Virtually all people at some point in their life will have to take a stress test of some form or another. Armed with sound information will help to ease any anxiety you may have at the mere idea of taking on a stress test. This commentary is committed to explaining the many different types of stress testing and hopefully makes you a more informed test subject.



1. Standard Pen and Paper Stress Test. These tests are the least "stressful"! You'll only need to answer a few questions about your life-style and general orientations. You will only help yourself by being honest and responding in as full detail as imaginable. What you are concerned about? What is going on in your life? These stress tests are a breeze. The results can often times lead to a more loosened up and stress free life. While you may be surprised at the final result, only those who take action will fully gain from these forms of stress tests.

2. Internet Stress Test. BEWARE!!! Many of these tests are planned to finally sell you something. Make sure the test is designed by a legitimate organization with no ulterior motives. While these tests can actually be humorous at times, it is emphatically a buyer beware marketplace.

3. Exercise Stress Test. This is the most introductory type of physical Stress Test. It is planned to give a physician a basic understanding of cardiac function and pulmonary function. A cardiologist will hook you up to an EKG and have you bit-by-bit increase the speed and incline of the treadmill until you are at a brisk jogging pace. With the latest engineering available in nuclear stress testing, this test is considered a dinosaur. If you are experiencing any symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, radiating arm pain or persistent shoulder blade pain then this test is going to very inadequate.

4. Thallium Stress Test. This is the most sophisticated physical stress test available. This test is typically administered to people who are getting chest pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms connected to end stage coronary artery disease. Thallium Stress tests are just like an exercise test in that your heart is "stressed" through exercise. The big difference is that there is imaging of the heart that is done as well after a small dose of radioactive dye is injected. This lets the cardiologist to view blood flow to the heart to see where deficiencies occur and consequently a narrowing greater than 70% is taking place. This will imply that end stage obstructive coronary artery disease is happening and an additional invasive procedure like cardiac catheterization is called upon. In some cases where someone is unable to run on a treadmill, the doctor will induce stress pharmacologically.

Our website has a description of the many different types of thallium stress testing available. They include the following: Adenosine Thallium Stress test, Bruce Protocol Stress Test, Persantine Thallium Stress Test, Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test, Cardiolite Thallium Stress Test and Cardiac Stress Test.

Stress Testing is a first-class test in the APPROPRIATE patient. Most people do not understand that 68% of all heart attacks occur in early stage heart disease that will go completely undetected by any type of Stress Test. It has been easily proven that 56% of all people who have a NORMAL Nuclear Stress Test have enough early stage heart disease to warrant dealing with that patient as if they have already had their first Heart Attack. That is why all men over the age of 35 and all women over the age of 45 should have an EBT Heart Scan. An Excellent source of information on this test can be found at http://www.innerimaging.com/

While stress testing diverges widely, the best place to start is your physician. Especially if you are undergoing any type of symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. While most doctors are informed about heart disease in general, it is very difficult for them to keep up on all aspects of medicine. If your concerned about heart disease for any reason then you must have your primary care doctor refer you to a qualified cardiologist. If you are undergoing sudden onset of chest pain or shortness of breath, DO NOT HESITATE! CALL AN AMBULANCE AT 911 IMMEDIATELY! These first symptoms may be your last.

If you live in the New York City area and would like to find the most proficient cardiac care imaginable, call 212-777-8900. This is the Center for Preventive Cardiology affiliated with the Heart Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center. They have all the latest technologies available to help you with you cardiac care. Help Your Heart Stay Healthy and visit http://www.helpyourheart.biz/