Info needed on PMs & Nuclear Stress Test

Is there one particular computer site that I can go to that explains the Pacemaker & its lead wires & the functions (& readings/numbers) of both lead wires???

The MD tried to explain this to DH & me at DH's 1st appointment Nov 18th after Nov8th PM surgery.

Surgeon is now requesting DH also do a NUCLEAR STRESS TEST before his 1 month checkup. What is this ?? And is it usual?? What exactly is this?? Have any of you been asked to do this AFTER a PM was installed?? Is the Nuclear Stress Test risky??

Does it suggest a plumbing heart problem as well as an electrical one (for which the PM was installed)?

I am the Nervous Nellie type & find that information always makes me feel better about what it happening & possible for DH. I did check out the ST Jude site, but I didn't find it as useful & informative as I had hoped. And Google has so many items, I am not sure where to begin & what to look for.

Frank's & Mark's responses to my first concern about a low reading on the 2nd wire were most helpful & appreciated.

The emails in this site suggest many problems with the PM. Is this typical to have problems with one's PM & the lead wires, etc?? Or do only the problems come to this site for further info??

Thanks for providing this avenue of info for us Nervous Nellie spouses.

kubie

1 Comments

Nuclear stress tests

by lenora - 2009-11-22 04:11:02

Nuclear stress tests don't have anything to do with pacemakers. They're done to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle during stress (i.e. exercise), heart wall motion, and how well the heart pumps blood. There are several different types of nuclear stress tests such as myocardial perfusion scan, MUGA scan, and persantine scan which is used if a patient can't tolerate exercise for some reason. They all involve the injection of a radioactive agent that highlights heart muscle during stress. In the case of persantine, the persantine itself is the source of the stress in place of exercise. Nuclear stress tests can be used to detect coronary artery disease also. Allergic reaction to the injection is possible, as well as a flushed feeling, low blood pressure and dizziness. The very remote possility is the exercise inducing a heart attack but of course the patient is being monitored throughout the procedure by EKG and it doesn't happen often. Always ask the doctor while you have him in front of you why he's ordering a test and what he's looking for. Don't try to second guess. Then you can go off and do your internet research. Good luck to both of you. Lenora

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