Which Test To Choose That Would Show Blockage ?

Posted on Sat, 3 May 2025

Sat, 3 May 2025 Answered on

5 days ago Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, doctor. Need to get your advice regarding a stress test. I have seen two different cardiologists. Both say I should have a stress test but one doctor would do the treadmill with the ultra sound test in his office and the other doctor has me scheduled for one done in the hospital - a XXXXXXX nuclear stress test. Of course, I don't want to have both so on the fence. I do have calcified blood vessels in the legs shown by a prior test. Also, I have a history of XXXXXXX strokes and the doctor who wants to do the treadmill one mentioned something he saw on an MRI that was closed in the brain. Basically, just want to get your opinion on which test to choose that would show blockage (which I know I have some blockage issue from prior CAT scans) , and which one would be the safer option for me. Thank u so much.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly refer to the information provided below

Detailed Answer:
Hi, after going to the medical query raised by you, I can understand your concern and I would like to tell you that in my opinion if there is already a previous history of some blockages on CT scans, then it’s ideal to go for a conventional Coronary angiography.

However, if that’s not possible, then in your case a Lexiscan stress test is a suitable option for you.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (2 days later)

Hi, doctor and thank u for your reply. I just found out my insurance will not cover a XXXXXXX stress test at this time but may in the future. My doctor recommended I have the treadmill echo ultra sound one as a baseline at least. My question is about this particular test. What are the benefits of this test re: what it tells the doctor? Thank u again.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:
It gives the treating physician an indirect evidence regarding any obstruction inside coronary arteries and exercise tolerance of the patient.

Thanks

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar