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Virtually all people at some
point in their life will have to take a stress test of some form or
another. Armed with sound information will help to ease any anxiety you
may have at the mere idea of taking on a stress test. This commentary is
committed to explaining the many different types of stress testing and
hopefully make you a more informed test subject.
1. Standard Pen and Paper
Stress Test. These tests are the least "stressful"! You'll only
need to answer a few questions about your life-style and general
orientations. You will only help yourself by being honest and responding
in as full detail as imaginable. What you are concerned about? What is
going on in your life. These stress tests are a breeze. The results can
often times lead to a more loosened up and stress free life. While you may
be surprised at the final result, only those who take action will fully
gain from these forms of stress tests.
2. Internet Stress Test.
BEWARE!!! Many of these tests are planned to finally sell you something.
Make sure the test is designed by a legitimate organization with no
ulterior motives. While these tests can actually be humorous at times, it
is emphatically a buyer beware marketplace.
3. Exercise Stress Test.
This is the most introductory type of physical Stress Test. It is planned
to give a physician a basic understanding of cardiac function and
pulmonary function. A cardiologist will hook you up to an EKG and have you
bit by bit increase the speed and incline of the treadmill until you are
at a brisk jogging pace. With the latest engineering available in nuclear
stress testing, this test is considered a dinosaur. If you are
experiencing any symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, radiating
arm pain or persistent shoulder blade pain then this test is going to very
inadequate.
4. Thallium Stress Test.
This is the most sophisticated physical stress test available. This test
is typically administered to people who are getting chest pain, shortness
of breath or other symptoms connected to end stage coronary artery
disease. Thallium Stress tests are just like an exercise test in that your
heart is "stressed" through exercise. The big difference is that
there is imaging of the heart that is done as well after a small dose of
radioactive dye is injected. This lets the cardiologist to view blood flow
to the heart to see where deficiencies occur and consequently a narrowing
greater than 70% is taking place. This will imply that end stage
obstructive coronary artery disease is happening and a additional invasive
procedure like cardiac catheterization is called upon.
In some cases where someone is unable to run on a treadmill, the doctor
will induce stress pharmacologically.
Our website has a
description of the many different types of thallium stress testing
available. They include the following: Adenosine Thallium Stress test,
Bruce Protocol Stress Test, Persantine Thallium Stress Test, Dobutamine
Thallium Stress Test, Cardiolite Thallium Stress Test and Cardiac Stress
Test.
Stress Testing is a
first-class test in the APPROPRIATE patient. Most people do
not understand that 68% of all heart attacks occur in early stage heart
disease that will go completely undetected by any type of Stress Test. It
has been easily proven that 56% of all people who have a NORMAL
Nuclear Stress Test have enough early stage heart disease to warrant
dealing with that patient as if they have already had their first Heart
Attack. That is why all men over the age of 35 and all women over the age
of 45 should have a EBT Heart Scan. An Excellent source of information on
this test can be found at Inner
Imaging, P.C.
While stress testing
diverges widely, the best place to start is your physician. Especially if
you are undergoing any types of symptoms like chest pain or shortness of
breath. While most doctors are informed about heart disease in
general, it is very difficult for them to keep up on all aspects of
medicine. If your concerned about heart disease for any reason then you
must have your primary care doctor refer you to a qualified cardiologist.
If you are undergoing sudden onset of chest pain or shortness of breath;
DO NOT HESITATE! CALL AN AMBULANCE AT 911 IMMEDIATELY! These first
symptoms may be your last.
If you live in the New York
City area an would like to find the most proficient cardiac care
imaginable, call 212-777-8900. This is the Center for Preventive
Cardiology affiliated with the Heart Institute at Beth Israel Medical
Center. They have all the latest technologies available to help you with
you cardiac care. Help Your Heart Stay Healthy!
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