Question:
Has anyone had an abnormal EKG, taken a stress test, and still was eligible to have t

   — Margie D. (posted on March 3, 2005)

March 2, 2005
As long as you get clearance from your cardiologist it should not be an issue.
   — zoedogcbr

March 2, 2005
Yes! I had an abnormal EKG in my primary care's office the day that I asked for a referral to a bariatric surgeon. I was referred to a cardiologist and had to be cleared by him before my PCP would give me the referral to the surgeon. The cardiologist did a series of tests on me including a stress test (treadmill), sonogram, and a holter monitor that I had to wear for 48 hours. It recorded my heart's activity and I had to keep a log of my own activities throughout the time period. It was determined that I had PVC's (Pre-mature Ventricular Contractions) and that I was healthy enough to have the surgery. The cardiologist said many patients live with PVC's and have a healthy normal life. It just means that your heart sometimes beats off key. He wrote a letter for me that said I was "Cleared for gastric by-pass surgery" that I gave to my surgeon and included in my paperwork to my insurance co. I'm now 7 months out, down 70 lbs. and doing great ;) Good luck to you!
   — Shrinking-Violet

March 3, 2005
Yes, they decided that I was just heavy and the tissue around the heart just threw the tests off. I did very well lost 200 pounds in nine months. Had a positive attitude toward surgery.
   — carla C.

March 3, 2005
I had two come back as abnormal and was still cleared for surgery. First of all, it is not all that uncommon for an EKG to come back as abnormal when done on an obese person. It is difficult to get an accurate reading because of the body fat, and it can produce what they call "noise" that makes it sound off, even though there may be nothing wrong with you. And secondly, even if there is a problem, the chances are that they will simply want to identify it and treat it to the best of their ability before your surgery so you will be as strong as possible going in. Many many people on here with cardiac problems have gone on to have surgery successfuly and been healthier for it later on.
   — christied

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