Gym Cracks By Jim June 20, 2003 NO STRESS STRESS TEST A look behind the scenes of a nuclear stress test...my own! By Jim (Babe) Berryman MissingNebraska.com Western Nebraska When my cardiologist recommended a nuclear stress test, my heart jumped a beat. I had already had two angioplasty procedures and one surgery for a cardiovascular problem. This past Monday I had the nuclear stress test. A piece of cake compared to the angioplasty procedure and surgery. I reported for my test at 7:30 a.m. A solution was administered into my body. I was then directed to consume a large amount of water. I was then ushered into the x-ray room. I took a position on my back and was told to lie quietly. An overhead machine, situated approximately 18 to 20 inches above my chest, would take pictures of my heart as the machine moved from right to left. The nurse indicated the process would take 17-minutes. After the x-ray session, electrodes were attached to my body for the tread mill part of the test. The attending nurse informed me I would be on the treadmill until my pulse rate reached 131. The 131 was obtained by subtracting my age from 220 and multiplying that figure times 85 percent. The goal was to have my heart function at 85 percent maximum. The treadmill test starts at an easy pace with a slight incline. I watched the machine record my pulse rate. At three-minute intervals the speed and incline is increased. I was nearing eight minutes on the treadmill when the machine recorded my pulse at 131. I rested for a short period of time while consuming more water. Then it was back to the x-ray machine for a repeat of the picture taking session. The cardiologist was not present for my test. I have a appointment scheduled with him for next week to learn the results of this test. From the information I was able to obtain from the nurses, I feel I should receive a good report. Feedback Previous Gym Cracks: 06-11-03: Crazy Horse 'Fun' Gym Cracks By Jim 05-31-03: Friends For Life Gym Cracks By Jim 05-19-03: Spurs And Cubs Gym Cracks By Jim 04-29-03: L.A. Delay Gym Cracks By Jim 04-16-03: What's In A Nickname? Gym Cracks By Jim 03-28-03: More March Madness Gym Cracks By Jim 03-14-03: March To Remember Gym Cracks By Jim 03-07-03: Tall & Tough Gym Cracks By Jim 02-26-03: Zingerland Gym Cracks By Jim 02-19-03: Cuss The Bus Gym Cracks By Jim 02-09-03: Ratings And Recruiting Gym Cracks By Jim 01-31-03: Hoops Elite Gym Cracks By Jim 01-24-03: Nebraska's Super Connection Gym Cracks By Jim 01-15-03: Hometown Hits Big Time Gym Cracks By Jim 2002 12-30-02: Count The Numbers Gym Cracks By Jim 12-18-02: Cream Of Coaching Crop Gym Cracks By Jim 11-28-02: The Big Picture Gym Cracks By Jim 11-18-02: 2 For 2 Gym Cracks By Jim 10-25-02: Sweet On Switzer Gym Cracks By Jim 10-17-02: Best Time Year Gym Cracks By Jim 10-11-02: Odds And Ends Gym Cracks By Jim 10-04-02: The Rating Game Gym Cracks By Jim 09-22-02: Fans Panned Gym Cracks By Jim 09-12-02: World Herald Calling Gym Cracks 09-05-02: Bit By Baseball Bug Gym Cracks 08-29-02: Caring Coaches Gym Cracks 08-22-02: Nebraska "Storm" Hits Colorado Gym Cracks 08-15-02: Cubs Win, Wallet Drained Gym Cracks 08-08-02: To Coors For Cubs Gym Cracks 07-25-02: Major League Madness Gym Cracks 07-18-02: Nebraskans In The Majors Gym Cracks 07-11-02: Kile Death Sheds Light Gym Cracks 07-04-02: Couch Potato Parking Gym Cracks 06-23-02: Top 10 Nebraska High School Nicknames Gym Cracks 06-06-02: Better In The 50s Gym Cracks 05-30-02: Dangerfield of Nebraska Gym Cracks 05-16-02: Baseball Sneak Aways Gym Cracks