Other Heart Problems Support Group

Good question..I was wondering some things myself.

I was ordered to do a nuclear stress test but I didn't do it yet because I started a new job and didn't want to take off. (stupid..I know)

Anyway...one friend of mine told me that the nuclear stress test is unecessary unless you cannot do the jog/run to get your heart rate up.

I would love for anyone to clarify this for me. She said that the nuclear stuff just artificially gets your heart rate up and should only be used if you can't run/jog.

I'm worried that they ordered it just because my insurance will cover it and didn't care that I don't want anything unecessary.

I was also told that the nuclear one takes two days of appointments...where the non nuclear is just a one day apt. (I can take off for one day easier than I can for two)

Anyone know?

Sorry browneyed.....I wish I could really be of more help....or any help at all. Let me google to see if I can be of help that way.

Ok...here is one site:
http://www.vascularweb.org/patient...


What tests will I need?

First, your physician asks you questions about your general health, medical history, and symptoms. In addition, your physician conducts a physical exam. Together these are known as a patient history and exam. To confirm a diagnosis of DVT, the physician may order a duplex ultrasound test or another test called a venogram.

Duplex ultrasound uses high-frequency waves higher than human hearing can detect. Duplex ultrasound allows your physician to measure the speed of blood flow and to see the structure of your veins and sometimes the clots themselves.

A venogram is an x ray that allows your physician to see the anatomy of your veins and sometimes the clots within them. During this test, your physician injects a dye that makes your veins appear on an x ray.

Anyway....

All of this stuff is so scarey for me. I am 33 years old and sick of the doctors not knowing what is wrong.

Let us know how everything goes and what you find out. I know it is so much better hearing other people's experiences vs a dry black and white online explaination.

I had a lung scan done where they injected a dye. I hated it. I have PTSD and a needle phobia...and the sensation was such a shock to me that I was in a complete panick state through out the test. If the tech took more time to explain things to me in a calm way...or if a friend did...that would have done a ton of good for my anxiety about it...not to mention that to get accurate results I needed to be as still as possible!

***Big hugs to you***

Keep us updated...I hope others will know more and write here too!

(apparently we must be patient as this site gets little activity) :o)

Lynnda, I was told by my Cardiologist nurse and it says on my information about the test that it takes three and a half hours to do it. It is not two days but only half a day. Also, due to the shortness of breath that I have been experiencing these past two months and my being overweight 213 is why he ordered the tests.

I have the nuclear stress test every year, Because of my heart problem. It takes 3-4 hours you start under an imaging machine then doctor will put medication and a dye into your IV to stimulate your heart and you go back under the imaging machine.

My doctors do ultra sound to check blood flow in my arms and legs. I wish you the best of luck with your tests.

Yep, the way KevK described it, is the way I remember mine to be. It took about 3 or 4 hours. (don't remember exactly how long it was)It makes you feel like you ARE having a heart attack. (I thought) Good luck. JoAnn