The Stress Test As An Important Diagnostic Tool In Medicine

Nuclear stress tests involve the use of low dosage radioactive chemicals in heart stress tests. The idea of the test is to get a visualization of how blood flows through the heart.

Doctors perform these tests because they want to see if there is any diminished blood flow. If blood flow is lower than regular, this serves as an alarm that there is a restriction, either in the heart or other arteries. Nuclear tests can be performed on patients during exercise or while at rest. It is referred to as a stress test because exercise places stress on the entire cardiovascular system, including the heart.

If you are noticing symptoms of heart disease, then a cardiac stress test might be ordered to check for blockage that may be in your cardiovascular system. Stress tests are very essential because many time there is no noticeable indication when a person is not under stress. Or, any other accompanying problem that is not detected because the heart is not under pressure. That really only makes sense in a lot of ways because just like any other mechanical system, the problems are not apparent until there is a higher demand placed on it. Stress tests are performed because a doctor wishes to see how healthy the heart of his or her patient is. But that is not the only reason for a stress test in every single situation. Determining the right amount of exercise for a patient to perform is another reason stress tests are used. Determining the level of risk of various events, such as cardiac arrest, occurring is another reason stress tests are employed. However, since a stress test is primarily used to check the condition of the heart, then obviously the doctor wants to have it done for a reason. However, simply because one is required, doesn't mean a patient should worry.

There is a reliability factor involved with the isotope stress test, and the degree of reliability depends on several key factors.

A particular heart rate must be reached and the image must also be quite clear. If these important factors are satisfied, then this type of stress test can offer a reliable diagnosis in approximately 85% of coronary artery disease cases. Since there are plenty of other factors that have an impact on accuracy, there is little chance of obtaining an infallible diagnosis. Of course there are also false positives in addition to a range of conditions that can interfere with making an accurate diagnosis.

The nuclear stress test is critical to any doctor when looking to determine whether or not the heart suffers from any diseases. If you ever require a nuclear stress test, make sure to ask your doctor a lot of questions. The more questions you ask, the better your knowledge of the situation will be as well as what your condition is.

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