Do You Need A Cardiac Stress Test Before Joint Replacement?

If you’re scheduled for a total joint replacement procedure, some orthopedists may require you to take stress tests before the scheduled date. These heart stress tests often work to prevent any signs of heart problems during the procedure. Mainly used as a preventative method, many cardiac stress tests have begun falling out of favor by orthopedists due need to focus on more effective costs and value-based healthcare. You may not require a cardiac stress test, especially if you are healthy, active, and feeling generally well, especially if the scheduled surgery is minor. For others, though, these stress tests may ultimately help prevent any serious signs of heart problems that could interfere with the surgery. Today, we’re going to look into who does and doesn’t need stress tests and why it’s recommended you see an orthopedist before your treatment.

When Isn’t a Stress Test Necessary?

Cardiac stress tests work to show how your heart handles physical activity, and in many cases, they are used to diagnose heart conditions such as an abnormal heart rhythm or an increased risk of a heart attack. While normally used by cardiologists to diagnose heart conditions, many surgeons may require a stress test to prevent the possibility of heart problems interfering with the surgery. There are multiple types of stress tests, including:

• Exercise: This test works by attaching electrodes to the person’s chest while walking or running on a treadmill.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound heart stress test uses sound waves to measure heartbeat and rhythm.
• Radiation: Also known as the nuclear stress test, it uses a small amount of radioactive material and an imaging machine to show how blood flows through the heart.

All of these tests can show whether or not you have a serious heart problem that requires attention before the scheduled surgery. However, these tests aren’t always helpful for those without heart disease and could add additional stress to the person before their surgery, especially if the surgery doesn’t deal with the heart or lungs. As a matter of fact, studies from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology recommend that patients receiving a non-cardiac surgery shouldn’t need a heart stress test before the procedure, especially if their heart is in healthy shape and doesn’t present a risk.

When Are Stress Tests Needed Before Surgery?

While most people receiving joint surgery shouldn’t need a heart stress test, those with more vulnerability to heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, have a high risk for a heart attack or have had the previous scarring from a heart attack, should get a cardiac stress test before their scheduled joint surgery. Any heart condition increases the risk of problems during surgery, and for those at an increased risk, any cardiac disease present should always be treated and managed first before any major surgery.

For more information about stress tests, receiving joint care, and other topics related to orthopedics, contacting your local orthopedist to learn more is the best way to begin.