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Types of Stress Testing

Stress tests give your doctor an idea of how well your body, especially your heart, is able to efficiently deal with stress. Using imaging techniques, regulation of breathing and related techniques show detect any indications of possible coronary heart disease.

  1. Exercise Stress Test

    • During this type of stress testing, an electrocardiogram (EKG), is done on the patient to get a record of electric signals passing through a person's heart. Breathing and blood pressure are also monitored. This shows the ups and downs in the electrical signalling of the heart and also can inform the doctor if it is not getting enough blood flow while exercising.

    Echocardiography

    • During this test, sound waves give the doctor an animated image of the heart while you are exercising and its overall working efficiency. In addition, it can point problem spots out, such as improper blood flow and problems with the walls of the heart.

    PET Stress Test

    • The patient has a dye injected into him that can be detected by a special machine due to its radioactivity. The machine creates an image of the heart and the blood flowing into it. Doctors are able to see how much of the dye reaches the heart during rest and exercise, therefore indicating if blood flow is adequate..

    Adenosine Test for Stress

    • During a Adenosine Test, the patient has a drug administered that causes the heart to work as if the body were exercising. The doctor can monitor the person's heart, seeing how well it works under stress. This test is very useful for those who are physically unable to exercise.

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