Chemical Stress test.

What is a "chemical stress test"?  I've never heard of one.

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

Hi Kay,

I never heard of a chemical stress test either.  I know Herceptin can damage the heart and assume that Perjeta might be in that category too  I would have a frank talk with the oncologist stating exactly your reasons of concerns and go from there.

By using Google this is what I found, don't know if it will help.  Best to you, Doris

http://www.livestrong.com/article/104927-different-types-stress-tests/

Adenosine Stress Test

Patients who cannot exercise must undergo a pharmacological stress test consisting of medication known as adenosine. The Cleveland Clinic states that adenosine works by dilating the blood vessels leading to the heart, which increases blood flow, thus stimulating exercise. Adenosine essentially mimics exercise immediately after it's taken. During "exercise," a small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's vein. A special camera then detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce images of the heart on a monitor, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 
This test allows doctors to determine how adequately the heart distributes blood flow during stress versus at rest and in diagnosing coronary artery disease.

Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to the heart muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic states that a nuclear stress test involves injecting a patient with a medication that increases the blood flow to his heart muscle, essentially stimulating exercise. A special camera produces clear pictures of the heart tissue on a monitor. These images show areas of low blood flow and areas of damaged heart muscle. The images of the heart are taken during the stress phase and during the rest phase. 
A nuclear stress test shows how well the heart works during stress (exercise) and at rest. Nuclear stress tests help doctors to diagnose coronary artery disease and heart enlargement, so doctors can devise a proper treatment plan.

Stress Echocardiogram

Medline Plus states that a stress echocardiogram determines how well the heart muscle responds to stress. A stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound imaging to show whether the heart is receiving enough blood flow and oxygen while under stress. Doctors can discover and potentially treat any blockage or disease from the results of a stress echocardiogram. 
Medline Plus states that doctors typically refer patients who have symptoms of recent chest pain, recently had a heart attack, those at high risk for heart disease and those who have valve problems to have a stress echocardiogram.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/104927-different-types-stress-tests/#ixzz2JrycuQfp

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

I agree with discussing your

I agree with discussing your concerns with a cardiologist.  In fact, you might want to print your post and have the cardiologist read it...you expressed yourself very well.

I wonder if a MUGA scan would get the docs the information they need....

Please let us know what you decide so we can get on that pink bus.

Hugs,

Linda

We are thinking about you, and your pending test.  Any decisions made?  Update us when possible. okay.

Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

Vicki Sam

smalldoggroomer said:

I'm having it on the 15th the

I'm having it on the 15th the first part. It is called a Lexi-scan. It won't make my heart race he don't think I can do that part because of the scare tissue in my lungs. So it will just dilate the arteries. He needs to see if there is any blockage or thickening. He is thinking that the Radiation damaged my heart or arteries. I was burned very bad by rads. I am praying that what ever it is meds will take care of it. He says worst case scenario I will need a stint or bypass surgery. God I hope not....I will keep you all posted.

Thanks you all.
Kay

Kay

Your plate is already so full.  I do hope you don't need surgery.  I am sorry that the rads burned you so badly.  I really wonder why it is necessary to radiate the chest at all.

Best,

Doris

I have had both and the chemical one was way easier.  You have a Dr. right there administering it and my understanding that if I had any problems he could quickly stop the test.

I am so sorry to hear about your problems.  I can't help much because I didn't even know what a Lexiscan was but I looked it up and found a list of side effects.  Hope this helps and sending hugs and prayers!

"What are the possible side effects of regadenoson (Lexiscan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, shortness of breath, uneven heart rate);
• seizure (convulsions);
• wheezing, trouble breathing; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• nausea, stomach discomfort, decreased sense of taste;
• mild chest discomfort; or
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur." http://www.rxlist.com/lexiscan-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm

This list is from epocrates:

Adverse Reactions .

Serious Reactions

• cardiac arrest
• ventricular arrhythmias
• MI
• AV block
• bradycardia
• hypotension, severe
• HTN
• anaphylaxis
• angioedema
• hypersensitivity rxn
• respiratory arrest
• bronchoconstriction
• TIA
• seizures
• syncope

Common Reactions

• dyspnea
• headache
• tachycardia
• arrhythmia
• flushing
• chest discomfort
• angina
• ST segment depression
• dizziness
• chest pain
• ventricular conduction disturbance
• nausea
• abdominal discomfort
• dysgeusia
• warmth sensation
• AV block, 1st degree
• hypotension