PFO & Stress Test

jkaterenchuk · 5th November 2007, 11:16

I am having a stress test performed and was wondering if the doctors might also be able to proactively determine if I have a PFO via this test..that would be a nice bonus...here is a description...

Exwercise Stress test that requires an IV to be started, an injection of a radioactive isotope and pictures of your heart to be taken pre and post exercise.

John

debersole · 5th November 2007, 15:16

I'm an interventional cardiologist (and Kiss CCR diver/instructor) who spends his days opening clogged coronary arteries and closing PFOs.

Unfortunately, a nuclear stress test is designed to look at blood flow to the heart but does not image the atrial septum (where a PFO would be). The best test for a PFO would be a transesophageal echo with the injection of agitated saline.

I just wrote an article about PFO in this month's issue of Underwater Journal (Underwater Journal). After reading it, if I can be of any help, PM me.

Best of luck on your stress test!

Doug

andibk · 5th November 2007, 16:42

John
I had been tested for a PFO here in one of Thailands military hospitals. That was a experience I will never forget. Check out the latest issue of Advanced Diver Magazine. Doug and I put together a article on this subject for ADM.

andibk

debersole · 5th November 2007, 20:33

Bruce:

Did you get a copy of ADM yet? The article turned out very nice. If not, I'll scan it and email it to you!

Doug

jkaterenchuk · 5th November 2007, 23:58

Doug

Thanks for the info. Too bad it would have been nice to know without additional testing. Don't think I will need your professional service anytime in the near future as my HDL was 88 and LDL was 78.

Bruce

Save a copy of the article so I can read it when I am over in December. I do not currently get ADM. You can tell me about the test in Thailand when we chat. It would be nice to know as a proactive measure.

John

andibk · 6th November 2007, 01:21

Doug
No I have not read the article yet. Could you please scan the article for me. That would greatly be appreciated. Hard to find ADM here in Asia.

Off to dive 6 virgins caves tonight. Will let you know what we come up with.

andibk

debersole · 6th November 2007, 02:33

Bruce:

I'll scan it and get it off to you tomorrow. I can probably find it if necessary, but please PM me with your email address and I'll attach the scanned images.

Dive safe!

Doug

5th November 2007, 11:16	#1 (permalink)
jkaterenchuk . Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 544	PFO & Stress Test I am having a stress test performed and was wondering if the doctors might also be able to proactively determine if I have a PFO via this test..that would be a nice bonus...here is a description... Exwercise Stress test that requires an IV to be started, an injection of a radioactive isotope and pictures of your heart to be taken pre and post exercise. John
(Offline)

5th November 2007, 15:16	#2 (permalink)
debersole Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 185	Re: PFO & Stress Test I'm an interventional cardiologist (and Kiss CCR diver/instructor) who spends his days opening clogged coronary arteries and closing PFOs. Unfortunately, a nuclear stress test is designed to look at blood flow to the heart but does not image the atrial septum (where a PFO would be). The best test for a PFO would be a transesophageal echo with the injection of agitated saline. I just wrote an article about PFO in this month's issue of Underwater Journal (Underwater Journal). After reading it, if I can be of any help, PM me. Best of luck on your stress test! Doug __________________ www.debersole.com
(Offline)

5th November 2007, 16:42	#3 (permalink)
andibk New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Join Date: May 2005 Location: Thailand Posts: 146	Re: PFO & Stress Test John I had been tested for a PFO here in one of Thailands military hospitals. That was a experience I will never forget. Check out the latest issue of Advanced Diver Magazine. Doug and I put together a article on this subject for ADM. andibk
(Offline)

5th November 2007, 20:33	#4 (permalink)
debersole Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 185	Re: PFO & Stress Test Bruce: Did you get a copy of ADM yet? The article turned out very nice. If not, I'll scan it and email it to you! Doug __________________ www.debersole.com
(Offline)

5th November 2007, 23:58	#5 (permalink)
jkaterenchuk . Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 544	Re: PFO & Stress Test Doug Thanks for the info. Too bad it would have been nice to know without additional testing. Don't think I will need your professional service anytime in the near future as my HDL was 88 and LDL was 78. Bruce Save a copy of the article so I can read it when I am over in December. I do not currently get ADM. You can tell me about the test in Thailand when we chat. It would be nice to know as a proactive measure. John
(Offline)

6th November 2007, 01:21	#6 (permalink)
andibk New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Join Date: May 2005 Location: Thailand Posts: 146	Re: PFO & Stress Test Doug No I have not read the article yet. Could you please scan the article for me. That would greatly be appreciated. Hard to find ADM here in Asia. Off to dive 6 virgins caves tonight. Will let you know what we come up with. andibk
(Offline)

6th November 2007, 02:33	#7 (permalink)
debersole Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 185	Re: PFO & Stress Test Bruce: I'll scan it and get it off to you tomorrow. I can probably find it if necessary, but please PM me with your email address and I'll attach the scanned images. Dive safe! Doug __________________ www.debersole.com
(Offline)

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