Question:
Anyone know about IV heart stress testing?

I have mitral valve prolapse. My Dr wants to do a pre-op heart stress test. Not the treadmill, but they inject IV medication to stress my heart. Anyone know anything about this type of test?    — Barb J. (posted on October 18, 1999)

October 18, 1999
I had the IV stress test and your right they inject medication that simulates the running stress test. It is not so difficult of a test. It takes very little time for the test.
   — Lorraine H.

October 18, 1999
Hi, My name is Cheri and I had a chemical stress test. I had what was called Dobutamine Thallium because I have asthma and cannot do a treadmill test. It was a very strange thing. Your heart pounds very hard in your chest but you are not short of breath. They good thing about this type of test is they can stop this effect with medication immediately if it is necessary. I felt a little bad for about 2 days afterward but it was not a big deal. I am going to have it done again in 2 weeks. I am now 4 months post op from RNY and have lost 76 pounds so my doctor wants to make sure my heart is doing ok. Good luck. Cheri
   — Cheri H.

October 18, 1999
Hi, I personally didn't have this test done,but my father in law did. They put electrodes on his chest, just like they are doing an EKG. Then they started an IV in his hand and injected the medication in. It speeds up the heart,like exercise does. Then they do an EKG and monitor you for a while. And that's about it. The doctor is in attendance while the test is being done- just in case. Hope this info helps. By the way, my father in law says it's "no sweat." Blessings,Bev
   — BJ K.