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.

Dr. Dinesh Sehgal, an Interventional cardiologist at Sapra Multispecialty Hospital explaining the diseases that affect the circulatory system or cardiovascular system. By observing the signs and symptoms of these diseases and visiting cardiologists on time, diseases can be prevented and treated.

The 7 main diseases that can affect the circulatory system or Heart includes

1. Atherosclerosis:  In atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries occurs and it happens when plaque made of cholesterol, fat, and calcium builds upon the walls of arteries and eventually blocks blood flow. It is also known as coronary artery disease.  This blockage increases blood pressure.

2. Heart Attack: Heart attacks occur when there is a shortage of blood supply to the heart due to blockage in arteries causes the heart muscle to damage. Symptoms can be a pain in the center or left side of the chest, shortness of breath, severe sweating, etc.

3. Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia: arrhythmia means “no rhythm” and dysrhythmia means “abnormal rhythm.” which means both are related to abnormal heart rate or rhythm.

4. Heart failure: When heart muscle gets weakened or damaged causes heart failure or congestive heart failure. In this condition, the heart is not able to pump blood around the body.

5. Peripheral artery disease: Peripheral artery disease is a type of atherosclerosis that usually occurs in legs. It causes less blood supply to legs cause cramps and sores in the legs.

6. High Blood Pressure: When force or pressure of the blood flowing through the vessels gets high due to any blockage is known as High Blood pressure.

7. Stroke: A stroke can happen when one of the vessels that lead to the brain either becomes blocked by a blood clot or bursts. This stops blood flow and prevents oxygen from getting to the brain.

Conditions likely to raise chances of Circulatory diseases

High cholesterol causes narrowing of vessels which increases the chances of a person getting a blood clot. Overweight or obese people also have more possibility of developing circulatory diseases. Being active can reduce the risk. By doing regular exercise a person can keep the heart-healthy. Genetic factors are also there for the occurrence of heart diseases.

When to See a Cardiologist

Cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart failure, heart attack are dangerous, life-threatening and need medical advice as early as possible. Always consult a cardiologist and medical practitioner for a healthy heart lifestyle.

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.