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Thallium Stress test

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Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
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Posted 4/12/2008 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
confused  I'm new here, but glad to find this website, I can tell you!  Four stents later (the last on 4/4), I still have chest pains ( a four block walk gave me angina) so my doctor wants me to take the thallium stress test. I read it was a horrendous test, and then, what does it get me?  They put me on Imdur yesterday because I'm maxed out on my other meds. And btw, I'm only 59 so I have a long way to go to getting stabilized, assuming one can with CAD.  I have never had so much chest pain since they started fiddling with me.  Has anyone taken this test?  Input gratefully appreciated.
Posted 5/4/2008 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there Evergreen, welcome to HEALINGWELL. First, I want to say, I am sorry you are going through this, and I do hope you do whatever it takes to feel better. I also want to say, I don't know where you are getting your information on the Thallium Stress Test, but please don't let whatever you hear take you away from getting this test, that can be so important to you. You asked what the test gets you...here is the answer... The thallium stress test is useful to determine: 1...Extent of a coronary artery blockage 2...Prognosis of patients who've suffered a heart attack 3...Effectiveness of cardiac procedures done to improve circulation in coronary arteries 4...Cause(s) of chest pain 5...Level of exercise that a patient can safely perform That seems to be worth it, doesn't it? The test is a bit time consuming, and is usually done along with an exercise stress test on a treadmill or bicycle. I personally have not done this test myself, but know a bit about it. I do hope if your doctor is suggesting this that you go along with it. Wishing you the best, and I do hope you stick with us here at HEALINGWELL.
Posted 5/5/2008 12:33 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Evergreen, Yes, I have had the Thallium Stress test done a couple of times.  My background is I am 34yrs old Female, I have MS and an autonomic disorder known as Multiple System Atrophy which has made the electronic parts of my heart fail.  Basically it is stable but my brain sends it the wrong infomation, if that makes any sense?  I had a pacemaker implant 3 yrs ago for extremely low heart rates now they are just all over the place as is my blood pressure.

Back to the TST, it was not painful in the least bit.  Basically I just laid on the table while this big x-ray thing moved above me taking pictures.  I did have to have an IV inorder to chemically induce different HR's.  But it didnt make me sick and I didnt have to do the treadmill or bike along with this test either.

I hope you post again and let us know how it went.

Take care

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