There is some similarity in the pattern of presentation between some pulmonary and cardiac diseases. One of the investigations that helps to identify the presence of heart disease and assess its severity is the cardiac stress test. This investigation is available in Princeton and involves a supervised physical exercise routine. The heart rhythm is assessed as fatigue sets in to determine how much it is affected by a reduction in blood flow. It is usually administered by either a trained technician or a doctor.
There are a variety of tests that exist. The commonest type is that which involves conducting physical exercise on a treadmill. The patient is connected to a heart rhythm monitoring machine known as the electrocardiogram (or ECG). Whenever blood supply is compromised (at increased intensity of physical exercise), the same is manifested through changes on ECG patterns. Patients may also complain of chest pain that may increase with increasing strain.
The Adenosine (Dobutamine) Stress Test is an alternative for persons who, for one reason or the other, cannot take part in physical exercise. Both dobutamine and adenosine are drugs that can strain the heart in similar fashion as physical exercise. The ECG is also used here to determine the any compromise in blood supply with increasing dosage of the drug just as would happen with increasing exercise intensity.
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.
As part of the preparation, there are a number of things that one needs to do. The general advice is that one should fast for at least 4 hours before the investigation. Caffeine is likely to affect the results and should be avoided for at least 12 hours prior to the exercise. Drugs to be avoided include isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate.
Other than being vital to the monitoring of blood supply to heart muscles, this test has other benefits as well. One of the most important is its use in the assessment of the effectiveness of angina medication. It is expected that once a person starts taking these drugs their exercise tolerance starts to improve. Another benefit is its use in the assessment of valve function especially when artificial valves have been inserted.
Several contraindications to the investigation exist. One of them is myocardial infarction that has occurred within 48 hours of the investigation being performed. There is a high likelihood of worsening the condition in this case. Other major contraindication is a known abnormal rhythm that is not well controlled. This abnormality must be treated first.
There are many types of investigations that are required for a person suffering from a cardiac condition. Some of these tests are useful as screening tools while others are used to make the definitive diagnosis. The cardiac (treadmill) stress test is commonly used for screening purposes.
There are a variety of tests that exist. The commonest type is that which involves conducting physical exercise on a treadmill. The patient is connected to a heart rhythm monitoring machine known as the electrocardiogram (or ECG). Whenever blood supply is compromised (at increased intensity of physical exercise), the same is manifested through changes on ECG patterns. Patients may also complain of chest pain that may increase with increasing strain.
The Adenosine (Dobutamine) Stress Test is an alternative for persons who, for one reason or the other, cannot take part in physical exercise. Both dobutamine and adenosine are drugs that can strain the heart in similar fashion as physical exercise. The ECG is also used here to determine the any compromise in blood supply with increasing dosage of the drug just as would happen with increasing exercise intensity.
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.
As part of the preparation, there are a number of things that one needs to do. The general advice is that one should fast for at least 4 hours before the investigation. Caffeine is likely to affect the results and should be avoided for at least 12 hours prior to the exercise. Drugs to be avoided include isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate.
Other than being vital to the monitoring of blood supply to heart muscles, this test has other benefits as well. One of the most important is its use in the assessment of the effectiveness of angina medication. It is expected that once a person starts taking these drugs their exercise tolerance starts to improve. Another benefit is its use in the assessment of valve function especially when artificial valves have been inserted.
Several contraindications to the investigation exist. One of them is myocardial infarction that has occurred within 48 hours of the investigation being performed. There is a high likelihood of worsening the condition in this case. Other major contraindication is a known abnormal rhythm that is not well controlled. This abnormality must be treated first.
There are many types of investigations that are required for a person suffering from a cardiac condition. Some of these tests are useful as screening tools while others are used to make the definitive diagnosis. The cardiac (treadmill) stress test is commonly used for screening purposes.
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