OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Treadmill Stress Test Results: Seeking Insights

At 29 years old, I find myself grappling with the lingering effects of my first panic attack, which occurred in October 2024. Since that moment, I've been enveloped in a haze of derealization, heightened anxiety, occasional breathlessness, and relentless fatigue. The impact on my motivation has been profound—I’ve not only abandoned my gym routine, but I’ve also gained around 30 pounds. It’s safe to say that I don't feel like the person I used to be and struggle to navigate daily life. This initial panic episode escalated my anxiety surrounding health issues. In my quest for answers, I’ve undergone numerous blood and urine tests, all yielding normal results (which I’ll share below). Recently, I completed a treadmill stress test. While I felt it went reasonably well, the recommendation for a nuclear stress test afterwards sent my anxiety levels soaring. I’m not in search of a diagnosis; rather, I’m curious if anyone else has faced a similar journey, where anxiety or panic triggered extensive medical evaluations and follow-ups. I would greatly appreciate any insights before my next appointment with healthcare providers. **Blood Test Results:** - Sodium: 141 mmol/L - Potassium: 4.1 mmol/L - Total Carbon Dioxide: 25 mmol/L - Chloride: 103 mmol/L - Anion Gap: 13 mmol/L - TSH: 2.99 uU/mL - NT-proBNP: 36 - Testosterone: 350.9 ng/dL - Creatinine: 1.03 mg/dL - Estimated GFR: 101 - ALT: 25 u/L - White Blood Cells: 4.77 K/uL - Red Blood Cells: 5.01 M/uL - Hemoglobin: 14.5 g/dL - Hematocrit: 43.1% - MCV: 86 fL - MCH: 28.9 pg - MCHC: 33.6 g/dL - Platelet Count: 216 K/uL - RDW-CV: 12.7% - RDW-SD: 41 - Absolute Neutrophils: 3.03 K/uL - Absolute Lymphocytes: 1.36 K/uL - Absolute Monocytes: 0.3 K/uL - Absolute Eosinophils: 0.06 K/uL - Absolute Basophils: 0.01 K/uL - Immature Granulocytes: 0.01 K/uL - Calcium: 10.1 mg/dL - ALKP: 55 u/L - Phosphorus: 3.2 mg/dL - Cholesterol: 147 mg/dL - BUN: 14 mg/dL - Glucose: 89 mg/dL **Treadmill Stress Test Protocol and Results:** - Protocol: Bruce, 2 Minutes - Maximum Workload: 152 - Exercise Time: 8:58 - Peak Systolic Blood Pressure: 188 - Maximum Heart Rate: 173 - Recovery Heart Rate: 88 - Duke Treadmill Score: 9 - No angina experienced during the test, though light-headedness and shortness of breath were reported, leading to an uncertain end to the test. Symptoms subsided post-exercise. The resting ECG displayed a normal sinus rhythm, though stress resulted in nonspecific ST segment changes, particularly in leads aVF and V5, which improved as the test progressed. No significant arrhythmias were observed. **Extended Holter Monitoring Results:** - Sinus rhythm consistent throughout the test. - PVC count: 4, with an insignificant burden of less than 0.01%. **Imaging Examinations Include:** - Abdominal ultrasound indicated no gallstones or significant abnormalities in the liver or gallbladder. No hydronephrosis in the right kidney was detected. - Chest X-ray showed clear lungs with no abnormalities in heart size or pulmonary vasculature. I look forward to your insights and experiences, as they may provide some comfort and clarity to my situation.

Answers (1)

2/10/2026, 12:10:49 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed after experiencing a panic attack and the subsequent anxiety about health issues. Your symptoms, including derealization, breathlessness, and fatigue, are often associated with anxiety and can significantly affect daily life. Having undergone extensive testing, it’s reassuring that most results came back normal, which provides a solid foundation for focusing on managing your anxiety and improving your lifestyle.

Key Points:

1. Panic attacks and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, including breathlessness and fatigue.
2. The treadmill stress test showed nonspecific changes, but overall, your results are largely unremarkable, which is positive.
3. It's essential to focus on anxiety management and lifestyle changes to help regain your sense of well-being.

Explanation

Your history of panic attacks can lead to increased sensitivity to physical sensations, which may exacerbate feelings of anxiety. It’s not uncommon for individuals who experience panic attacks to worry about their heart health, prompting further tests like the nuclear stress test. However, your cardiac evaluations so far indicate that there is likely no underlying heart issue.

The results of your treadmill stress test (like the good Duke Treadmill Score) show that your exercise capacity is acceptable, and while light-headedness and shortness of breath are concerning, they may have been stress-related rather than indicative of serious heart problems.

Next Steps

1. Address Anxiety:

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Consider seeking therapy to help process your panic attack experience and manage your anxiety. This type of therapy has proven effective for many individuals facing similar issues.
   • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help ground yourself and reduce anxiety levels.
   • Psychoeducation: Understanding anxiety's impact can help reduce fears about your health.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Physical Activity: Gradually resume your exercise routine at a comfortable pace. Start with activities like walking, as physical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
   • Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet to support your physical and mental health. Incorporating more whole foods can help with your weight management.
   • Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep is crucial for mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and establish a calming bedtime routine.

3. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep a journal of your experiences and symptoms, noting any changes over time. This can help in understanding triggers and improvements.
   • If you notice significant changes in your breathlessness, chest discomfort, or if your anxiety worsens, this could be a sign to adjust your management plan.

Your journey is unique, and reaching out for support is a good step. Keep focusing on your mental health alongside any medical evaluations. You are not alone in this experience, and others have found relief by acknowledging their feelings and seeking effective management strategies.