Stopping Beta Blocker Before Stress Test - Stressful!!

On Monday I am scheduled for a nuclear stress test and an echo cardiogram. I am fine with this and eager to see if everything is OK after the ordeal of the last few months trying to get my blood pressure and heart rate under control. For the last few weeks it has been good since I was taken off a few meds and was put on Bystolic. My blood pressure is doing well and my heart rate is great. I am having the tests because of some chest aches that started when the Bystolic was upped to 10MG.

Here is the thing... I am stressed over the fact that I am not to take the Bystolic Sunday morning (I take it at 9AM each day) and will have my tests starting at 10:40AM Monday. I have read over and over how you are not to stop taking a beta blocker and how you are not supposed to miss a dose. I am worried my blood pressure will go nuts and my heart rate. I notice my systolic number is up today (128) and I know it is because of stressing over this.

I double checked before I left the cardiologists office to make sure they understand that I take it in the morning, not at night as many people seem to do. They said they want to make sure it is not controlling my heart to get the most accurate test. I understand, but erm... it says not to stop taking it on the RX literature.

Maybe I am just freaking myself out. I can say I really don't like this. Has anyone else stressed over this type of situation? I am seriously thinking of calling them back.

During the test you will have your cardiologist present. (I wouldn't take a test unless mine is there, although I have heard of places where there was only a technician.) Your blood pressure will be monitored constantly along with your heartbeat. Sometimes you can even see it on the screen, depending on where the screen is placed. I prefer being able to see mine.

Most of the tests start with very slow treadmill. I would refuse the ones where they start really fast, and I ask before they start for the slow start because I don't warm up easily. I have once had the fast test, mainly, I think, because that doctor (not my regular doc) didn't want to hang around for a good test. I felt like hell after the short one, but was angry that the doc left and I felt like I was going to die. I quit that group because of being assigned to different docs each visit and not wanting to see that one ever again.

Try your best to keep going! It's hard, but getting to the point where your rate is where they want it will give better results.

Best wishes.