WHY A CARDIAC STRESS TEST?

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In the image above, Jim is having a stress test done.
This was ordered by his doctor following recovery from 
a MI ( Myocardial Infarction).

A stress test may be ordered for a number of reasons:

- the patient with a history of Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD), 
- to assess any damage after a heart attack 
-  post surgical intervention, 

During the stress test, the patient is made to walk the
treadmill, without incline. The level of speed is increased

every three minutes.Tolerance to the test is documented.

This will include : EKG, oxygen saturation, heart rate
and blood pressure.

Monitoring for complaints of : chest pain, dizziness, 

shortness of breath, EKG changes and hypotension
is also done.

A list of medications used for cardiac patients, are
listed above.

Hemodynamics and its meaning

Hemodynamics refers to blood flow.

 The heart is a pump, which pumps blood around the body.
 If there is damage, like a myocardial infarction, the heart's
 function will be impaired.

Learn more : Hemodynamics

Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere
and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual
damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack, may very
readily complain of chest pain.

The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when
assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10.
A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to|
the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10.

It is important to do a pain assessment after pain
medication has been given. See image for more
information.