Dad's CHF

    
      Re: Dad's CHF
    


Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - HSB on October 28, 1997 at 11:10:41:

In Reply to: Dad's CHF posted by Mike Wellman on October 20, 1997 at 21:36:05:

: Hi,
      My Dad has CHF for about 11 years now. His doctor suggested a stress test. My Dad has heard that stress tests are not conclussive and inaccurate with CHF. Can you shed some light on this for us?
  Thanks,
  Mike
______
Dear Sir:
Physicians request stress tests in order to evaluate the heart�s ability to function efficiently under moderate stress.  Indications for stress testing include:
1-  to screen for the presence/severity of coronary artery disease
2-  to evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatment
3-  to measure a patient�s functional capacity
4-  to develop a safe and effective exercise program
5-  to determine the effect of exercise on arrhythmias
The most common causes of congestive heart failure in the United States include coronary artery disease, infectious (viral), toxin mediated (i.e. alcohol) and idiopathic etiologies.  The term idiopathic or unknown is used when a cause can not be determined.  Stress testing may be helpful in determining the etiology of a patient�s congestive heart failure (i.e. coronary artery disease) and in assessing functional capacity and prognosis.
I hope that this information proves helpful.  If you are seeking an evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic, an appointment with one of our cardiologist can be obtained by calling 1-800-CCF-CARE.