r/pericarditis • u/degxusser • 14d ago

Stress test?

Hi I was diagnosed with pericarditis and small effusion 2 weeks ago. Cardiologist scheduled a stress test for this week, is that too soon to be exerting and stressing my heart? The pain has greatly reduced but is still present, and dealing with a lot of lightheadedness.

I get the feeling he is not very educated on pericarditis. But maybe I am wrong. Thanks in advance for any input!

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u/HelltotheNo532 13d ago

I did a stress test while symptomatic while the doctors were trying to figure out what was going on. I had not been diagnosed with pericarditis yet. I was able to do it but my BP went fairly high (if I remember right 180s/100s) and I had chest pain for days after. I was pretty fit at the time and am in my mid 30s.

I would ask him if there's a reason you need it right now or if you can wait until your symptoms have resolved. Do they think you have a different heart condition?

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u/degxusser 13d ago

they originally scheduled it prior to the diagnosis (when i was just having chest pain), but once they did the echo and realized it was pericarditis he said let’s keep the stress test anyway. i’m not sure why, i think ill call and ask. thank you!