38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
The most commonly used cardiac stress test is the Exercise Stress ECG test. This test involves having a patient run on a treadmill to increase their heart rate. Electrodes placed on your body will monitor your heart’s electrical activity as you exercise.
An Exercise Stress Echocardiogram is similar to the ECG treadmill test, except that ultrasound technology is used to obtain images of the heart at rest, and after exercising. This increases the accuracy of the test to determine if there are significant coronary artery blockages.
If you have health problems that prevent you from being able to exercise, a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (DSE) can be used to chemically trigger your heart to beat faster and image it while it is stressed.
Dobutamine is a substance that can be injected into your body to imitate the effects of exercise and increase your heart rate. An echocardiogram can then be taken while your heart rate is elevated to determine if there are any abnormalities.
A Myocardial Perfusion Scan, also known as a Nuclear Perfusion Stress Test, is an imaging test to check the rate of blood flow through the heart, and how well the heart muscle is working.
This test may be done either during rest or exercise and uses a minute amount of radioactive substance. A special camera known as a Positron Emission Technology (PET) scanner is used to determine the areas where healthy heart muscle has absorbed the tracer.
Results from a Myocardial Perfusion Scan can show areas of poor blood flow or damaged heart muscle.
Cardiac stress tests are generally very safe as they are non-invasive and conducted in a clinical setting where a medical team is on hand to provide assistance where necessary.
During the stress test, you may feel breathless as you exercise and your heart rate increases. For safety, you will be monitored throughout the test and it will be stopped if there are any warning signs.
Possible but rare side-effects of cardiac stress testing include abnormal heart rhythms, or heart attacks.
Check with your cardiologist about any medication you are currently taking. For males it is recommended to shave your chest hair before coming to ensure that the electrodes can stick to your skin during an ECG.
Take a light meal before the test and bring along running shoes, socks, and exercise attire for the test.
After the stress test, you will be monitored for several minutes until your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG returns to normal levels. You will then discuss your results with Dr Tay.
We provide a range of Specialist Cardiovascular services
In order to maximize the interaction between you and your cardiologist at your next visit, it is best to come prepared. There are materials you should bring with you and ways you should prepare for your appointment.
Always bring a list of your current medications. A list detailing your current medications (including name, dose, and frequency of use) is an invaluable resource for your cardiologist.
Carry a list of your health care providers including name, address, telephone number, and condition being followed. This will help ensure that communication between your cardiologist and all of your other care providers is complete.
Compile a list of your past health history. Important to include are any surgical procedures (with at least approximate dates), a list of any major prior or ongoing illnesses/health issues, and a list of any major tests, especially if performed within the last year. Knowing past health events can help the physician make a diagnosis or prescribe the best course of treatment.
Compile a family health history of close blood relatives. From a cardiology perspective, what you are especially interested in finding out is whether any of your relatives have been diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or aneurysm. A family history of health events can provide clues as to what illnesses/conditions you may be at risk for developing.
If you have them, bring in copies of any recent lab results and any other test results from the past year, especially if the testing took place with a different health care provider. This will help avoid duplicating tests unnecessarily. Quality care begins with good communication and a good cardiologist will take time to listen to the patient and to suggest the best possible treatment option.
A second opinion from an experienced cardiologist involves a thorough review of your medical history and test results, as well as a reassessment of your overall diagnosis.
A 12-lead Electrocardiogram is a medical diagnostic test that uses lead or electrodes attached to the body to capture the electrical activity of the heart.
An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart which provides a clear image of your heart structure, heart strength and wall movements, and the surrounding blood vessels. It is a powerful tool to help diagnose and assess certain heart conditions.
A cardiac stress test can reveal how your heart performs when it is under stress. Some issues only surface when your heart rate increases, and therefore cardiac stress testing can reveal hidden heart problems.