Rasitustutkimuksia

Rasitustutkimuksia, or stress testing, refers to a range of medical examinations designed to evaluate the body's response to physical exertion. These tests are primarily used to diagnose and assess cardiovascular conditions, particularly coronary artery disease. During a typical stress test, a patient exercises, usually on a treadmill or stationary bike, while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are continuously monitored. The intensity of the exercise is gradually increased.

The primary goal of a rasitustutkimus is to detect any abnormalities in heart function that may only become apparent under stress. For instance, if blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced during exertion, it can manifest as chest pain, shortness of breath, or characteristic changes in the ECG. These findings can help physicians determine the presence, severity, and location of blockages in the coronary arteries.

Beyond cardiac assessment, stress tests can also be used to evaluate a patient's fitness level, assess the effectiveness of cardiac treatments, or help guide rehabilitation programs after a heart attack or surgery. There are different types of stress tests, including standard exercise ECG tests, stress echocardiograms (which use ultrasound to visualize heart function during exercise), and nuclear stress tests (which use a radioactive tracer to assess blood flow to the heart muscle). The specific type of test chosen depends on the individual patient's condition and the information required by the physician.