I have a leaky heart valve

[gja1000]

Judy, the EKG will take about 5 minutes to run. The Echo will take about 20-30 minutes to run, and the x-ray will only take a few minutes. Of course, I don't know how long it will take to wait to get those done. The cardiac consultation to see if you can take the stress test, will probably depend on the x-ray, EKG and the Echo. I don't think they will run the stress test (if you are able) because those things usually have to be scheduled in advance - but maybe they can go ahead and do it. The stress test will take about 30 minutes - or longer if they decide to do a chemical stress test.

Most stress tests are done with you exercising (treadmill) while hooked up to an EKG machine. But some people who can't exercise, like my husband, have to take a chemical stress test. They give you drugs to speed up your heart, like would happen during exercise. Those tests take longer to run.

I think you will be fine - yes, it probably will take a couple of hours to get everything done, but hopefully, they will be quick!