I had one about 4 years ago. Piece of cake though it takes most of a day. It really helps the cardiologist see if there are any structural issues with your heart that might contribute to your afib. I didn't have any, but there are a few here who would have a probably been better off having one.

Just think, afterwards you can go walking out a night and you will glow enough so oncoming cars won't run you down --g--

Dear Mary Ann,
I have had this test twice and I do not glow in the dark. Yes, it is a normal procedure and will show what goes on in your heart, circulation, possible blockages etc. The test takes time, most of it waiting. Take some deep breaths and try not to worry. Best luck to you, Marya

Hi Mary Ann,

I had this test in June of 2013. First, I was worried about it too . But, after they explained the procedure, I was okay with it. It is a little hard on kidneys but if you have good kidneys, it should NOT be a problem. Please drink lots of water before and after it the injections so you can get rid of the nuclear stuff ASAP. To rule out any blockage, your other choice would be to go through the cardiac cath so your cardiologist can verify that you don't have any blockage in your arteries around the heart. I chose the nuclear stress test, which is a simpler and less risky process.

Here is what I wrote for you in my previous post:

" As far as stress test, again, nothing to be scared about. Is it a nuclear stress test, meaning they inject you with a radio active dye at rest and after a good run on the treadmill. Of course, after each injection, they take colored pictures of your heart to see if your heart gets sufficient blood (at rest and after exercise) all over. It is a time consuming test, but pretty simple, painless, and effective in ruling out any blockage. "

Wish you the best and lots of luck.

Scott

I have not had this. Take notes and tell us about your experience please.

I will have thoughts for Courage, Confidence and an attitude of Curiosity waiting for you. May your Heart be Healthy and Know it is just a temporary experience...and it will do very Well!

Hi Mary Ann
I havent had this particular test but yep its a normal way to go and its not nearly as horrible as it sounds and yes the kidneys will be fine to fi you go into it with normal kidneys and flush well afterwards it will be all good.....I had a stress echo.....its all about structural normalcy and ejection factors and making sure that despite your afib you have a healthy heart ......Hang in there and dont freak out :) just ask lots and lots of questions here and THERE too.....jan

Once again, thank you everyone for making me feel better. I just have to learn how to relax. I've been in afib for 7 hours now. Hopefully my next metoprolol will knock it out. I went for a long walk, but unfortunately it didn't work this time.

I get an echo on Wednesday. I had one of those a couple of years ago. My stress test is on Monday the 23rd.

It's so good to know I can come to all of you and get support. I really appreciate it.

Blessings to all, Mary Ann

I had it done, but the truth is that the coronary calcium CT scan is better as it detects any plaque (actually calcified plaque) whereas the nuclear stress test only picks up blockages of 65% or more.

Why are you having this test again?

petey

Petey, I've never had a stress test. I only had an echo when I was first diagnosed. Now that I am in afib more frequently and am going to see an EP, my cardiologist ordered a stress test. I don't see the EP until July.

Mary Ann

I had the same test done after being diagnosed with afib in feb 2014. They wanted too make sure I did not have any issues before a cardioversion. They found a very, very small abnormality and decided to do a heart catheter and then found a 90% blockage in my LAD know at the widow maker. I had a stent placed in and the recovery has been without too many issues. I exercise intensely almost everyday including spin class, strength training and anerobic threshold training. Cardioversion last 2 weeks, another scheduled with Multaq on June 24. Persistent afib. Will be 50 on June 28. Considering an ablation at allegheny general hospital in pittsburgh as a plan c. If i can do this, you can as well. Let me know if you have any questions.

Paul

Paul: Didn't the Nuclear Stress Test pick up the 90% blockage? What was the very, very small abnormality? petey

Hi Petey,

They could not determine what that abnormality was. Hence, they went to the Cardio Catheter before the cardioversion. I am 49, low cholesterol, low blood pressure, exercise almost everyday and appear to be fit. I learned the following during my process - " Fitness does not equal health". Honestly, the doctors were confident that the abnormality was nothing much. It has been a crazy ride but I now say that AFIB may have saved my life - crazy stuff!

I had the nuclear test a few weeks ago. They injected me with something then gave us crackers and a soda and told us to wait an hour. After an hour they took some pictures and told me to leave for an hour lunch break. Came back and they injected something that speeds up your heart rate; took about 5 mins. Took more pictures and I left. All the ladies in the break room were having the test. None of us had to also do the treadmill. I was really scared about being injected because I thought I would really feel my heart racing but that didn't happen. This test is much easier than the treadmill. The last time I did a treadmill test I thought I was never going to catch my breath. I like you was very scared but I must say it was a pleasant surprise and I worried for nothing. They called the next day to tell me my heart was normal.

Thanks again everyone.

Kcarr1313....Your comment made me feel a whole lot better. I am hoping I have the same outcome. Thank you.

NSR to all.

Mary Ann

One more question. What if I'm in afib when I go for my echo and stress tests? Will they still do them?

Mary Ann

Hi Mary Ann,

I have been in persistent afib and they have done every test in the book. Not a problem and on the bright side, you will be in the best care.

Have a nice day,

Paul