January 13, 2016 - Risk Stratification

Question 1

Risk Stratification - Exercise Testing

Answer 1

Involves running on a teadmill while your heart is being monitored.

Pros: relatively inexpensive, accessible, accepted

Cons: population-dependent, high intermediate-risk population, positive predictive value ~67%

Question 2

Risk Stratification - Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Answer 2

Pros: relatively more expensive, less accessible, positive predictive value ~85%, negative predictive value >99%

Cons: radiation exposure ~8 mSv, and expensive compared to the treadmill test

Question 3

Risk Stratification - Stress Echocardiography

Answer 3

Pros: no radiation, high specificity for ischemia

Cons: relatively expensive, technically challenging, positive predictive value ~90%, negative predictive value - reduced