Auxiliary donation helps ease stress

For The Plain City Advocate

With all of the chaos surrounding our everyday lives, some may think that a machine is not necessary to determine whether or not we are stressed.

In support of their mission to provide patients with exceptional healthcare and promote heart care in the community, Madison County Hospital has purchased a state-of-the-art stress testing system, thanks to a donation from the Madison County Hospital Auxiliary.

The electrocardiography machine monitors the heart’s functions during physical activity and measures breathing rates and blood pressure levels to determine if a patient is at risk or has heart disease.

“While the method of testing has not changed over time, the modernized version allows local residents to take advantage of cutting-edge technology that can meet any of their stress testing needs,” said Nadene Schlosser, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services.

Even if a patient is unable to physically use the treadmill portion of the machine, it does not mean that they are not eligible to receive service. A chemical stress test can be induced and the medicine administered will simulate the heart during exercise.

Stress testing is not age specific, but a physician consultation is recommended if you have a family history of heart disease or have experienced chest pain of any kind. Oftentimes a stress test is ordered for cardiac clearance when major surgery is planned.

“Having access to heart care is vital,” said Schlosser. “In some cases, heart disease may not have been prevented, but it can be controlled. It is our goal to teach patients how to establish and maintain a heart healthy lifestyle.”

For more information about stress tests, contact your physician or the Madison County Hospital Cardiopulmonary team at (740) 845-7375.