This procedure utilizes a pharmacological agent to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. It is a diagnostic tool employed when a patient is unable to undergo a traditional exercise tolerance test due to physical limitations. The introduced medication increases blood flow to the heart muscle. Imaging techniques, such as echocardiography or nuclear imaging, are then used to assess how the heart responds to this increased blood flow, identifying potential areas of reduced perfusion that may indicate coronary artery disease.
This type of cardiac assessment is valuable because it allows physicians to evaluate heart function under conditions of stress without requiring physical exertion from the patient. It offers critical insights into the presence and severity of coronary artery disease, enabling timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. Historically, this approach has provided a crucial alternative for individuals with mobility issues or other conditions that prevent standard exercise testing, expanding access to diagnostic cardiac evaluation.
