How cardiac stress is done?

The cardiac stress test takes about an hour, including both the preparation time and the time it takes to administer the actual test. The final test only takes about 15 minutes. The patient is allowed to have a tension check while walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. If they are unable to do exercise, an intravenous drug that mimics exercise so as to increase blood flow to the heart is given to the patient.

Why Cardiac stress is used?

A cardiologist may recommend a Stress test to examine the conditions like coronary artery disease, irregular heart rate, and other heart diseases or disorders.

Coronary Artery Disease: Coronary artery disease occurs when a coronary artery carrying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart got damaged due to plaque formation.

Irregular Heart Rate: Sometimes, the heart beats very fast and sometimes slow due to improper functioning of electrical impulses that coordinate with heart rhythm. The irregular heart rate is called as Arrhythmias.

Your Cardiologist may take a stress test to decide the right time of cardiac surgery, heart transplant, and other surgeries. A more advanced nuclear stress test or echocardiographic test may also be suggested by the doctor if he is not able to diagnose the problem from the stress test.

Risks associated with Cardiac stress test

Stress tests are generally safe and secure as they are performed under the supervision of experts and doctors but some minor risks may occur during the test are chest pain, collapsing, fainting, heart attack, irregular heartbeat.

Before undergoing a stress test, always notify your cardiologist before the test about the medications you are taking as in some cases, the drug can interfere with the accuracy of the test.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Jugaadin.com does not claim responsibility for this information.

For those who survive after heart attack, the prevention of subsequent coronary events and the maintenance of physical functioning are the major challenges. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are recognized as integral to the comprehensive care of patients with heart attack said Dr. Dinesh Sehgal leading cardiologist (Sapra Multispeciality Hospital, hisar)

Follow below tips for healthy heart

•  Physical activity/Exercise is recommended /prescribed for patients with heart attack.

•  20- 60 minutes of Walking, running, cycling or swimming, etc. 3-5 days per week, 8-10 different exercises for both upper and lower body, 2-3 days per week.

•   Monitor for abnormal signs and symptoms, i.e., chest pain, dizziness, and dysrhythmias as exercise may precipitate cardiovascular complications in heart attack patients.

•  Patients with stable angina (Chest Pain) should always carry nitroglycerin and be educated in its use.

There can be individual variations in diet, but in general 50-60% calories come from carbohydrates like whole grains, peas, beans etc.  20-30% from fats like beef, lamb, dairy foods etc,15-20% from proteins Like fish, nuts, poultry etc. Meal should contain one portion of protein, two portions of grains and three portions of vegetables.

Avoid consumption of margarine, oily or fried foods, red meat, sweet preparations like cakes, (remove) pastries, margarine and carbonated drinks. Foods high in magnesium helps to protect heart, include foods such as broccoli, potatoes, spinach, and wheat germ.

•  Include servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in a diet.

•   Decrease salt and sugar intake, Stop smoking and decrease intake of alcohol.

•   keep a check on blood sugar and blood pressure value.

Here is how quickly we can get on with our day to day work

•   Patient can start driving after 6 to 8 weeks

•  Patient can resume to work after 4 to 6 weeks after myocardial infarction.

Continue your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before starting/initiating any of the activity.