By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Aug. 2, 2011 -- Far too many healthy Americans are undergoing heart screening tests, which can lead to unnecessary and potentially dangerous treatments. That’s according to an investigation appearing in next month’s Consumer Reports.
In a survey of more than 8,000 subscribers, nearly half (44%) of those without major heart risk factors or symptoms reported having a screening test such as an electrocardiogram, exercise stress test, or ultrasound of the carotid arteries.
These tests, which are done to identify blockages, are not recommended for the vast majority of healthy people without symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
That’s because interventions like angioplasty to clear blocked arteries may do more harm than good in this group, Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center Director John Santa, MD, MPH, tells WebMD."
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Aug. 2, 2011 -- Far too many healthy Americans are undergoing heart screening tests, which can lead to unnecessary and potentially dangerous treatments. That’s according to an investigation appearing in next month’s Consumer Reports.
In a survey of more than 8,000 subscribers, nearly half (44%) of those without major heart risk factors or symptoms reported having a screening test such as an electrocardiogram, exercise stress test, or ultrasound of the carotid arteries.
These tests, which are done to identify blockages, are not recommended for the vast majority of healthy people without symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
That’s because interventions like angioplasty to clear blocked arteries may do more harm than good in this group, Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center Director John Santa, MD, MPH, tells WebMD."
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