Stress Test

Stress tests are performed to determine the amount of stress your heart can endure before developing an abnormal rhythm where your heart is not receiving enough blood flow. The most common stress test is the exercise stress test.

This is done to determine how your heart responds to exertion. Electrodes are hooked to your chest area which allows the physician or technician to monitor the EKG waves as your heart6 rate increases. You are asked to walk on a treadmill.

Stress test can determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart when there is increased activity or exertion. It can also determine the likelihood of having coronary heart disease which would require further evaluation, identify abnormal heart rhythms, and it can also evaluate how effective your heart medication is on controlling your condition.

TYPES OF STRESS TESTS AND HOW TO PREPARE

Adenosine Stress Test: This is used when people are unable to exercise or walk on the treadmill due to certain circumstances. Dobutamine and Adenosine are pharmacological drugs that are give intravenously to raise the heart rate as if the patient was exercising or "stressed".

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