Stress TEst

[mme55]

I've just had a SPECT stress test.  The cardiologist report stated that I have apical ischemia.  The size is small, the severity is mild and the reversibility is partical.  I'm a 51 year old female ~ on the tread mill for 8+ miniutes, at 172 HR (100%).  I'll be speaking to my cardiologist.  How serious is this?  It doesn't sound so bad??  The only other peice is that I've got a heavy feeling on my chest - not always and not painful. Just a heavy feeling - it's the only way I can explain it.  What should I do??

[kenkeith]

Apical ischemia indicates there is some vessel blockage in the apical (top) region of the left ventricle.  It would be somewhat serious if there is heart wall movement impairment (hypokinesis), and/or lower than normal EF (ejection fraction: normal 55 to 75%) and that percentage represents the amount of blood pumped into circulation with each heartbeat.

Was the test discontinued before completion?  The test would be discontiuned due to ekg readings, etc. or the individual's chest pain, fatgue, etc.  That could indicate a heart, respiratory problem, or the individuals conditioning.  The chest discomfort can be due to a respiratory problem...

[Donna552]

Speaking to your cardiologist is the right thing to do.