Heart Function Stress Test

The heart function stress test, also known as cardiac stress test or exercise stress test, is a medical procedure designed to assess the performance of the heart during physical exertion. It is a commonly used diagnostic tool to evaluate cardiovascular health, detect abnormalities, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients with known or suspected heart conditions. This non-invasive test involves monitoring the heart's response to exercise-induced stress, allowing doctors to gather valuable information about the heart's functioning and overall cardiovascular fitness.

India’s leading cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Ramji Mehrotra says that the purpose of a cardiac stress test is to mimic the stress placed on the heart during physical activity and observe how well the heart copes with increased demand. It helps to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to the heart muscle and identify potential limitations or abnormalities in cardiac function.

During the test, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine that records the heart’s electrical activity. Blood pressure and heart rate are continuously monitored throughout the test. The patient begins with mild exercise, such as walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle, and gradually progresses to a higher intensity level. The intensity of exercise is increased in stages or until the patient reaches a predetermined target heart rate.

As the heart rate elevates, the stress on the heart increases, and any underlying abnormalities may become more evident. The test aims to induce symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal heart rhythms in a controlled environment. The patient's ECG readings, blood pressure, heart rate, and subjective symptoms are carefully observed and recorded by the medical team.

According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra, the heart function stress test provides valuable information about the heart's response to stress, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various heart conditions. It can help identify coronary artery disease (CAD), detect blockages or narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac medications, assess heart valve function, and determine the overall cardiovascular fitness of an individual.

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