Nuclear stress test question/concern?!
Question:
Nuclear stress test question/concern?
I am a 37 year old runner. I run 4 days a week, 7:30 pace per mile for 3-5 miles. My blood pressure at rest is 123/62. I recently had a nuclear stress test done, and my blood pressure during the test (before and after the injection) spiked up to 220/90. I am 5 foot 10, 180 pounds and take care of myself. Can someone please tell me what the heck is going on? I am really nervous.
Answers:
Don't wish to create an argument here, but having a normal response to exercise is an increase in BP by 50 points or less, and yours went up 100 points. Also, an exercise systolic BP > 200 during exercise is of some concern--this is called hypertensive response to exercise. How far did you go with the Bruce protocol? When did this hypertension (>200 systolic) start during the test? How long did it last? All of these questions play some role in how significant this BP is. Probably your physician will offer non-medicine ways to control your blood pressure, such as dietary changes.