1st February 2007
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Summary

Source: National Guidelines Clearinghouse

GUIDELINE OBJECTIVE(S)

To aid the clinician in selecting the type of stress test for an individual patient in a specific clinical situation

TARGET POPULATION

All patients recommended for a cardiac stress test based on the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) guidelines for Heart Failure in Adults; Stable Coronary Artery Disease; and Preoperative Evaluation.

INTERVENTIONS AND PRACTICES CONSIDERED

1. Cardiac stress testing, including standard exercise treadmill testing, and exercise or pharmacologic imaging (e.g., echocardiogram or nuclear perfusion imaging)
2. Medications for pharmacologic stress testing, including dobutamine, adenosine, and dipyridamole

MAJOR OUTCOMES CONSIDERED

Sensitivity and specificity of cardiac stress tests