Stress Test Flashcards
Why use the STRESS TEST?
- Evaluates heart and blood vessels response to physical activity
- PERFORMED WHEN CORONARY VASCULAR DISEASE IS SUSPECTED
- Can diagnose chest pain, determine heart capacity after surgery
- Identify abnormal heart rhythms and determine heart medications
Define and mention the types of stress test:
THALLIUM STRESS TEST = Thallium is injected intravenously two minutes after regular test, invasive procedure that is evaluated after 3-4 hr period after exercise
PERSANTINE THALLIUM STRESS TEST = Performed on patients that cannot exercise due to amputations or paralysis
- Uses artificial exercise effect
What should the patient be aware of before performing test?
- No smoking/drinking/caffeine 3 hrs before the test
- No eating 2 hrs before the test
- Wear comfortable clothing/shoes
- Check medications
When should the stress test NOT be used?
It shouldn’t be performed on…
- Heart aneurysm
- Uncontrolled disturbances
- Inflammation of heart
- Anemia
- Hypertension
- Chest pain
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
List the steps of the procedure:
STEP 1 = Attach blood pressure cuff/electrodes and place them on the abdomen
STEP 2 = Perform 3 ECGS and bloodline to obtain baseline (Sitting,standing,supine)
- Divide into 2 stages of 3-5 min
- Exercise period is 15-30 min
- Patient must hyperventilate for 30 secs
What are the test goals?
- Achieve patients target rate without complications
- Target rate = 220 - (patients age) * (0.06 - 0.85)
- Follow heart rate percentage protocol
What should you monitor/ watch out for?
MONITOR: Blood pressure/ Pulse/ Signs of distress
WATCH FOR: Skin color (Cyanosis)/ Breathing pattern/ Amount of sweat & facial expressions of discomfort
What are the procedures to follow after the test?
- Monitor patient 10-20 min
- Use ECHOCARDIOGRAM/ CORONARY ANIOGRAM for abnormalities
- Inform patient avoidance of caffeine/ tobacco/ alcohol for 3 hrs
Test take 10 days to return
