Cardiac Stress Test

A cardiac stress test is an important measurement of the toxins within someones arteries and any genetic problems that may have been previously undiagnosed. Coronary artery disease is a major cause of heart attack, sudden death, and even mild chest pain. Undergoing a comprehensive heart stress test will educate a person on the severity of a problem. This may include the discovery of other underlying diseases such as diabetes or even a genetic heart malfunction. Whatever the outcome of a heart stress test, the solution is almost always the same: change in lifestyle and diet. With these changes in place, a person can be confident in the positive direction their health is headed. A cardiac stress test checks for build up in the arteries that may lead to a future heart attack or stroke. Sharing all information concerning family history and unique lifestyle choices makes the doctors response much more comprehensive and complete.
Two types of procedures can be performed in order to reveal the same data: exercise and physiologic. While the exercise version of a heart stress test physically stimulates the body causing the environment in which a problem may occur, a physiologic version tests the same details, but with the administration of chemicals to do so. The latter method is used for older people or people who are disabled. An exercise cardiac stress test involves walking on a treadmill at specially determined speeds and inclinations in order to track to body’s breaking point for function. Stress in daily life can lead to the same sort of results. During this time and EKG, heart rate, blood pressure, and general physical feeling is recorded in order to make a diagnosis. It is important to note that these tests are not 100% accurate and could lead to misdiagnosis. Multiple tests are ideal if the patient or insurance company can afford it. During additional tests an ultrasound of the heart may be taken as well as an injection of radionucleide in order to get better results. These additions to a heart stress test can enable the doctor to see things he or she couldn’t see before and may result in a diagnosis completely different than before. With an inside look at the heart at rest and at peak exercise, doctors can make a much clearer diagnosis than careful record of heart rate alone. Likewise, medications can simulate the stress created through exercise and the same additional testing measures can be recorded. In addition to these tests, an Ultrafast CT can also be used, but instead of measuring heart rate it is designed to check for calcium deposits built up in the coronary arteries.

Another type of test is a coronary angiography. This is a procedure where a special camera is inserted in the body via a small tube with contrast, offers complex information about the body’s nutrient build-ups and deficiencies. This may include calcium, protein, and plaque build-up in the arteries. Once the cardiac stress test results are discussed an action plan must be put into place. Whether a problem currently exists or not, some type of health dysfunction led to administering the test. Therefore, careful planning for sustained good health or healing is imperative. This plan may include a change in diet, exercise, stress environment, and living circumstances. Simple changes for a living environment include removing oneself from any secondhand smoke and drugs as well as loud music and stressful people. If some of these suggestions are not possible, then finding ways to minimize exposure is needed. “And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:” (Exodus 18:4)

Dietary changes can be developed through careful planning with a nutritionist possibly recommended by the cardiologist. The test may show the need for certain extra parameters taken in addition to a general healthy diet. This may be because of extra build up of calcium found during the procedure or careful evaluation of a unique family history. The earlier a healthy lifestyle is implemented in life, the better the chances a person has of successfully reversing effects or managing the current condition. A boost of Omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and fresh foods is a great way to start any dietary change after receiving the results of a heart stress test. In addition, increased amounts of water consumed every day can help flush out toxins and unwanted vitamin buildup. At first a total body detoxification may be necessary in order for increased benefit to take place with any further actions taken. This can be done a variety of ways depending on unique health issues and personal preference. A natural health professional can aid in making the right choice concerning detoxification. Learning as much as possible concerning the way the body digests and uses food will enable anyone to successfully make healthy choices with food and life.

With many different options available, implementing an exercise plan is simply a matter of making the most reasonable decision. First and foremost, a person has to want to change his or her exercise habits, and then it is up to what reasonably fits into a persons schedule. A cardiac stress test can be the motivator and the determinant of the extent of physical activity needed in order to make the impact needed. This may be simple exercise like a walk around the block every night or something extreme like weight training, 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, and stretching alternated throughout the week. Whatever the goal, the key to success is gradual increase until the desired amount is met. Understanding the risk of some exercise programs as well as the benefits they offer will help a person focus on the safest activity possible.