Stress Test in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in Malaysia. Every year, more than 15,000 Malaysians die from heart disease – that’s more than 40 people a day. In fact, heart disease kills more people in Malaysia than any other illness. Many people think that heart disease is only a problem for older people. But the truth is, heart disease can affect anyone, of any age.

There are many different types of heart diseases, but the most common one is coronary heart disease (CHD). The good news is that heart disease can be prevented and treated. The best way to prevent heart disease is to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Most importantly, heart screening such as stress test is crucial in detecting heart diseases for early intervention as well as finding a suitable health programme.

What is a stress test?

A stress test is a tool used to evaluate the cardiovascular system. It is also called exercise stress test, cardiac stress test or stress ECG.

The stress test assesses how well your heart handles work by monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (EKG), and oxygen level while you are at rest and during physical activity.

Why stress test?

The stress test can be used to

• Diagnose heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart valve problems
• Determine if you have enough blood flow to your heart muscle
• Find out how well treatments for heart conditions are working
• Assess your risk for heart problems
• Plan your physical activity

Stress tests are important because they can help diagnose and assess the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. The lack of blood supply can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and even heart attacks.

What is monitored in the stress test?

During a stress test, your heart rate, blood pressure, EKG, and oxygen level will be monitored.

Heart rate

An electronic monitor that is attached to your chest with electrodes (wires)

Blood pressure

Checked with a cuff that is wrapped around your arm and inflated

EKG machine

Records the electrical activity of your heart and checks for any abnormal heart rhythms

Oxygen sensor

Measures the oxygen level in your blood.

How stress tests can help you?

A stress test can help you by

• Diagnosing heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart valve problems
• Determining if you have enough blood flow to your heart muscle
• Finding out how well treatments for heart conditions are working
• Assessing your risk for heart problems
• Planning your physical activity

Types of stress tests:

There are two types of stress tests:

• Exercise test
• Pharmacological stress test

Exercise stress test:

An exercise stress test is also called a cardiac stress test, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX), or treadmill test. During this type of stress test, you will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while your heart rate, blood pressure, EKG, and oxygen level are monitored.

The test will start with you walking or riding at a slow speed. The speed and incline will be increased every 3 minutes. You will be asked to exercise until you reach your target heart rate, which is usually 85% of your maximum heart rate. This can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.

Pharmacological stress test:

A pharmacological stress test is also called a chemical stress test, stress echocardiogram, or simply stress echo. During this type of stress test, you will be given medication to make your heart work harder while your heart rate, blood pressure, EKG, and oxygen level are monitored.

The medication used for a pharmacological stress test is usually dobutamine or adenosine. Dobutamine is a synthetic form of adrenaline that increases your heart rate. Adenosine is a medication that widens your coronary arteries and increases blood flow to your heart.

Both of these medications can be given through an IV or by injection. The stress echo will usually be done within 30 minutes after the medication has been started.

How long it takes?

The stress test will take about 30 to 60 minutes to see how the patient's heart responds to stress.

Where can you do a stress test?

You can do a stress test at a hospital, medical centre, or outpatient testing facility.

How much does a stress test (Malaysia) cost?

The cost of a stress test varies depending on the type of stress test, where it is done, and whether or not you have insurance. An exercise stress test in a private clinic or hospital typically costs between RM100 and RM300, while a pharmacological stress test can cost between RM200 and RM600.

How to prepare for a stress test?

You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the stress test. You may also be asked to remove any jewelry, such as necklaces or rings. You should not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours before the stress test. This is because food and drinks can affect your heart rate.

You should also avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before the stress test. Caffeine can cause an increase in your heart rate. If you are taking medication, you should check with your doctor to see if you need to stop taking it before the stress test.

You should also avoid smoking for at least 2 hours prior to the stress test. Smoking can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

If you're feeling stressed and would like to have a stress test to assess your heart health, DoctorOnCall can help. We offer stress test booking and consultation in Malaysia, so you can get the peace of mind you need. Consultation is important as there are some contraindications for a stress test. Contact us today to learn more!