Should my mom get a stress test? history mi 10 yrs ago, stents, seems stable. her pcp wants a test cause she hasn't seen a cardio in a few years. shes 54.

Major RISK: YES!: Your mother must have multiple risk factors, with the exception of smoking (big), includes hypertension, dyspidemia, Insulin resistance, and perhaps a diabetic tendency toward type 2. It is essential that these be controlled. If she smokes-she must stop, BP must be controlled, and cholesterol fixed.She optimally\ should be on asa or Plavix (clopidogrel) and other meds that protect against mi.See the cardio 1st!

Yes.: Your mom had an mi (myocardial infarction) at a very unusual young age. I surprising and unusual if she wasn't followed at least annually by an internist/cardiologist. A stent doesn't stop progression of CAD or longevity. What will affect lifespan & prevent progression r lifestyle changes (maintain good diet & weight, bp, lipids, no smoking, exercise, stress reduction. Must see cardiologist.

Not without symptoms: Current guidelines suggest no need for routine stress tests in asymptomatic low risk patients. If she can exercise without problems she doesn't automatically need a stress test.