Stress Test Question

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I am supposed to have a stress test first thing in the morning because of some chest pains and rapid heartbeat issues. I've got a pretty bad cold and hacking cough that has just gotten worse through the weekend. Should I postpone the stress test? I can't imagine I will be able to go very long on the treadmill without having a bad coughing fit.

Any other ideas of what to expect or how long this should take?

Thanks!

 

[Anne MN]

what kind of stress test are you having?
- a regular one(just treadmill) or one with thalium?
the Dr may just have you reschedule, but let them decide.
I have assisted with stress tests on people who could only go for a very short while, and others who have gone for 20 minutes
If you do the stress test, the Dr has a way to stop the test if you get too short of breath.

 

[Christine]

I would probably give it a try as long as you don't have a fever. I ran for about 12 minutes on the treadmill but I know someone else who ran much less than that. They really just want to get your heartrate to a certain level and then see how it functions. If the cold makes it get up there faster, then so be it, it doesn't matter.