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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Aspirin, Tenormin, Tritace, Insulin For Long Time. Can I Stop Now As My Health Is Fine?

what are the risks for cardiac stress test - spect. i am about 80 years, diabetic for over 20 years, one episode of unstable angina some 15 yeatrs ago with no subsequent chest or back pain - usi ng heart medicines since then (aspirin 81 blood thinner, tenormin 25 half plus half, tritace one cap daily), for diabetes 24 mng 20 evng of novomix 30 insulin, metformin 500 mng and evng, lyrica 75 mng and evng. for neuropathy, mevacor one at night for cholesterol. with these medicines and diet control, life is normel. ECGs and ECHO tests are normal. SO WHAT IS THE URGENJCY FOR SPECT TEST AND WHAT ARE MY RISKS. THANKS
Thu, 1 Aug 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Thanks for writing your query to healthcaremagic.

A myocardial perfusion SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) study, also called a cardiac stress-rest test, is used to evaluate the heart's blood supply. Two sets of images showing blood flow are obtained: the first following a period of rest, and the second following a period of stress, which involves exercise on a treadmill. If you are unable to do walk than medicines can be injected to induce the same effect as done by exercise.Myocardial perfusion SPECT is used to evaluate damage that might have been caused by a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and to assess the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow due to obstruction in the vessels).

Since you are already have risk factor for having heart problem like diabetes, unstable angina 15 years back,so it is preferable that you get this test done. It will help to find out what is the status of the blood supply to your heart.

There are no major risk involved in doing this test as the test is done under supervision of experienced cardiologists & medical staff who will be constantly monitoring your heart response to the test. During the test you may feel tired, have shortness of breath or have sweating. You can always inform your doctor any time during the test & the test can be stopped any time in between. Make sure you get the test done in good clinical stepup.

I hope i have answered your query. In case of any further doubts, I will be happy to help you.
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General & Family Physician Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta's  Response
Hello,
There are definitely some. Riskd attached with cardiac stress testing like heart palpitations,shortness of breath,chest pain and sometimes heart attack.
Since you are not currently having any chest pain or recently had any episode of acute coronary syndrome,I can't finds any reason for getting the test done on you specially when there is no indication.However your doctor may be having some valid reason for getting it done so it would be best to have a discussion with him on this issue.
Thanks
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Taking Aspirin, Tenormin, Tritace, Insulin For Long Time. Can I Stop Now As My Health Is Fine?

Thanks for writing your query to healthcaremagic. A myocardial perfusion SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) study, also called a cardiac stress-rest test, is used to evaluate the heart s blood supply. Two sets of images showing blood flow are obtained: the first following a period of rest, and the second following a period of stress, which involves exercise on a treadmill. If you are unable to do walk than medicines can be injected to induce the same effect as done by exercise.Myocardial perfusion SPECT is used to evaluate damage that might have been caused by a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and to assess the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow due to obstruction in the vessels). Since you are already have risk factor for having heart problem like diabetes, unstable angina 15 years back,so it is preferable that you get this test done. It will help to find out what is the status of the blood supply to your heart. There are no major risk involved in doing this test as the test is done under supervision of experienced cardiologists & medical staff who will be constantly monitoring your heart response to the test. During the test you may feel tired, have shortness of breath or have sweating. You can always inform your doctor any time during the test & the test can be stopped any time in between. Make sure you get the test done in good clinical stepup. I hope i have answered your query. In case of any further doubts, I will be happy to help you.