UPDATE: I had my test procedure done yesterday. As I sat under the imaging machine, while it took pictures of my heart, I couldn't help but be amazed at the minds of the men and women who devised the device and figured a way to use it to take images of a person's heart. Modern medicine, especially modern diagnostic medicine is truly something to marvel at. I felt as if I was in the sick bay of the USS Enterprise.

The test itself went fairly well. As the cardio cranked up the speed on the treadmill, he remarked that most cyclists hate running on the treadmill. I agree, I would have much preferred to take the stress test while riding a stationary bike, but oh well.

The treadmill test went well. The doc turned the monitor so that I could see how my heart was doing. I am used to riding with a HRM, so I know where my heart rate is at various part of the ride. But that is nothing compared to seeing the actual electrical impulses from my heart running across the screen, from right to left, as the doc took me up to 85% of my maximum rate. I am a tech-geek at heart and all of the medical gadgets really catch my attention.

The stress test went well and I only experienced mild chest discomfort towards the very end, after I had been at 85% for a little while. The doc kept talking to me during this part of the test and I was able to maintain, somewhat, a conversation with him.

I am scheduled to meet with him tomorrow morning to discuss the results of the test. The fact that he did not march me into the OR right after the test is a good sign--I think.

I will keep you posted on what the cardio tells me. I am hoping that the angina I have been experiencing is not a symptom of a bigger problem and that it can be taken care with some lifestyle changes and medication.

Thank you for your concerns, this is a wonderful community of Internet friends.

Dudelsack, I told my cardio: No pie For me.