metabolic stress test

can you explain a metabolic stress test to me and what it will help find? I am having one done next month for my leaking valves.
And I'm not sure of its diffrence from a treadmill stress test.
Thanks.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

A metabolic stress test is a regular stress test with special monitoring equipment used to better determine the heart function.  You will be asked to exercise with a mouthpiece similar to a snorkle tube that will measure how much oxygen your body is using.  Otherwise it is the same as a treadmill test.

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[weeones]

A related discussion, metabolic stress test was started.