Stress Test (TMT)
Improving
Endurance with
Stress Test
Stress test,
also known as Treadmill Test (TMT), is a diagnostic technique used to evaluate
the accurate response of the cardiovascular system to stress. It
comprehensively analyses the functioning of heart muscles, valves, and other
vessels in response to extreme physical stress. It offers valuable information
about the heart health and its response to stress to enable diagnosis of
various heart and vascular disorders. The target heart rate is set based on the
patients’ age and health condition. Depending on the results of the stress
test, healthcare providers can then assess if additional tests such as
angiography to determine if there are any blockages in the coronary arteries.
Overview of the Key Aspects of Stress Test
Types of Stress Test
There are
various types of stress tests done depending on the need for cardiac health
evaluation. Standard exercise test, which is performed majorly, is when a
target heart rate is set depending on patient’s parameters. Nuclear stress
tests involve injecting a radioactive tracer to assess the blood flow in the
heart. Stress echocardiogram is a combination of stress test and 2D echo to
evaluate heart functioning and assess if there are any abnormalities.
Procedure:
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Before the procedure begins,
healthcare providers will check patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and
baseline ECG readings.
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Patients will be asked to
change into comfortable and loose fitting clothes to prevent any complications
during the procedure.
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Electrodes will be placed on
the patient’s chest, arms, or legs which will record cardiac activities and
impulses throughout the exercise.
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The patients are then advised
to start walking on the treadmill at a slow place.
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The speed of the treadmill is
then gradually increased to elevate the physical exertion.
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Blood pressure, heart rate, and
ECG readings are continually monitored during the test and patients may be
asked to detail symptoms such as chest discomfort, fatigue, or dizziness they
might experience during the test.
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The test mag be stopped if the
patient reaches the target heart rate, there are significant changes in the
ECG, or the discomfort worsens.
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After the test is stopped,
patients will be asked to continue walking at decreasing pace to gradually slow
down.
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Once done, patients may be
under observation to monitor heart rate, ECG readings, and the symptoms that
were reported.
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Once vital signs are stable,
electrodes will be removed from the patient’s body and they can return to their
normal activities.
Benefits:
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Relatively painless and
non-invasive
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Helps in assessing
cardiovascular health and diagnosing a wide range of heart conditions
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Allows timely medical
intervention by detecting severe heart conditions such as arrhythmia and
coronary artery disease at early stages
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Provides detailed information
about exercise capacity and endurance
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Heart health data enables
development of personalised exercise and health plans
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Helps in determining problems
with blood flow, heart rate, or ECG patterns based on heart’s response to
physical stress
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Helps in assessing the risk of
cardiac arrest, heart failure, and cardiovascular complications
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Helps in monitoring treatment
effect in patients with cardiac diseases or disorders
Before the test,
it is important for the patients to provide all necessary information about
their medical conditions to the health care providers. If a patient is taking
any medications such as beta blockers, prescription and over-the-counter
medications, or heart-rate controlling medications, he/she should inform the
doctor as they may need to be discontinued temporarily before the test to
prevent false readings. If the patient has diabetes, have undergone a procedure
involving contrast dye, or have allergic reactions to the gels used, they must
inform the healthcare provider to prevent any complications from occurring
during the test. In addition, it is imperative for the patient to inform of
their pregnancy as the stress induced during the test may not be suitable and
advisable for a pregnant woman.
