Are Stress Tests Dangerous?

Dr. David Faxon answers the question: 'Are Stress Tests Dangerous?'

By
David Faxon, M.D., Director of Strategic Planning for the Department of Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital; Chief of Cardiology, Boston VA Health Care System
November 14, 2008, 3:17 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: Are stress tests dangerous?

Answer: Stress tests are not dangerous. There is obviously a little, tinsy, tiny risk to any test you do, but the risk is about the same as a normal exercise that you might do at home.

And, in fact, it's a safer situation because the doctor is monitoring the EKG and your blood pressure and watching you during the test. So it's actually a pretty safe way to evaluate your heart, and that should not be a worry for you.

Next: How Is The Effectiveness Of Stress Tests Different In Men And Women?

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