Question: My doctor wants me to go for a stress test for my heart, even though I don't have any problems (although I do take a statin). He says he just wants to be sure he hasn't missed anything. Is this really necessary? I'm 55.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
We no longer recommend routine stress testing for asymptomatic patients unless significant or unusual findings on your EKG indicate a follow-up stress test should be done.
But even though current guidelines discourage routine stress test evaluation, this is still a very individual decision that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis, with your doctor. If you are not happy with discussions with your current physician seek a second opinion.
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