Failed stress test ?

Has anyone ever failed the stress test for cardiac clearance? After months of red tape, poor communication between dr. offices, lost paperwork, etc., I have found out that I failed the stress test and now have to go back to the cardiologist. Has this happened to anyone else? Huggs, Ruth

Not exactly, but after my first stress test they thought they saw a small blockage so I had to go for a cardiac cath. Turned out to be a false positive, and I got my clearance. Did they tell you exactly what you "failed"? Good luck on your return trip to the cardiologist and keep us posted! Carol

No they didn't. My PCP's office just said, "a positive stress test means you failed it." My surgeons office said, "it just means it was 'abnormal'. It may be nothing." So back to the cardiologist I go. Appt. isn't until 8/17! Hopefully he can be more insightful! Ruth

Don't you just LOVE it when they tell you something that doesn't give enough explanation!!!! I would suggest - try not to think about it too much until you see the cardiologist and get the true explanation. I'm surprised to hear them use the word "failed" anyway, I've never actually heard that used in relation to a stress test! And you know, it must not be too critical or they wouldn't have your appt 8/17!!! Chin up ok? Let us know how you make out! Carol

Thanks for the support. Oh yes, gotta love the indepth explanations we get! LOL All the delays and bumps in the road are sooo frustrating! I saw my PCP today for bloodwork and he said that he (the cardiologist) will most likely want a heart cath to be certain! One more thing to worry about. I am trying to stay positive and attend pre-op support meetings monthly. It's just hard seeing people getting dates after only 2 months, and I'm starting month 8! Oh well.. hopefully the delays will be over soon!

Thanks for the support Sandra! I had a nuclear stress test too. I was too heavy for the treadmill! I've had an EKG and an echocardiogram first. I get out of breath walking a flight of stairs too (416 at my heaviest). Dumb questions for sure. I'm fat, not stupid! I passed the PFT too. In fact, I cleared all my clearance tests, except for the stress test. Guess I will find out on 8/17. I keep giving myself little pep talks that it is best. Some days are just harder than others. Huggs, Ruth

I had a cardiac work up and I also got a false positive..well the cardiologist said they found a small part on the apex of my heart which could be a small blockage or a false positive. She said I could have an angiogram if I wanted and I said "Aren't those risky themselves"...and she said "Well, with your size they might have a hard time getting the needle injected"..and she knew I was there because I was having shortness of breath and wanted to have WLS. GO SUPPORT! Not! Anyway - she said that the WLS surgeon could make the call. If he wanted me to have an angiogram, to go back to her, otherwise, she wanted to see me in a year. Love "other" doctors...I went to my PCP - best PCP in the world....He talked to the cardiologist that read the films..or whatever they read...and he said it is very common in women to have this, probably a "boob shadow"...as was stated above! He was not concerned and wrote a letter stating that I was fine to have to the surgery. It's amazing, I always think medicine has the answer..but as I get older, answers are hard to come by! Like I said, I trust my PCP, and he trusts this cardiologist - so I am not worried about it. Good luck with your appointment..hope everything goes well for you! Nancy J*

Thanks for the support Nancy! Oh yes, gotta love the support from some of the medical community! That's one of the things I liked when I first met my surgeon. He seemed to actually 'get it'. Hey, I'm all for the "boob shadow"! And guess what?! I have two of 'em! What are the odds?! My surgeon nor my PCP will approve the surgery right now until I get further clearance from the cardiologist. So, back I go on 8/17. Keep your fingers and toes crossed please! Huggs, Ruth

Hi Ruth! I failed my stress test at the surgeons office also. I had to get a referral from my primary care doctor for a cardiologist. My primary care doctor said it's difficult for a woman larger than a "B" cup to do the bicycle or treadmill and get a good reading. The cardiologist did a nuclear medicine study on me and I cleared with flying colors! The wait to get the results was pretty stressful, because after failing the first test and at my weight I figured it was inevitable that I did have heart problems. Good luck to you - I'm sure it will work out fine! Beverly