Detect Coronary Disease with GE Stress Test Systems
A stress test is a tool physicians utilize to assess heart health, including the detection of significant coronary artery disease. Also called a treadmill test or exercise test, a stress test with the GE/Marquette CASE GE Stress Test Systems helps doctors find out how well the heart handles work.
The stress test can reveal if there is reduced blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart, often a sign of blockage. As the body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart.
During exercise, healthy coronary arteries dilate more than those with blockage. Narrowed arteries provide less blood and oxygen to certain areas of the heart. The lack of oxygen can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, and irregular heart beat.
Despite advances in disease prevention, coronary artery disease remains a major cause of illness and death in the United States. The exercise stress test is a useful tool for detecting coronary artery disease and for evaluating medical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation.
Exercise Requirements Exercise stress testing using the GE/Marquette MAX Personal GE Stress Test Systems is appropriate in persons who plan to engage in vigorous exercise. The test is recommended for use in women 50 years and older and men 40 years and older.
Before testing begins the attendant will record the resting heart rate and blood pressure, and then twelve adhesive electrodes are attached to the torso, as well as a blood pressure cuff on the arm.
During the test the person walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bicycle while hooked up to equipment like the GE/Marquette MAX-1 GE Stress Test Systems. The test monitors heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrical activity, and the person's level of tiredness.
A physician may recommend an exercise stress test to diagnose coronary artery disease; diagnose heart related issues like chest pain and shortness of breath; determine a safe level of exercise; check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation or predict heart-related conditions such as a heart attack.
In addition to a GE Stress Test Systems, facilities should also have a medical crash cart and defibrillator readily available as well as someone who has advanced cardiac life support skills.