My father, age 83, has had flashing lights in his eyes and the doctor has found carotid artery blockage.  Surgery to clean the artery has been chosen as the treatment.  Prior to the surgery, the surgeon wants a stress test.  Due to his disabilities (he has neuropathy, a drop foot, and nerve damage in his legs due to a couple of earlier surgeries) he must take the medically-induced stress test.  He was given one last year, but the doctor stopped in the middle of the test, saying that he did not like what was happening and that it was dangerous for dad to go on with the test.  My dad is not very clinical and did not ask for further explanation (I live 12 hours away, so I am unable to advocate for him the way I would like.) 

Dad had quadrupel bypass surgery in 1987.  At that time, he quit smoking and lost a lor of weight.  He takes Lipitor for cholestral (I am tryhing to get a list of all his meds from my sister who lives in town.)

He is very nervous about having to take this test.  When he asked his family doctor about taking it, his doctor said if the surgeon asks for it, then dad should do it.  I do not feel tht these doctors are working together and considering his medical history in ordering his test.

   My questions in a nutshell:   Is a stress test protocol before carotid artery surgery?  Since the stress test was halted  last year because of adverse/dangerous effects, is it wise to order another one? 
Thank you so much, Robbie Engel