Asthma and stress test

I had a treadmill stress test that didn't work out because of my asthma (I wasn't able to get my heart rate high enough). So now I have to do a test in which a drug is used to increase the heart rate to a sufficient rate. I'm a bit sketchy on the details....  Do any of you have experience with this test?

Thanks

I've only heard of the other kinds of stress tests.

From http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/stress-test--%28dup e%29

• Dobutamine or Adenosine Stress Test: This test is used in people who are unable to exercise. A drug is given to make the heart respond as if the person were exercising. This way the doctor can still determine how the heart responds to stress, but no exercise is required.
• Stress echocardiogram: An echocardiogram (often called "echo") is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. A stress echo can accurately visualize the motion of the heart's walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed; it may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests.
• Nuclear stress test: This test helps to determine which parts of the heart are healthy and function normally and which are not. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the patient. Then the doctor uses a special camera to identify the rays emitted from the substance within the body; this produces clear pictures of the heart tissue on a monitor. These pictures are done both at rest and after exercise. Using this technique, areas of the heart that have a decreased blood supply can be detected.

I had the Nuclear stress test done and it was a bit scary. got through it but anytime a technician says don't worry I have the antidote to give you right away.. makes me think what if right away isn't fast enough? as soon as I complained they gave me the antidote and I survived just fine. but I was a wreck.

being isolated in a glassed in room while waiting to become radioactive was not enjoyable either

Make sure they know you have asthma. The drug put me into an asthma attack to the point I blacked out before they would stop it. I have since found so long as I use my puffer before a test I can do the treadmill.

Good to know!!!

Found this;

http://www.heartsite.com/html/chemical_stress.html

Oh, yes -- *waving my hand in the air* -- pick me, pick me!

I've had 'em all -- that's what I spent all.last.summer doing.   You'll be going to the Ottawa Heart Institute, and they are the very, very best at what they do.   They do these tests every day, and the staff are wonderful.

Here's a link:  http://www.ottawaheart.ca/patients_family/diagnostic-tests.h tm

The one you'll be having is:  http://www.ottawaheart.ca/patients_family/stress-echocardiog ram.htm

My experience, as with the weight loss surgery journey, will not be yours, but it'll give you an idea of the one test you'll be having.   Don't be scared, it'll be all right.  I had a cardiac history, and they worked me through everything.   That's not going to be your experience.  :)

They will make sure you are in the best possible shape for the surgery, your asthma will be factored in, and you're going to get through this journey.

Best wishes :)

mmm

 

Thanks for the links!

 

Me too, I have had the Dobutamine test and it was a little scary to feel you heart pounding, but it slows down quickly.  You will do great

Best of luck.

Thanks, everyone!