| Exercise testing is
performed on children and adolescents to observe the changes that
occur in the heart during
stressful activity. Because complaints
such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath
are often related to physical activity, an examination at rest may
not give a complete picture of heart function or fitness level. The
goal of the test is to reproduce the level of activity that causes
symptoms, and then to determine whether or not these symptoms are
a sign of heart disease by observing the EKG, blood pressure, or
an echocardiogram.
Exercise testing can also be used to determine an
activity level that is safe or beneficial for a young person with
known heart
disease. Testing can help us determine if competitive sports
are safe and can guide us in recommending appropriate physical
activities to improve overall fitness. In some children, exercise
testing may be used
to evaluate
the need for surgery or the response to medications.
If your child is scheduled for an exercise stress test we recommend:
- The patient should wear or bring comfortable pants or shorts
to the visit.
- The patient should wear or bring running shoes, tennis shoes
or sneakers.
- Girls of appropriate age should wear a sports bra.
- The patient should eat only a light breakfast or lunch on the
day of the test.
- If the patient is using inhalers, please
discontinue use for twenty-four hours before the test. HOWEVER, CHECK WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN
BEFORE
STOPPING THE MEDICATIONS.
IF YOUR CHILD IS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, AN ADULT CARETAKER MUST
BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE APPOINTMENT.
What to expect
At Children’s Hospital and Research Center
at Oakland exercise testing is usually performed on a treadmill.
The child
walks
at a moderate pace on
a slight incline. The duration of exercise is measured, and EKG,
heart rate and blood pressure are recorded. Some patients have
their lung function tested at the same time by breathing into a
mouthpiece.
The test is performed under the close observation
of a cardiologist in a relaxed setting. Children as young as
age seven can usually
perform well. In most cases the risk of testing is very low since
the levels of exertions are similar to normal play or sports activities
and the test is preformed in the hospital, with equipment to
treat emergencies close at hand.
|
Disclaimer: The information
provided here is intended to educate the reader about certain medical conditions
and certain possible treatment. It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis,
and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. If
you believe you, your child, or someone you know, suffer from the conditions
described
herein, please see your health care provider immediately. Do not attempt to treat
yourself, your child or anyone else without proper medical supervision.
©2007 Pediatric Cardiology Medical Group - East Bay, Inc. All
Rights Reserved.
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