Heart stress – Test to diagnose any artery blockage

A heart stress test is used in order to evaluate the existence of any substantial coronary artery disease. The test helps the doctors to diagnose any blockage in the artery that is feeding the heart muscle. These blockages may prevent the heart from availing the blood flow it requires in the normal run.

This article comprehensively deals with this test, its procedures and various types. It will help you to make a well informed decision. So, keep reading.

There are several types of heart stress test performed in the diagnose lab. These are as follow:

Treadmill stress test – During this test you have to walk and also run on a treadmill. While preparing for the test you have to remove the shirt and wear a dress provided by the lab. The practitioners will place some stickers on your chest. This step ensures to show your heart rhythm on the monitor once you start to walk and run. The doctors will closely watch your heart rhythm once you start to exercise.

While starting off, you will start walking at a low pace during minimal elevation. After every three seconds the treadmill will enhance speed and inclination. The amount of time you have to spend on the treadmill depends on the patient’s age as well as the level of fitness. During the test your appointed cardiologist will be present and closely monitor the heart rhythm, symptoms and blood pressure.

That’s why you need to bring comfortable running and walking shoes and athletic clothing for a comfortable experience.

Stress Echocardiogram – In this test, the procedure is quite similar to the treadmill test. However, there’s an additional step involved in this. The sonographer will capture some ultrasound pictures if the heart is at rest before starting exercise on the treadmill. And then, once you stop exercising, another picture of your heart rate (which is substantially increased) will be captured.

Here too, you should carry any athletic or running shoes and dresses for a comfortable experience.

Nuclear stress test – This test utilizes a radioactive tracer in order to visualize blood flow into the heart muscles. Here several types of radioactive tracer is used. One is used during the body is at rest and the blood flow to the heart is calculated through the camera. And another is given during the peak hours of exercise or after the exercise is over.

Other than these, dobutamine stress test too falls under this category.