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Stress Testing
A cardiac stress test is a screening test that is used to determine if a patient is getting enough blood flow or is experiencing potential blockage during exercise. This test is also used to determine exercise capacity. Ten electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest to monitor his/her heart rhythm while walking on a treadmill.
The physician is present during the test and monitors the patient’s heart rhythm and blood pressure. The stress test may include cardiolite. A cardiolite test includes two injections of a nuclear medicine and two sets of nuclear images or heart pictures to help determine the potential blockage. A regular stress test takes one hour and the cardiolite test takes four to five hours.
A cardiopulmonary stress test is performed on a bike or on a treadmill. A mouthpiece is placed in the patient’s mouth and nose clips are placed on the patient’s nose. The patient is either riding a bike or walking on a treadmill while information is collected to determine the patient’s exercise tolerance, exercise effects on the heart and the his/her maximal oxygen consumption.
For more information, please contact the FMC Cardiovascular Services Department at (740) 687-8170.
