A stress test is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that detects abnormalities in the heart during exercise. This test assists the physician to evaluate cardiac/heart function and exercise tolerance. At the Stress Testing Laboratory, various cardiac procedures are conducted including general stress testing, the MIBI radionuclide imaging/cardiac perfusion scan, stress echocardiography (ECHO), and cardio pulmonary testing.
Currently, the Stress Testing Laboratory is located at the University of Alberta Hospital but will move to the heart institute later this year.
Referral Information
Adult inpatients and outpatients are referred to the Stress Testing Laboratory by family physicians, cardiologists, and other physician specialists with admitting privileges to the University of Alberta Hospital, as well as other Capital Health programs, such as the stroke team.
To refer a patient, physicians and other health specialists may fax a referral form to the Cardiology Booking Office at (780) 407-2148. Referral forms are available electronically or by calling (780) 407-3835.
Contact Information
Once the completed referral form is received, the patient is notified with an appointment date and time, as well as any pre- or post-procedural instruction.
Location
The laboratory is located on the second floor within the Cardiology Clinic at 2C2 on the south-west side of the Walter C. Mackenzie Centre, near the waterfall and teahouse. Please see the Level 2 map, for more information.
Parking
Public parking is available at metered, underground, surface, and parkade lots on site. For information on hourly, weekly, and monthly parking, as well as locations, please see the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute information sheet.
About stress testing
Stress tests help physicians to evaluate cardiac function and exercise tolerance. As the patient works harder during exercise, the heart pumps more blood, and the test can determine whether there is a lack of blood supply through the arteries to the heart.
During a stress test, tiny wires or electrodes connected to an electrocardiograph are placed on specific sites of the patient's chest and arms or shoulders to monitor the heart. Next, the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bicycle which gradually increases in intensity, so the body works harder. The patient can stop the test at any time if necessary. Near the end of the test, the patient may breathe into a mouthpiece that will measure the air breathed out. Once walking is completed, the patient sits or lies down and the heart rate and blood pressure is checked.
About echocardiography
An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a diagnostic procedure that takes moving pictures of the heart through sound waves. Echocardiograms show the size, shape, and function of the heart, as well as if a wall or section of heart muscle is weak, problems with heart valves, and if any clots are present. Echocardiography can be combined with stress testing to further assess cardiac function.
About MIBI (Radionuclide Imaging/Cardiac Perfusion Scan)
During a MIBI test, a small amount of a weak radioactive material (also called an isotope) is injected into a vein to show whether the heart is receiving adequate blood flow through the coronary arteries. The radioactive material is temporarily absorbed by the heart muscle, which allows the camera to detect parts of the heart that may not be getting enough blood because of narrowed, blocked, or damaged arteries.
An injection during an exercise tolerance test and another injection while the heart is resting are completed over a two-day period. Patients should be prepared to spend two to two and a half hours at the Stress Testing Laboratory each day. On the day of the exercise tolerance test, the patient walks on a treadmill, so it's important to wear good walking shoes.
Where can I find more information?
Capital Health and other organizations support online resources on cardiac diagnostic procedures and heart health. These resources should be used as a general guideline only. Individual assessment, interpretations, and advice by your cardiologist should always be your most important resource.
For more information, please see:
- Heart tests and procedures
- Heart School: Education resources
- Recommended resources: Visit these web sites for more information about your heart and cardiovascular health.
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