Originally Posted by
HawkOwl
Having been down the stress test road I have to throw in a big caution flag about the usual stress test.
False positives are rampant. Often they result in negative life changes that are unnecessary, and harmful. Besides they are only a snapshot.
Nuclear stress tests are another matter. They are more reliable but also are snapshots.
Personally, if I had some reasonable suspicion there was a significant blockage in my cardiovascular system I'd want a complete workup, including an echocardiogram.
I guess it's a matter of personal choice.
(1) Take a stress test. If you receive a 'false positive' it will usually lead to more tests, which may or may not lead to treatment options that may prevent a more serious issue.
(2) Opt not to take a stress test. Find out on that long climb, out alone in the middle of nowhere, that you do have an issue.
In my experience, I had zero suspicion that I had a problem. That is, until I had one.