Stress Testing

Exercise Stress Tests

Exercise stress testing is a non-invasive method to evaluate your heart’s function and pattern of heart rate during activity. It is indicated to check your heart’s tolerance to activity, assess the effectiveness of cardiac treatment and determine your chances of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise stress testing utilizes electrocardiograms (performed with leads placed on the chest) while exercising on a treadmill

Nuclear Stress Tests (Non-walking)

While exercise stress testing is a great way to evaluate cardiac abnormalities, many people are unable to exercise on a treadmill. In those situations, we utilize nuclear stress tests to evaluate the blood flow to the heart and to evaluate heart function. The test involves using medicine which simulates exercise on the heart, and nuclear imaging is used to measure blood flow to the heart.

Nuclear Stress Test (Exercise)

Nuclear stress testing is a test used to evaluate the heart’s function and blood flow to the heart. Most notably it is used to look for blockages in the arteries to the heart which may cause chest pain or shortness of breath. This test combines a standard exercise stress test with imaging of the blood flow to the heart. Prior to the standard exercise stress test an intravenous line is placed an you are given a dose of nuclear medicine. A picture of the heart is then taken. A standard exercise stress test is then performed, following by a second set of pictures. The exercise stress test entails walking on a treadmill with graded increase in exercise.

Echo Stress Tests

Exercise stress echocardiogram is a test performed to evaluate your heart’s function and pattern of heart rate during activity. It is indicated to check your heart’s tolerance to activity, assess the effectiveness of cardiac treatment and determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise stress echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart activity while you exercise or while given medications that simulates stress on the heart.