Stress Tests

Stress tests are performed to evaluate the health of the heart.  There are several types of stress tests.  The
most common one is the exercise stress test.  Patient is required walking on a treadmill or a stationary bike
while being monitored by electrocardiogram to collect information on the heart function during exercise.  This
test allows the evaluation of blood flow to your heart during exertion, assessment of the efficacy of a surgical
procedure, and also the identification of abnormal heart rhythms.

For patients who are unsuitable or unable to exercise, dobutamine or adenosine stress test is performed.  
Dobutamine is a drug that increases heart rate and the force of heart contraction.  Adenosine is a vasodilator
that promotes blood vessel relaxation.  These drugs are administered to make the heart respond as if the
patient is exercising. This would allow the physician to evaluate the heart function in respond to stress
without physical exercise.

Another test is known as nuclear stress test.  Nuclear stress test involves injecting a very small amount of
radioactive substance into the patient’s body.  Doctors then use a radiation-sensitive camera to obtain
pictures of the heart before and after exercise to determine the health of the different parts of the heart muscle.
Stress Tests
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