Stress test and blood clots in lungs

2 Comments

Submitted by Dr T on August 7, 2011 – 1:00am

Question: 
When you have a stress test done will it diagnose blood clots in lungs?

No, it will not. A stress test is done to see whether your heart’s blood supply is sufficient, as well as how good your heart & heart valves function are. A blood clot to your lung (called pulmonary embolism, or PE) is very different, although it may also cause chest pain (like angina or a heart attack), shortness of breath, and/or a strain on your heart and can be very dangerous. Above all, a clot has to come from somewhere, usually a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot inside your heart that is often associated with  a condition called atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.

A stress test may lead to an investigation for PE (usually a CT- angiogram) and sometimes a variety of tests need to be done to confirm either Coronary Artery Disease or a PE. Treatment of course depends on making a final diagnosis.

You can check your risk for heart disease here:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/risks-benefits/cardiovascular-risk

Hope this helps,
Dr T
https://www.cardiachealth.org/

Comments 2

  1. Post
    Author

    Getting a chemical stress test….does having a blood clot in leg cause any problems when taking this test? Should I wait on stress test?

    1. Post
      Author

      I was just found out I have a DVT In my leg. Taking Eliquis right mow and I have appointment for a resting injection STC SHOULD I WAIT FOR THE STRESS TEST?

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