Cardiac Consultation and Multistage Stress ECG
Dr Tony Tom offers cardiac consultations at his practice for all your heart related questions, ailments and conditions. If a heart problem is suspected, Dr Tony Tom can perform multistage stress electrocardiograms (ECGs) which can assist in diagnosis and treatment.
A common reason doctors use an exercise stress test is to look for coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a condition where the arteries that deliver blood to the heart muscle are narrowed or completely blocked. Coronary artery disease should be addressed because it is one of the most common causes of death. The test garners information about how well your heart works as you exercise. The rationale is that your heart is pumping harder and faster than it does during most of your regular daily activities, therefore the test may be able to reveal problems within your heart that might not have been noticeable otherwise.
The multistage stress test (also known as the Bruce protocol), begins with the doctor placing sticky patches — called electrodes — onto your chest, legs and arms. The electrodes are connected by wires to the ECG machine. The patient then starts walking slowly on the treadmill while the ECG records the electrical signals that trigger your heartbeats. A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure during the test. As the test progresses, the speed and incline of the treadmill increases. The test can be modified for older, or more frail people. The goal is to have the heart work hard for about eight to twelve minutes to thoroughly monitor its function. Patients usually continue exercising until symptoms develop that do not allow them to continue, or doctor may stop the test sooner if he sees fit. Results are calculated and there will be a brief follow-up.
In order to prepare for the stress test, you will have to:
- Skip the caffeine for at least 24 hours before testing (no coffee, green tea, or supplements containing caffeine).
- Skip a meal - you need to have an empty stomach, so don’t eat before you have a stress test. Patients can exercise longer and more safely when they are not full.
- Begin exercising in the weeks prior to the test. You should strive to perform some type of daily activity, especially if you are not an active person or if you have a job where you are not active.
- Discuss with us what medications you are on, because some medications slow the heart rate down too much.
- If you have diabetes talk to us. Dr Tom will advise you on your diabetes medications and the safety of skipping a meal.