These tests help diagnose heart disease and can guide treatment for systemic problems, such as long Covid and diabetes; the Brazilian Society of Cardiology has just published a new guideline on the topic
Although it is a simple test that has been used for decades, the ergometry test – the popular treadmill test – is still very current and serves as the first option for diagnosing problems with cardiac symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. But it is also important to evaluate those who have systemic diseases, such as for example covid long and requires practice physical activity as part of the treatment.
This information is part of a new guideline, recently published by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), which brings together a review of over a thousand studies on the topic. “These tests are based on cardiac symptoms and are essential as part of a check-up,” says cardiologist Augusto Uchida, head of ergometry at the Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital.
Although the treadmill is the most common, the doctor explains it There are different types of exercise tests. In common, everyone evaluates how Heart it works under stress, allowing it to detect diseases that may not show signs when the organ is at rest. They are used to diagnose obstructions, hypertension and heart failure, as well as monitoring the response to treatments, adjusting the use of medications and post-operative recovery.
In patients with dyspnea, for example, it is possible to know whether the origin is cardiovascular or pulmonary, or both – and also whether the person is simply “out of shape”.
“Physical activity is part of the treatment of several diseases, including metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, and even cancer. Some, like long Covid, cause lung damage and can also damage the cardiovascular system. Exercise tests help to better define the consequences, as well as provide information for the individualized prescription of physical activity, which is part of rehabilitation and treatment”, explains cardiologist Tales de Carvalho, coordinator of the SBC guideline.
However, These tests must be performed by specialized doctors who can deal with complications, since serious problems can arise right at the time of the test. The location must have equipment such as defibrillators, drugs to control arrhythmias and staff trained to intervene in the event of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The Einstein Agency listened to experts to explain the tests. See recommendations for each below.
Stress test
It is the most basic and first option for diagnosing arrhythmias, obstructions and hypertension, among other things. In it, the patient is monitored using electrodes, which perform an electrocardiogram while walking on the treadmill or pedaling a bicycle. A device measures blood pressure. The test is stopped when the person reaches physical exhaustion or maximum physical exertion, or when bothersome symptoms or an abnormality in monitoring appear.
“With the emergence of new, more sophisticated tests, it was believed that the old exercise test was becoming obsolete. We want to emphasize that it is still extremely useful, highly convenient and offers a lot of information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment,” says Oak.
Cardiopulmonary exercise test
Similar to the treadmill test, the main difference is that the patient performs the exercise wearing a mask, which covers the nose and mouth and serves to evaluate lung capacity. With information on gas exchange, it allows you to analyze your oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and lung ventilation and shows what your physical condition is like. Indispensable for athletes, it is also recommended for those who regularly practice physical activity, as it indicates the best heart rate for safe activity, helping to develop training plans.
“The test improves the prescription of physical exercise in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs even for patients, including those who are very weak, with heart failure, chronic lung disease or severe coronary heart disease, among others,” explains Carvalho.
With images
When previous tests raise doubts, explains the cardiologist, stress tests that combine imaging can be performed. Are they:
- Ecostress
This is an echocardiogram, which is a type of ultrasound of the heart, in which the doctor views images of the organ while the person exercises, usually cycling. May be requested when there are concerns about obstructions.
- Myocardial scintigraphy
This is a nuclear medicine test, which uses contrast (a radioactive substance) and helps visualize the functioning and irrigation of the heart, identifying ischemia, among other problems. It is performed on patients who are at higher risk or who already have coronary heart disease, for example.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
