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A chemical stress test procedure is conducted to ensure the blood flows smoothly into the heart and its arteries, especially when the heart undergoes physical stress. In a chemical stress test, a chemical is introduced intravenously and this simulates intense physical activity on the heart.
So what is a chemical stress test? A chemical stress test involves an MRI, echocardiogram and nuclear imaging to diagnose heart condition. A chemical stress test is called for when a patient has had a stroke, has arthritis or chronic backache, and is unable to undergo a physical stress test on a stationary bicycle or treadmill. A chemical stress test is conducted when a patient shows signs and symptoms of fatigue, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. Doctors may also recommend a stress test if the patient has blocked arteries, is recovering after a heart attack, or as a follow up on any heart surgery.
Chemical stress test side effects include the following:
• Flushing
• Headache and vomiting, accompanied by heavy sweating
• Pain in the chest
• Irregular heartbeat
• Panting or shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling of fear or anxiety
In extremely rare cases during a chemical stress test, the patient might also have a heart attack.
Chemical stress test procedure A patient is advised to abstain from food and fluid intake two to three hours prior to the chemical stress test. Medications too should be discontinued 24 hours or two days before the test. Patients with diabetes, bronchitis, or asthma should not undertake this test. The doctor too should be told about their current health condition (in the case of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD).
A doctor will call for
• A complete physical examination
• Checking current medication
• An echocardiogram (ultrasound) to determine heart shape, size and movement and proper valve function
• Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) to determine heart’s rhythm while at rest
A patient is monitored 24/7 by electrocardiogram sensors on his/her chest. His/her blood pressure is also regularly checked. The patient is also hooked to an intravenous radioactive chemical that simulates physical stress on the heart. As a result, the arteries of the heart expand to allow more blood flow, but the IV prevents the increased blood and also prevents free flow of blood into the affected or narrowed arteries. Doctors then are able to study the images thus taken, and diagnose heart disorders and/or blocked arteries. The diagnosis also helps them evaluate causes for such conditions, and effectively arrive at suitable remedies and subsequent treatment.
The patient is allowed to go home once his blood pressure, heartbeat and ECG readings come back to normal.
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