The American Sports Medicine Institute defines cardiac fitness as the efficiency of the lungs, heart and blood vessels in delivering oxygen to the muscles during physical activity. Several cardiac fitness tests allow medical professionals to determine if a patient has reduced cardiac fitness due to heart disorders such as coronary artery disease, blocked arteries or heart muscle damage.
Stress Echocardiogram
The stress echocardiogram consists of an echocardiogram and a treadmill stress test. During the first part of the test, a technician performs a resting electrocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound technology to view the structures of the heart and determine how well the heart functions at rest. The second part of the test involves walking on a treadmill until you reach your target heart rate. During this part of the test, the technician monitors your heart rhythm and blood pressure. After you reach your target heart rate, the technician performs a second echocardiogram. Performing a second scan allows the technician to determine if the heart is not receiving enough oxygen or blood due to blocked arteries.
Exercise Stress Test
The exercise stress test helps diagnose coronary artery disease, determine a safe level of exercise for individual patients and diagnose the cause of cardiac symptoms. Before the test, a technician attaches electrodes to the chest in order to monitor heart function. The patient walks on a treadmill until he reaches his target heart rate. During the test, the technician monitors blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate.
Nuclear Stress Test
Similar to the exercise stress test, the nuclear stress test allows medical professionals to determine how well the heart pumps blood, identify any areas of damaged heart muscle and visualize the size of the heart chambers. This test also determines if a patient has any blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. Just before the end of the exercise portion of the test, a doctor injects a radioactive substance into one of the veins and takes pictures of the heart using a gamma-ray camera. After a rest period of three to four hours, the doctor gives another injection of a radioactive substance and takes more pictures. This allows the testing team to see how well the heart works during exercise and at rest.
VO2 Max
The VO2 max test determines how efficiently the body uses oxygen during periods of exercise. Before the test, a technician fits the patient with a respiratory mask that covers the nose and mouth. Baseline testing allows the technician to determine the patient's blood pressure, resting respiration and resting heart rate. During the test, the patient exercises on a treadmill or bike until reaching her maximum heart rate.
Cardiac Fitness Profile
The Cardiac Fitness Profile allows a medical team to predict a patient's susceptibility to heart disease. This test consists of two separate appointments, one to gather information and a second to counsel the patient about reducing his risks. The first appointment includes an electrocardiogram, body fat testing, lung function testing, treadmill stress testing, a lipid panel blood test, flexibility testing and strength testing. Using the data gathered during this appointment, the testing team develops a diet and exercise plan for the patient. During the second appointment, the patient receives a comprehensive test report, works with a registered nurse to develop an eating and activity plan, and participates in a lifestyle counseling session.
References
- The American Sports Medicine Institute: Cardiovascular Fitness
- MedlinePlus: Stress Echocardiography
- American Heart Association: Non-Invasive Tests and Procedures
- Texas Heart Institute: Nuclear (Thallium) Stress Test
- Stanford Sports Medicine: VO2 Max Fitness Test (PDF)
- MemorialCare Health System: Cardiac Fitness Profile
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