Heart Disease Tests Question: Do You Need an Exercise Stress Test?

I had bypass surgery a couple of years ago. Even though I feel fine, my doctor wants me to do an exercise stress test to evaluate my current heart health. Should I do it?

A routine exercise stress test, where they connect you to an EKG and have you work out on a treadmill, is certainly indicated, especially if you want to increase your exercise program or take on new activities. Your doctor may want you to have a nuclear stress test, which is a more sophisticated diagnostic procedure, if you've experienced recurrent symptoms after the bypass. The nuclear stress test provides more information on your heart health, including a detailed analysis of whether the heart tissue has been compromised because of reduced blood flow through either the grafted or native blood vessels. Both tests are non-invasive and very safe.

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