I am 80 years of age and in good health. I am seeing a cardiologist because I recently developed HBP and will undergo testing because of its sudden onset. I am also scheduled for an IVUS and will need to obtain medical clearance for this procedure. I can see the cardiologist prescribing Echo and Carotid, but what about the stress test he is prescribing? Not happy with the stress test. Could I refuse to take it? Frankly, it s frightening me.
Testing is usually done to answer a question. None listed are done for high blood pressure. The question comes from a symptom or observation. In some instances, the tests are done to provide some idea as to how the heart might respond if a surgery or other procedure is done. If your doctor wants tests, ask why and what might be done with the finding. If you have no interest in pursuing a result, you may refuse the test but you and the doctor who is asking need to have common ground.