At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, we offer stress testing, a valuable diagnostic tool used to evaluate heart function and detect cardiovascular abnormalities. Stress testing assesses how well the heart responds to exertion and helps identify underlying heart conditions, guiding treatment decisions effectively.

Test Overview:

Stress testing, also known as an exercise stress test or treadmill test, measures the heart’s response to physical activity or pharmacological stress. During the test, the patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bicycle while connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to monitor heart rhythm and function.

Indications for Stress Testing:

Stress testing may be recommended to:

• Assess symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Evaluate heart function before surgery or starting an exercise program.
• Monitor the effectiveness of cardiac treatments or interventions.
• Assessing coronary artery disease.

Procedure:

The stress test begins with the patient walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. The intensity of exercise gradually increases, and the ECG records changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and electrical activity. The test continues until the target heart rate is achieved, or symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue occur.

Interpretation and results:

A cardiologist interprets the stress test results, assessing heart rhythm, blood pressure response, and any changes in ECG patterns indicative of heart disease. Normal results suggest good heart function and adequate blood flow to the heart during exertion. Abnormal findings may indicate CAD, arrhythmias, or other cardiac abnormalities, requiring further evaluation and treatment.

At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, our skilled cardiology team utilizes state-of-the-art stress testing equipment to provide accurate assessments of heart health. If you require a stress test or have symptoms suggestive of heart disease, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for expert cardiac evaluation and personalized care.