. My father had a similar cardiac history, but died shortly after being ordered to run on a treadmill in a hospital. I have a great fear of having my heart artificially accelerated, which is what will happen when I do not reach the required speed for an effective test. I am looking for words of reassurance, since I have agreed to go through with this procedure despite my fears. Thank you.

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Otherwise Fine
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I have had the nuclear stress test done a few times.  You have an IV and they inject isotope.  The test is easy and no real activity on your part.  Nothing to worry about.  Just go in, be calm and it will go smoothly.

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IRA NEWMAN
MANALAPAN NJ
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I am a 79 year old who has had open heart with a triple bypass and now have tacky/brady symptoms which are managed with a pacemaker and 50 mg of metropolol a day. I had a stress test two weeks ago. There is an injection you can be given when the test is finished or maybe even during the test to stop the process. (So I don't think you should worry) Most people I was told don't need the injection. However, I needed it and I believe it had caffeine in it which is apparently the antidote. When the test was over I was given caffeine ( Caffeine on top of caffeine and I don't drink coffee)  I had the shakes for about 20 minutes. If I had it to do again, I would not take that second dose of caffeine which was a diet coke. Judi   jkcm06@gmail.com

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Judi Montoya
retired
56 Barolo, Rancho mirage, CA 92270 CA
2067130435 mobile
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Hi, I just came looking for similar reassurance. I am a 50-year-old male, about two years removed from CABG, two-and-a-half from a heart attack, and today, my cardiologist scheduled me for my stress test in two weeks. I am terrified. I think I have more anxiety for the stress test than I did for the CABG. 

I am still overweight - at least 50 lbs, out of shape, two flights of stairs gets me huffing and puffing and to top it off I have suffered with panic anxiety disorder for about 30 years. 

The cardiologist told me if I couldn't handle the treadmill they would pivot to the artificial manner of accelerating heart rate. But I am just so nervous and looking for support as well.

Sending you as much strength as I can Linda. 

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FX Shea
NY
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Linda,

I also have VT, have a defibrillator, take 150 mg of metoprolol daily and have gone through the stress test in the past.  I believe fear is part of it but try to have faith in God and your medical team.  Try to remember that many, many, many people have gone through these stress tests without any problems and that these tests help your medical team treat your condition better and also gather data that help treat others with similar conditions.  Be as positive as you can and remember that there are a lot of Mended Hearts members think of you and praying for you.  Wishing you all the best!

Bill  

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William Goellner
Canal Winchester OH
(614) 296-9637
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