Cardiac Stress Testing
At West Michigan Cardiology we offer several different types of cardiac stress testing. Cardiac stress testing is a screening tool used to evaluate a patients risk for coronary artery disease. Stress testing can be performed by walking on a treadmill OR with the use of medications in those patients who are physically unable to walk on the treadmill. During the test the patients vitals signs and EKGs are closely monitored.
Your cardiologist will evaluate your condition and discuss what type of test is best suited for your needs.
Types of stress testing available
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Nuclear Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Nuclear stress testing is a diagnostic test to measure blood flow to the heart muscle and aids in diagnosing blockages in the coronary arteries.
The Grand Rapids location uses an upright, triple head Gamma Camera and our Greenville location uses a supine triple head Gamma Camera. These cameras produce images of the heart muscle that can be reviewed by your cardiologist.
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Stress echocardiogram
Stress echocardiography is a diagnostic test that assess how well the heart is pumping before and after exercise. This test aids in the diagnosis of blockages in the coronary arteries, along with valvular heart disease. This test can be done by walking on the treadmill or with the use of medications.
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Treadmill EKG Testing
Treadmill EKG testing is a diagnostic screening test that assessed for an EKG changes during exercise. This test aids int he diagnosis of blockages in the coronary arteries as well as any exercise induced heart arrhythmias.