Stress Test

A stress test is a special type of test that is performed to evaluate the tolerance of your heart when your body is exposed to exercise. This test is also used to detect various types of heart diseases as well.

The stress test that involves exercise is the most common form of diagnostic test, which combines certain types of mild exercise with an Electrocardiogram (EKG). The test is performed to measure your heart’s activities while you’re active as well as while you’re at rest.

The test is generally noninvasive and safe. The test can be performed in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, and even a physician’s office.

If, for any reason, a patient is unable to do exercise, then drugs are used in order to generate the effects of exercise during the check-up.

Although the stress test involving the EKG and exercise is the most commonly performed, there are several other stress tests available, including:

• Stress Echocardiogram
• Pharmacological stress test
• Nuclear stress test

The echocardiogram is performed when a patient does exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike at different elevations and speeds. The response of the patient’s heart under exertion, as well as its structure, can be evaluated during this test.

The Pharmacological stress test is also known as a Chemical stress test. This type of test is preferred for patients that cannot perform physical activities. During the test, a drug like Dobutamine or Adenosine is given to the patient that causes the heart to respond as if he or she was exercising. Some drugs can increase the patient’s heart rate, while other drugs cause the coronary arteries to expand, which improves blood flow.

The Nuclear stress test involves introducing a radionuclide tracer into the blood flow and the rate of uptake is screened. This test is performed with the help of a nuclear imaging test, like a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan or a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.

In the SPECT test, a special gamma camera measures how fast the radionuclide tracer is accepted into heart muscle on a blood cell. Whereas, in the PET scan some special sensors evaluate how rapidly a carrier molecule - generally glucose - is taken into the heart muscle. These tests are mostly advised after a heart attack in order to help cardiologists find out how much damage some heart tissue has sustained, and if it is recuperating.

It is suggested to stay away from drinking or eating anything other than water at least four hours before preparing for any types of stress test. It is easier to evaluate the performance of your heart when your stomach is empty.

Home

Articles

Causes of Stress

Coping With Stress

Definition of Stress

Dealing With Stress

Effects of Stress

Job Stress

Managing Stress

Stress Causes

Stress Health

Stress Management

Stress Relief

Stress Test

Symptoms of Stress

Work Stress