I Underwent A Chemical Stress Test A Week Ago Normal Means Just What It Says

Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 Answered on

Wed, 4 Jun 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Greetings. I underwent a chemical stress test a week ago and thankfully it was described as "normal" according to my doctor. They employed also what is called a SPECT cardiac scan. Does this scanning totally rule out any blockages of the cardiac arteries and therefore "normal" means just what it says? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (48 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the tests indicate normality at the perticular time.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The chemical stress test consists of injecting chemical agents in vein...so the heart gets stimulated as it reacts to physical stress...
Similarly SPECT cardiac scan reveils the heart muscles which have hampered blood supply.
when both the tests show normal results, that indicates normality of heart at the perticular time when the tests were conducted.
The tests do not rule out possibility of ischemia in future...
I hope that answers your query.Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (2 hours later)

Many thanks. How often should I be doing this test together with the Spect scans? Every 4 or 5 years. I am 64. I have a friend who was more successful than me in losing weight and was found to have a 75% blockage in one artery and is my age. I should imagine that the inflammation leading to blockages would be common among everyone with weight problems and insufficient exercise, yet my very sedentary grandmother lived almost 100 years, never took a stress test and never took supplements. What we all inherited from her was hypertension!

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Self help ®ular check ups ,Investigations as per his advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
* - Rather than thinking of repeating the tests periodically (specially the SPECT test...which be done selectivly on expert's advice, as it exposes the patient to Radiations)one should focus on improving life style &preventing the risk on following lines-
- Regular intake of prescribed medication for blood pressure&others as per expert advice. Regular visits to the expertas advised by him.
- Yearly assessment of heart condition by an expert Cardiologist.& stress test as per his advice.
- Extra visit to Cardiologist on getting unusual signs...(palpitation,chest pain on exertion, breathlessness oni mild exertion , unexplained weakness)
I hope that helps. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Self help ®ular check ups ,Investigations as per his advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rather than thinking of repeating the tests periodically (specially the SPECT test...which be done selectivly on expert's advice, as it exposes the patient to Radiations)one should focus on improving life style &preventing the risk on following lines-
- Regular intake of prescribed medication for blood pressure&others as per expert advice. Regular visits to the expertas advised by him.
- Yearly assessment of heart condition by an expert Cardiologist.& stress test as per his advice.
- Extra visit to Cardiologist on getting unusual signs...(palpitation,chest pain on exertion, breathlessness oni mild exertion , unexplained weakness)
I hope that helps. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana