Cardiac Stress Test Services
Clinico Cardiac Stress Test Services at Mulund
Also known as treadmill test, TMT test or exercise electrocardiogram, the cardiac stress test is conducted at our Mulund West Center with prior appointments. This test helps determine whether a person is at risk of having heart disease.
What is a Cardiac Stress Test?
Used to evaluate the condition of the cardiovascular system (heart & blood vessels), the cardiac stress test is generally carried out on a treadmill or stationary cycle.
It measures the heart’s response to intense physical activity in a controlled environment and compares the circulation measurements noted down at rest with those captured at the highest level of exertion.
Also sometimes known as cardiac exercise test, it’s primarily used to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) but can also be utilised to monitor the health condition of people diagnosed with other heart diseases.
Cardiac Stress Test Common Procedure
- Vitals noted down at rest
- Start walking on the treadmill or stationary cycle
- Vitals checked and noted down after every 3 minutes as treadmill intensity rises
- Exercise continues until you get close to your maximum heart rate
- Cool down in a steady manner
Elements of Cardiac Stress Test
Comprising various elements, the cardiac stress test can help detect a heart blockage in multiple ways. This includes:
- Blood Oxygen Level Monitoring
- Pulse & Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Besides diagnosing CAD, a cardiac stress test can also provide a good idea about the scale of the heart blockage in a person.
For example, suppose you experience symptoms of ischemia [a condition in which blood (and hence oxygen) is blocked/decreased in a body part] after a small amount of exercise. In that case, the blockage is usually major and requires urgent medical attention.
Whereas, if the ischemia symptoms are experienced at high levels of exercise, then the blockage is generally not severe and may change the course of treatment employed by the doctor.
Additionally, periodic stress tests can also be carried out to monitor the development of congestive heart failure (heart not pumping blood in a normal manner) or evaluate a person’s recovery from a heart attack.
Cardiac Stress Test Risks & Contraindications
Although a comparatively safe & controlled test, the cardiac stress test can be risky for people with advanced heart disease. It can cause chest pains, fainting, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and even heart attack in such people.
However, the general risk of this test is perceived as low if a doctor feels it’s suitable for you.
