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Most people at some point in
their life will have to take a Stress Test of some form or another. Armed with
sound references will help you to ease any anxiety you may have at the
mere idea of engaging a stress test. This point of view is devoted to explaining
the many different types of stress testing and hopefully make you a more
informed test subject.
1. Average Pen and Paper Stress
Test. These tests are the least "stressful"! You'll only need to
answer several questions about your lifestyle and general preferences. You will only
help yourself by being honest and responding in as full detail as conceivable. What you are concerned
about? What is going on in your life. These
stress tests are a breeze. The final result can oftentimes lead to a more at ease and
stress free life. While you may be surprised at the outcomes, only those who take
disciplinary action will fully benefit from these types of stress tests. 2.
Internet Stress Test. BEWARE!!! Many of these tests are configured to in the end
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 definitely a buyer beware market. 3.
Exercise Stress Test. This is the most basic type of physical Stress Test. It is
designed to give a doctor a basic understanding of cardiac function and
pulmonary function. A cardiologist will hook you up to an EKG and have you
step by step gain the velocity and incline of the treadmill till you are at a
lively jogging pace. With the latest engineering available in nuclear stress
testing, this test is considered a dinosaur. If you are having 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 normally administered to those who
are having 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 divergence is that there is visualising of the heart that is done as well after
an injection is given of a modest dose of radioactive dye. This allows the
cardiologist to view blood flow to the heart to see where deficiencies occur and
hence a narrowing greater than 70% is occurring. This will show that end
stage obstructive coronary artery disease is happening and a further 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 site has a description of the numerous different kinds of thallium stress testing useable. 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 an excellent
test in the APPROPRIATE patient. Virtually all 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 substantially proven that
56% of all people who have a NORMAL Nuclear Stress Test have
enough early stage heart disease to warrant taking care of that patient as if they
have already had their first Heart Attack. That is why all men above 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. Particularly if you are
having any types of symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
While most doctors are informed about heart disease in general, it is very
hard for them to keep up on all facets of medicine. If your concerned
about heart disease for any reason then you should have your primary care doctor
refer you to a qualified cardiologist. A specialist should always have the best
references available at his fingertips. If you are experiencing 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
possible, 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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