What does it mean to have an abnormal stress test?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain the significance of an abnormal stress test. An abnormal stress test typically indicates that there is a problem with the blood flow to the heart, often due to the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries. During a stress test, the heart is monitored while the patient exercises or is given medication to simulate the effects of exercise. If the heart does not respond as expected under stress, this can be a sign of reduced function or ischemia, which is a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A nuclear stress test is a more detailed type of stress test that uses imaging to assess how well the heart is working and to identify areas of the heart muscle that may not be receiving enough blood flow. The results of a nuclear stress test should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other risk factors for coronary artery disease. The nuclear stress test has the capability to quantify the severity of the abnormality, providing a more precise measurement of the impact on the heart's function. This information can be crucial for determining the appropriate treatment strategy, whether it involves lifestyle changes, medication, or more invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

An abnormal stress test usually means that you have blockage in heart arteries. A nuclear stress test result should be interpreted in the light of a person's symptoms, his risk for coronary artery disease etc. The nuclear stress test has the ability to quantify the severity of abnormality.