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Is Stress Test Advisable For A 91 Year Old?
my dad is 90 and has a defribulator. He has a long history of irregular heart beat he had an ecocardiagram in 2014 his ejection was 60% he repeated the test in 2016 and it has dropped to between 35 and 40% The cardiologist suggesta congestive heart failure but the only sign of stress my Dad shows is occasional angina. The Doctor wants him to have a chemical stress test to check his arteries I feel we should leave well alone at almost 91 he is living a great life still drives his mind is perfect what do u think?
Thu, 26 Sep 2019
Hello,
Since your dad is having low ejection fraction (35 - 40%), you should be concerned. Low ejection fraction is caused by CAD, cardiomyopathy, Valvular disease or heart attack. Diagnostic tests are Nuclear cardiology imaging, Echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, CT, MRI.
Chemical stress test does not require to walk on treadmill, heart is assessed after the chemical agent is injected into the body through the vein. Heart is assessed through stress echocardiogram, MRI, nuclear imaging.
The possible complications (on taking chemical stress test) are shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heart beat sometimes heart attack. The treating doctor will treat with medications, pacemaker or ICD. However, the treatment will depend upon the pathology detected.
Ejection fraction can be improved by staying away from stress(care of emotional well being, reduce stress levels), quit smoking, alcohol or addictions if any. Avoid sedentary lifestyle, maintain low BMI.
Help your dad stay maintained & treated before the symptoms worsen.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
Since your dad is having low ejection fraction (35 - 40%), you should be concerned. Low ejection fraction is caused by CAD, cardiomyopathy, Valvular disease or heart attack. Diagnostic tests are Nuclear cardiology imaging, Echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, CT, MRI.
Chemical stress test does not require to walk on treadmill, heart is assessed after the chemical agent is injected into the body through the vein. Heart is assessed through stress echocardiogram, MRI, nuclear imaging.
The possible complications (on taking chemical stress test) are shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heart beat sometimes heart attack. The treating doctor will treat with medications, pacemaker or ICD. However, the treatment will depend upon the pathology detected.
Ejection fraction can be improved by staying away from stress(care of emotional well being, reduce stress levels), quit smoking, alcohol or addictions if any. Avoid sedentary lifestyle, maintain low BMI.
Help your dad stay maintained & treated before the symptoms worsen.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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