Is It Safe for a Polio Survivor with Breathing Problems to Have a Heart Stress Test?

Question: I am going to have a heart stress test. Is it dangerous for a 72-year-old polio survivor who has some breathing problems to do so?

Dr. Maynard: A Stress Test does involve some risks, but they are minimized by medical professionals trained and equipped to handle cardiac arrests and arrhythmia should they occur. I am unaware of evidence to say the risks are higher for those with breathing impairments or for polio survivors in general. In fact, risks may be lowered because muscle weakness limitations or breathing limitations may make it more difficult for the person being tested to reach a level of work to ‘stress’ the heart to its maximum. This issue limits the reliability of Stress Tests but not their risks.

The most important thing for you is to have an opportunity to explain any of your unique post-polio limitations in performing the exercise maneuvers that will be used for the test and for you to not be pushed beyond your limits. While this may limit the value of the test results from the cardiology doctor’s perspective, it will at least keep you safe from an iatrogenic new problem. And there are other ways to assess heart issues of concern.

I hope it all works out for you.

Post-Polio Health (Vol. 34, No. 1, Winter 2018)