Cardiac stress test
Cardiac Stress Test
A Cardiac Stress Test (pronounced: kahr-dee-ak stress test) is a medical procedure that measures the heart's ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment. The stress response is induced by exercise or drug stimulation.
Etymology
The term "Cardiac" is derived from the Greek word "kardia", meaning heart. "Stress Test" is a direct term used to describe a test that puts the body under stress to observe its response.
Procedure
The Cardiac Stress Test primarily involves the patient exercising on a treadmill or exercise bicycle while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram are monitored. In cases where the patient is unable to exercise, drugs such as Dobutamine or Adenosine are used to stimulate the heart.
Purpose
The main purpose of a Cardiac Stress Test is to identify if there's adequate blood flow to the heart during increasing levels of activity. It also helps in determining the likelihood of having Coronary Artery Disease.
Related Terms
- Electrocardiogram: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.
- Dobutamine: A drug that is used to stimulate the heart.
- Adenosine: A drug that is used to stimulate the heart.
- Coronary Artery Disease: A disease that occurs when the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged or diseased.
Risks
Like any medical procedure, a Cardiac Stress Test has potential risks. These may include abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, or in rare cases, death. It's important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before the test.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac stress test
- Wikipedia's article - Cardiac stress test
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