Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/20/2011

Question
Hello Dr. Levy, Thank you for your time. Next week I'm having a 2.5 hour surgery for a benign tumor & hysterectomy. I'm having an EKG & other blood tests 4-5 days before. I'm 43 & generally healthy. I have hypothyroidism ( take 100mcg daily#, allergic to injected Iodine #allergic to fish & shellfish)& I'm hypoglycemic -- Should I have a Thallium test done before my surgery to check my heart. My mom REALLY thinks I should, I don't know. Is it necessary?
Thanks again for your time. I really appreciate your response.
Take Care.

Answer
If you have no cardiac history, then there is no reason for you to get a stress test. If your anesthesiologist thinks that test is necessary, he will order it, otherwise, save your money.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston