So What Exactly is a Stress Test?

[Great2BThin 5]

Okay, I thought I had all my pre op screening done, but since I turn the big 5-0 on Saturday and thus will be 50 when I have my surgery on the 12th, my dr. wants me to go to Cardiovascular Assoc. for a stress test. Is this where I am going to be highly embarrassed because I have to run on a treadmill and will be in really bad shape? Also I have a bad knee (bone on bone) so am concerned about running. The orders say 'stress test of your choosing for pre op clearance' are there other types?

[phyl808 1]

I did a stress test, but instead of walking on a Treadmill which ramps up your heart rate, they gave me drugs which ramped up my heart rate while i was lying down.

[LSF 264]

I had a stress test. They make you walk the treadmill at the pace that's most comfortable for you and once your heartbeat gets to the point they are looking for, you can stop at any time. Mine came back with a slight blip which they said could be a false positive for someone my age (45) so I had to go back. The 2nd test they inject you with something, you walk the treadmill again and then they have a machine check the bloodflow to your heart. Mine was fine.

[YoungNy 1]

I'm 23 and I still had to go for a stress test. My doctor made me walk on the tredmill at my normal speed then increase the speed and sloop every few minutes until I reached the point they wanted, or until I couldn't continue anymore.

[Great2BThin 5]

Thanks so much for the feedback. By tomorrow at this time I will be done with my appt. and hopefully all will be well. I did do a 6 min walking test at the pulmonologist and that came back good so hopefully this will too.