Why and how often should someone get a nuclear stress test after a stent?

Question

My husband had a piece of unstable plaque break off and block an artery last year resulting in a stent implantation. His Dr. said that if my husband had a stress test the day before this happened, he would have passed the test. So, what good would it have done? Why should he continue to have these the rest of his life and have radiation put into his body and go through this dangerous test? If it is absolutely necessary, then how often should it be done?

Answer 1

1) to ensure that myocardium and coronaries are working fine with the stent.
2)there are no symptoms of blockage.
3)sometimes multiple tests become too much for the patient and the family, and they experience anxiety. The Dr. should pin point a couple of tests. It should only be done when there are no other diagnostic test is available.
THEY SHOULD NOT BE DONE AS ROUTINE.

Answer 2

a stress test shows blocked arteries.. if plaque had broken off there wasn't a blockage prior to the plaque breaking loose. The cardiologist i work for check usually within the first 6 mos following a stent then yearly unless the patient is having trouble then we do them sooner.