08/26/2026
That treadmill stress test your doctor swears by? Misses the plaques that cause most heart attacks.
The test hunts for severe flow-limiting blockages. Meanwhile, over 60% of heart attacks come from smaller plaques that slip right past detection. Even wilder: positive remodeling lets your artery wall expand outward as plaque builds. Blood keeps flowing. Test says you're fine. Dangerous, inflamed plaque keeps growing, ready to rupture.
You pass the test. Two weeks later you're in the ER. The test measures blood flow during exercise. The actual threat? Weak, inflamed artery walls about to burst. Completely different variables.
Coronary Calcium scores and CT Angiograms show your actual plaque burden. Light years more useful than checking if your heart handles a jog.
What question are you really asking your cardiologist about your risk?