Bicycle technology assists medical professionals in Chelyabinsk with the identification of ischemic heart disease.
At Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Hospital, a smart bike ergometer now aids doctors in detecting ischemic heart disease at its initial stages, according to the clinic's press service.
Individuals experiencing chest pain, particularly during physical exertion, are referred for testing on the smart bike. It is also utilized in complex cases where the pain syndrome doesn't match the typical ischemic heart disease pattern, such as when chest pain radiates to the left arm without exertion.
Anna Kruglikova, a cardiologist-arithmologist at the consultative polyclinic of ChOKB, explains that test subjects are given an echocardiogram during physical exertion on the bike. If the heart's contractility decreases and areas of 'hypokinesia' appear during exertion, this indicates ischemia, or insufficient blood supply to the heart.
A recent patient, 42-year-old Pavel Akulov, sought treatment at the hospital after feeling unwell on the street with symptoms of dizziness and leg weakness. A suspected heart attack led to his admission, and during testing, it was discovered he had heart issues attributable to long-term smoking, a significant risk factor for ischemia. Other risk factors include advanced age, a high-fat and high-salt diet, an inactive lifestyle, and harmful habits.
Before the bike ergometer, tests were performed on a treadmill. Alexander Sarychev, a diagnostician in the functional diagnostics department of ChOKB's diagnostic center, notes that the use of a bike ergometer allows the procedure to be carried out in real-time and in one location, unlike the treadmill where equipment adjustments were required, potentially costing valuable seconds and compromising test results' accuracy.
Approximately 1,500 tests are conducted annually on the bike ergometer at ChOKB.
When comparing the smart bike ergometer and the treadmill, both tools offer unique benefits for early detection of ischemic heart disease. The ergometer provides a controlled environment that allows precise adjustments in resistance and workload, making it beneficial for accurately evaluating cardiovascular responses to exercise under different conditions. It can also simulate various stress conditions, crucial for assessing cardiovascular function and identifying potential ischemic responses during exercise. Ergometers are generally more accessible for individuals with mobility issues or those who prefer cycling, potentially leading to more confortable and consistent diagnostic results.
In contrast, treadmills offer dynamic movement, simulating walking or running, which can be more natural for some people, making it easier to achieve and maintain a consistent exercise intensity. Treadmill exercises engage the entire body, providing a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular fitness and ischemic responses across multiple muscle groups. Their variety of inclines and speeds can mimic real-world scenarios, aiding in assessing ischemic heart disease under different conditions.
Ultimately, both tools can offer valuable insights into cardiovascular health, but the choice between them depends on the individual being tested's specific needs and preferences. The controlled environment of an ergometer is advantageous for precise cardiovascular assessments, whereas a treadmill provides a more dynamic and comprehensive evaluation.
- In addition to helping detect ischemic heart disease, the smart bike ergometer at Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Hospital is also used for testing individuals with chest pain that radiates to the left arm without exertion, as these cases may not fit the typical pattern of ischemic heart disease.
- The smart bike ergometer is beneficial for individuals with chronic diseases or mental health issues, as it offers a controlled and comfortable environment for accurate diagnostic results, particularly those who may have mobility issues or prefer cycling.
- For people who prefer a more natural exercise experience, the treadmill may be more suitable, as it simulates walking or running and offers a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular fitness across multiple muscle groups.
- In the battle against chronic diseases like ischemic heart disease, fitness and exercise play a crucial role in overall health and wellness, aiding in the preventive medicine approach to mental, cardiovascular, and physical health.