Cardiopulmonary Testing

If your doctor is concerned that you might have a heart problem, the next step is often a test or series of tests to determine what the problem might be. At Adena, we offer the most advanced cardiopulmonary tests available, including:

Stress Testing:

• Treadmill stress test. This test is a common way to check to make sure your heart is getting enough blood. While you walk on a treadmill, your heart is monitored to see how far you can walk and if you have chest pain or other changes.
• Dobutamine or Adenosine Stress Test. If you’re unable to walk on a treadmill, this test is an option. You’ll be given a drug (Dobutamine or Adenosine), which makes your heart behave as though you are exercising so doctors can see how it performs under stress.
• Stress echocardiogram. Also called an "echo," this test uses ultrasound imaging technology to let your doctor see how your heart pumps and whether it’s getting enough blood. You’ll likely do a resting echo while you lie still and then a second test after you walk on a treadmill.
• Nuclear stress test. This test involves the injection of a small and harmless amount of radioactive material into your body. Then, a special camera lets your doctor see the rays released from that substance to view a picture of your heart on a screen. This gives your doctor a better understanding of whether your heart is getting enough blood. Like the echo, this test is done at rest and after you exercise.

Preparation: For a stress test, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what you can eat or drink prior to the test and whether you need to temporarily stop any medications. Tell your doctor about all medications — over-the-counter as well as prescription — that you are taking.

Heart and vascular ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of your heart. Your doctor can check how healthy your heart is and observe your veins and arteries, too, to see if blood is flowing at the rate it should be. This technology can help doctors detect heart failure, holes in the heart, valve issues, blocked arteries, aneurysms and more.

Preparation: Where a comfortable shirt with an open collar; don’t wear necklaces or long earrings. Your doctor will provide any other instructions.

Pulmonary function testing (spirometry test)

To test for asthma, bronchitis, and other lung problems, or to find the cause of shortness of breath, your doctor may want to do a pulmonary (lung) function test. This test measures how much air you breathe out and how quickly.

Preparation: Before the test, avoid eating a heavy meal, and don’t smoke for 4 to 6 hours. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking any inhaler medications.