What does it mean if you have an abnormal stress test?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain the implications of an abnormal stress test result. When you undergo a stress test, it's a procedure designed to evaluate how well your heart works during physical activity or when your heart rate is increased. This test can reveal potential issues that may not be apparent at rest. An abnormal stress test could indicate several things: 1. Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood flow. 2. Shortness of breath: This can be a sign of heart failure or other heart conditions. 3. Irregular heartbeats: These can be a sign of arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. 4. High blood pressure: An abnormally high blood pressure during exercise can indicate a risk for heart disease. 5. Low blood pressure: A drop in blood pressure during the test can be a sign of a heart problem. 6. Abnormal heart rhythms: Changes in the heart's electrical activity can be detected during a stress test. 7. Reduced heart function: The heart may not pump as effectively as it should during exercise. It's important to note that an abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have a serious heart condition. It could be due to factors such as anxiety, poor physical fitness, or other non-heart-related issues. However, it does warrant further investigation by your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate course of action.

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.