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 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.
The Dobutamine (Adenosine) Stress Test is offered to persons that cannot take part in exercise activities. Dobutamine and adenosine have the ability to simulate the heart changes that occur when one exercises. Assessment is similar to what happens with the use of the treadmill. A stress echocardiogram uses graphic images (ultrasound) of the heart. The pattern of movement can be directly visualized when changes their state from that of rest to that of physical strain.
The nuclear stress test is another helpful investigation that can be considered. It involves the use of a small dose of a radioactive material that is introduced into the body intravenously. The substance spreads to all the parts of the body including the heart. A special detector helps identify the rays that are emitted by the substance. Those from the heart can be projected onto a monitor where they appear as a clear image both at rest and during exercise.
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.
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.
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.
When diagnosing cardiac conditions, a number of investigations are usually needed. Some are considered as simple screening tools while others are others are needed to make a definitive diagnosis. The cardiac (or ECG) stress test is among those that are commonly used for screening.
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.
The Dobutamine (Adenosine) Stress Test is offered to persons that cannot take part in exercise activities. Dobutamine and adenosine have the ability to simulate the heart changes that occur when one exercises. Assessment is similar to what happens with the use of the treadmill. A stress echocardiogram uses graphic images (ultrasound) of the heart. The pattern of movement can be directly visualized when changes their state from that of rest to that of physical strain.
The nuclear stress test is another helpful investigation that can be considered. It involves the use of a small dose of a radioactive material that is introduced into the body intravenously. The substance spreads to all the parts of the body including the heart. A special detector helps identify the rays that are emitted by the substance. Those from the heart can be projected onto a monitor where they appear as a clear image both at rest and during exercise.
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.
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.
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.
When diagnosing cardiac conditions, a number of investigations are usually needed. Some are considered as simple screening tools while others are others are needed to make a definitive diagnosis. The cardiac (or ECG) stress test is among those that are commonly used for screening.
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