In the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the top cause of death for women, taking an estimated 300,000 lives in 2017 alone: that is 1 in every 5 deaths.
The increasing CVD-related death rates in women have prompted experts to shine a spotlight on the importance of cardiac tests, such as cardiopulmonary stress tests. A cardiopulmonary stress test essentially enables the doctor to assess the function of the heart and lungs at rest and during exercise.
Read on to learn more about the significant role of the cardiopulmonary stress tests in the early detection of CVD in women as well as how it works.
Why Cardiopulmonary Stress Test is Important
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that not only is cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death among women; it also causes atypical symptoms in women. Men often experience sweats, chest pain, and loss of consciousness. Women, on the other hand, usually experience jaw pain or indigestion, which may seem less severe or can be mistaken for other unrelated conditions.
Experts debunk the notion that CVD only occurs in older women. Regardless of age, women should take heart disease seriously, all the more so if the person has strong risk factors for it. That is why primary care physicians typically begin in-office EKGs (electrocardiograms) as a baseline cardiac assessment at age 40. However, many doctors want their female patients to undergo cardiopulmonary stress tests, in addition to EKG, to determine and mitigate the risks and/or presence of cardiovascular disease.
Differences in the ability to use oxygen efficiently during strenuous exercise reliably predict how at-risk a woman may be for a serious cardiac event or even death reports the AHA.
Cardiopulmonary stress testing helps physicians devise long-term dietary and lifestyle recommendations for women—such as having a heart-healthy diet, smoking cessation, aerobic exercise, managing stress, and limiting alcohol intake—which are essential adjuncts to blood pressure and blood sugar medications.
In addition, cardiopulmonary stress tests evaluate women currently undergoing cardiac rehabilitation or even their overall fitness. Lung patients also benefit from the valuable information gathered with this in-office assessment.
How a Cardiopulmonary Stress Test Works
The patient is fully clothed for the test. The technician starts with affixing electrodes to various skin surfaces. These electrodes measure the electrical activity of the heart muscle as the patient gradually increases the workload by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a bike. The technician monitors the oxygen levels and respiratory rates as well.
Patients are advised to tell their technician when they experience any lightheadedness, dizziness, or chest pain during their stress test. Sweating and some tiredness are normal side effects.
Cardiopulmonary Stress Test in Weatherford, TX
At Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Olusegun Oseni offers a wide range of diagnostic tests—including cardiopulmonary stress test—living up to his commitment to providing the women in Weatherford and beyond with comprehensive and holistic care.
To see Dr. Olusegun Oseni, call us at (817) 594-9993, or book an appointment using this form. We also have virtual appointments for your convenience.
