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Question:
Am I limited during a treadmill test due to inactivity?
I am 71 and in fairly good shape except for a lack of aerobic activity. I have had a flutter like feeling below the breastbone at my neck. It sometimes is accompanied by a dizziness that lasts for less than 10 sec. This flutter can be brought on by a very slight exertion. I had a treadmill and echo test and it only showed that my pulse rate stopped increasing at 108. They suggest that I do the more passive stress test with isotropes and needle injection. Could it be possible that I am just limited due to the inactivity and I do not have bradycardia?
submitted by Doug from Indio, California on 3/17/10
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Roberto Lufschanowski, MD
Dear Doug: It is possible that your heart rate does not increase because of lack of fitness. However, if you can't reach 80% of maximum, the test is not valid and you need the nuclear stress test with drugs. Sincerely,
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Updated March 2010
