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Have Extensive St-t Changes On Ecg And Normal Blood Report. Should I Go For Another Test?

Posted on Thu, 9 May 2013

Question: I have extensive st-t changes on my ecg. I feel fine. I'm 50 y/o and excercise more now than ever. My bloods are all normal. Had a thal stress test 2 years ago which was normal. My cardiologist wants another. can you comment?

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (5 hours later)

Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Yes, it is better to have another – preferably with thallium (isotope)
Treadmill exercise EKG (TMT) may have false positives or negatives at times
Over one year, the process might have progressed..
At 50, ischemia is the most likely cause of ST change / it is not always symptomatic and has to be excluded

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (19 hours later)

I have a $10,000 deductible. So the test will be completely out of pocket. The last one cost me @$1600. Do you still believe it's a cost effective way to spend my healthcare dollars?

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (7 hours later)

Yes
You should go for Stress EKG (with thallium)...
It is better to be safe than sorry.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (21 hours later)

ok I will
thank you for you valued advice

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (9 minutes later)

All the best
God bless you
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar