A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, is used to gather information
about how well your heart works during physical activity. Because exercise
makes your heart pump harder and faster than it does during most daily
activities, an exercise stress test can reveal problems within your heart
that might not be noticeable otherwise.
Types of Cardiac Stress Test
Treadmill Stress Test
As long as you can walk and have a normal
ECG, this is normally the first stress test performed. You walk on a treadmill
while being monitored to see how far you walk and if you develop chest
pain or changes in your ECG that suggest that your heart is not getting
enough blood.
Stress Echocardiogram
An
echocardiogram (often called "echo") is a graphic outline of the heart's
movement. A stress echo can accurately visualize the motion of the heart's
walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed; it may reveal a lack
of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests.
Dobutamine or Adenosine Stress Test
This test is used in people who are unable to exercise. A drug is given
to make the heart respond as if the person were exercising. This way the
doctor can still determine how the heart responds to stress, but no exercise
is required.
Nuclear Stress Test
This test helps to determine which parts of the heart are healthy and function
normally and which are not. A small amount of radioactive substance is
injected into the patient. Then the doctor uses a special camera to identify
the rays emitted from the substance within the body; this produces clear
pictures of the heart tissue on a monitor. These pictures are done both
at rest and after exercise. Using this technique, areas of the heart that
have a decreased blood supply can be detected.
Cardiovascular Research
Saving Lives through Cardiac Research
Patient Story
Gina Simpson, Heart Disease