EXERCISE STRESS TEST EARLY INDICATOR OF HEART ATTACK

BERTAM, 26 May 2016 - Exercise Stress Test (EST) is a non-invasive procedure which does not create breaks in the skin or involve inserting an instrument into the body.  This test is conducted using exercise where someone walks or runs on a treadmill and their electrocardiogram (ECG) is monitored throughout the exercise. According to AMDI Medical Specialist, Dr. Tan Kok Leng, the test takes around 10-12 minutes. The test is stopped when a certain stress is achieved or when the patient shows early symptoms of a heart attack.

“This test is typically conducted on patients who have a high risk of atherosclerosis where the coronary artery gets narrow due to cholesterol build up. Atherosclerosis causes less blood to be sent to the heart during exercise. This is also known as angina pectoris. Early detection of this disease also reduces myocardial infarction, which can be treated in its early stages,” he explains.

With the EST, the doctor is able to determine the physically abilities based on their heart beat and this would also help determine the overall risk prior to surgery. According to Dr. Tan, AMDI hopes to provide better service by combining EST with Myocardial Perfusion Imaging' (MPI) in the future.“MPI is an imaging test which helps determine blood perfusion in the heart muscles.

The area that is not getting enough blood flow will be able to be detected,” Dr. Tan comments. The EST which is now offered in AMDI will benefit people living in North Seberang Perai and the USM staff. Those with high risk and who would like these services can obtain a referral from their doctor or through the package offered by AMDI Fitness Lab.For more information, please contact the Clinical Complex at 04-5622693.

Text : Faisal Jamaludin / Photo: Norizan Ishak / Translator: Kumitaa  A/P  Theva Das