Heart disease can mimic many other forms of illness a fact that greatly delays the making of a proper diagnosis. A cardiac stress test is one of the most useful investigations of not only diagnosing heart disease but also assessing its severity. The investigation, available in Princeton, is usually performed by either a doctor or a trained technician and specifically determines how much physical exercise one can tolerate before their rhythm is affected by reduced blood flow.
There are different types of this investigation that can be done. One of the types is the treadmill test. As one walks on the treadmill their heart rate increases and this may lead to compromised blood supply. A special piece of equipment known as the ECG, electrocardiogram, is used to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm. The changes correspond to a physical experience of chest pain by the patient.
Another commonly performed test is the Dobutamine or Adenosine Test. This type is offered as an alternative to persons that cannot participate in supervised physical exercise. Adenosine and dobutamine are pharmacological agents that have the ability to stimulate the heart in the same way as exercise does. A stress echocardiogram uses a heart ultrasound to visualize the image of the heart as it transitions from a resting state to a strained state.
The last type is known as the nuclear stress test. Here, a small amount of a radioactive material is injected into the body and flows to all the organs. The physician uses a special camera to detect the radioactive rays that are released by the substance. The heart is projected onto a monitor as a clear image. The images are obtained both at rest and during physical exercise to detect any reduction in blood supply.
There are several things that one needs to do as they prepare to undergo the investigation. One of the requirements is that one fasts for a minimum of 4 hours. Only water can be taken during this period. Caffeine has the potential to influence the results and should not be avoided for at least 12 hours. Other substances to be avoided include drugs such as isosorbide mononitrate and dinitrate.
Apart from diagnosing abnormalities in heart flow within the heart, the stress test has several other benefits. For instance, it is important in monitoring the effectiveness of drugs used to treat angina. When treatment is initiated, persons with angina are expected to have increased tolerance to exercise. Another important role is its use in the assessment of valve function especially in patients that have had artificial valves implanted.
There are several situations where this investigation is contraindicated. For instance, it should not be administered to persons who have experienced myocardial infarction in the last 48 hours because of the risk of aggravating the condition. It should also not be done in people who have already been found to have abnormal rhythm but are not yet on treatment.
Making a diagnosis of a cardiac conditions usually requires a wide range of tests. These tests are needed to firstly, confirm that a heart abnormality exists and secondly, to identify the exact condition. The cardiac (ECG) stress test is among those that are commonly used for screening. Other tests are usually needed to determine the exact diagnosis.
There are different types of this investigation that can be done. One of the types is the treadmill test. As one walks on the treadmill their heart rate increases and this may lead to compromised blood supply. A special piece of equipment known as the ECG, electrocardiogram, is used to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm. The changes correspond to a physical experience of chest pain by the patient.
Another commonly performed test is the Dobutamine or Adenosine Test. This type is offered as an alternative to persons that cannot participate in supervised physical exercise. Adenosine and dobutamine are pharmacological agents that have the ability to stimulate the heart in the same way as exercise does. A stress echocardiogram uses a heart ultrasound to visualize the image of the heart as it transitions from a resting state to a strained state.
The last type is known as the nuclear stress test. Here, a small amount of a radioactive material is injected into the body and flows to all the organs. The physician uses a special camera to detect the radioactive rays that are released by the substance. The heart is projected onto a monitor as a clear image. The images are obtained both at rest and during physical exercise to detect any reduction in blood supply.
There are several things that one needs to do as they prepare to undergo the investigation. One of the requirements is that one fasts for a minimum of 4 hours. Only water can be taken during this period. Caffeine has the potential to influence the results and should not be avoided for at least 12 hours. Other substances to be avoided include drugs such as isosorbide mononitrate and dinitrate.
Apart from diagnosing abnormalities in heart flow within the heart, the stress test has several other benefits. For instance, it is important in monitoring the effectiveness of drugs used to treat angina. When treatment is initiated, persons with angina are expected to have increased tolerance to exercise. Another important role is its use in the assessment of valve function especially in patients that have had artificial valves implanted.
There are several situations where this investigation is contraindicated. For instance, it should not be administered to persons who have experienced myocardial infarction in the last 48 hours because of the risk of aggravating the condition. It should also not be done in people who have already been found to have abnormal rhythm but are not yet on treatment.
Making a diagnosis of a cardiac conditions usually requires a wide range of tests. These tests are needed to firstly, confirm that a heart abnormality exists and secondly, to identify the exact condition. The cardiac (ECG) stress test is among those that are commonly used for screening. Other tests are usually needed to determine the exact diagnosis.
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