Patient question
I was scheduled for an exercise stress cardiac test, but my knee pain is so severe that I can't walk or run. How should I communicate this?
Answer reviewed by Gao Yuxia, Chief Physician
Professional answer
When making the appointment, tell both the ordering clinician and the testing department about the activities you can do, your pain limitations, and whether you use any assistive device. Ask them to confirm whether the original test is still appropriate or whether the test plan needs to be reassessed. Do not force yourself to walk or run just to complete the appointment, and do not choose another test on your own as a substitute.