Question:
I'm a fairly fit 42YO male. I've been doing du-ath type exercise routines
for a couple years, and I'm considering doing a few races this season. I'd
really like to get a comprehensive cardiac stress test done beforehand. Any
suggestions on where to go (I live in Illinois) and how much it would cost?
I routinely get my heart rate up to 195 or 200 bpm for very short intervals
(10 to 15 seconds) during interval training. I just don't want to be one of
the asymptomatic cardiac patients.
Answer:
Almost any hospital I'd guess. I'm fairly sure some are better
than others and you'd probably have better luck with a "sports
specific" place. No idea on price, matter of fact this entire
parargraph isn't much more than a guess, other than the idea that I
know a few people that have gotten stress test at hospitals.
My doctor set me up with a cardiologist and I had it done. The office was
in a hospital. I think it was something like $200, but they give me a
little break because I self pay. No insurance. I also had a heart test
done at a Internists office that was very thorough. That was $800 and it
usually costs $1200, but once again they gave me a break due to no
insurance. These prices vary greatly on area. I went to a hospital in
Miami and they charged me $400 just for one pill and to look at my throat.
I learn my lesson not to go to a hospital in Miami. They know how to rip
people off down there.
Umm, you may want to mention that you get your heart rate up to 195 to 200.
That is very very high. Lance Armstrong doesn't go that high just so you
know. Although one of his team mates has a max of 210. I may die if I got
my rate up to 200. My max is 193 or some such number.
You're being smart about your pursuits. I have worked with individuals from
heart transplant recipients to professional athletes (including some of the
top pro triathletes), and I can tell you from experience that the fact that
you simply aren't having 'problems' shouldn't dissuade you from having a
maximal stress test. Many times, signs or symptoms aren't evident unless a
maximal stress test is done.
"Don't fix it if it ain't broken" is a mantra that is fairly short-sighted
in the sense that you aren't always aware of cardiovascular limitations or
conditions simply because of how you feel or look. Having worked with
several individuals whose heart function was abysmal by conventional
criteria - who looked "fine" has proven to me that "you can't judge a book
by it's cover."
Aside from the obvious reasons for a stress test, as an athlete, plenty of
invaluable information can be gleaned from the results of a properly done
stress test. I'll leave that discussion to others in the group, and another
topic.
In my opinion, a prudent person would consider having a stress test done
only by a reputable medical facility. When we do a maximal stress test in
our lab, it is absolutely maximal (a desirable characteristic of a 'maximal'
stress test - unless it's contraindicated or one of a number of criteria for
stopping a stress test is met), and in my opinion, that's one factor that
should weigh heavily in your decision regarding the facility you use - so
before you sign up with a facility, ASK THEM IF THEIR STRESS TESTS ARE
ABSOLUTELY MAXIMAL.
Another factor to consider is the experience level of the staff in testing
athletes (some facilities stop individuals at a certain 'predicted maximal
heart rate', haven't seen anyone really exerting themselves, etc.). If you
go to a facility that hasn't worked with competitive athletes, you may be
sorely disappointed (and they may be surprised at your effort level).
Finally, you might want to find a clinic that has an Exercise Specialist
(ACSM-certified) on staff; optimally, one who has worked with athletes in
the past, and will be present during your stress test. They can provide
invaluable information regarding your fitness level, training options, and
more.
In terms of fees, the numbers quoted by others pretty much cover the
spectrum; there is a wide range of prices, based on a variety of factors -
just call a few facilities and ask. And while you're there, you might want
to consider having your blood lipid profile done.
I hope you locate a hospital or other facility where you can get tested, and
that things work out well for you. Since heart disease is the #1 killer in
the U.S., your desire to find out about your cardiovascular health is
refreshing; pass the word along.
