A clinical guide for heart patients
Heart patients are asked to take the Treadmill exercise stress test to ascertain how the heart performs under extreme conditions. An EKG machine is attached to the treadmill to monitor. A stationary bike can also be used to measure the rhythm of the heartbeat.
Avigna diagnostics will prepare you with the essential knowledge related to this important testing procedure. It is considered one of the best diagnostics for treadmill tests. Once you know about it there will be no fear attached to this testing procedure.
When does your doctor refer you to take the cardiac exercise stress testing?
When the patient’s chest pains it is a major symptom of angina. The flow to the heart is restricted or experiences blockages. It is a routine method to monitor people who have undergone bypass surgery or have a history of suffering heart ailments. As the test proceeds, it is possible to detect any abnormal rhythm or blood flow to the heart.
Our lab conducts this test for 3 major reasons
- To diagnose heart arrhythmia
- To confirm coronary heart disease
- Heart is healthy before a surgery
What does the procedure entail?
- Before the treadmill exercise stress test, the patient has to remove the regular clothing and put on a gown. Electrodes are attached to the chest region when the patient is asked to walk on the treadmill.
- The blood pressure is taken lying down. It is also taken while standing. If the BP is very high, then the test will be postponed. Every 3 minutes the BP will be checked.
- As the pace of the treadmill increases, the heartbeat will also increase. The heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are checked. When the desired results are apparent the machine is stopped.
- Now the patient is under observation to check when the heart rate, BP, and breathing become normal.
Is this a safe test?
This is a safe cardiac exercise stress testing procedure for people of different ages. It can be a risk in the case of asymptomatic patients. If the test is positive, then it may cause stress and high BP. In rare cases, heart attacks may occur. If the patient does not exercise or is of an advanced age there are chances of collapsing or fainting too. The patient may complain of chest pain and the heartbeat is irregular for a longer time.
Advisable precautions when you need to go for the Treadmill exercise stress test
You will be advised to:
- Avoid meals 2 hours before the test.
- Warm up and exercise for a few days. A brisk walk is recommended 10 days in advance.
- Avoid having tea, coffee, or any beverage.
- If the patient suffers from asthma, carrying the inhaler is important.
- The normal heart rate for a 50-year-old is 170. If there is pain it may turn out to be angina or blockage of 70% of arteries.
If the heart is functioning normally, then no more tests will be required. The test lasts about 30-45 minutes and the person can go home. The results are available immediately.
We hope this basic information is useful to you. Take care while we support your testing needs. You can call Avigna Diagnostics for appointments once the doctor has asked for cardiac exercise stress testing.
Related Keywords:
Blood Pressure, Exercise, High BP, Treadmill, Treadmill Exercise, Treadmill Test
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