What is an Exercise Tolerance Test (Stress/Treadmill Test)?
This test is used to screen for active Heart Disease and to monitor those patients who have already been diagnosed. It is also used to screen those patients who have a strong family history of heart disease and also to determine a patient’s tolerance to exercise. Treatments are planned according to the results of the test. These treatments may include: beginning a nutrition/exercise program, further cardiac testing up to and including cardiac catheterization. A standard 12 lead EKG is used during the test while we increase the patient’s heart rate by having them walk on a treadmill. The patient’s physician is present for this testing procedure. What is Echocardiography? This is a specialized ultrasound of the heart, much like a pregnant woman would have to look at her unborn baby. It is used to look at the function of the valves, blood flow, and muscle function of the heart. This is a non-invasive test that takes approximately one hour to complete. The technician records the test and i
