Cardiac respiratory stress test accurately 'detects significant coronary artery disease'

Washington, Jan 20 (ANI): A new study has shown that cardiac respiratory stress test can quickly and accurately detect the presence of significant coronary artery disease (S-CAD).

The results found patients with S-CAD had a significantly lower RSR compared to patients without, suggesting RSR is a strong indicator for the disease.

The test results were highly accurate, with a sensitivity and specificity of 86pct and 81pct, respectively.

The cardiac respiratory stress test uses Pulse Oximeter (PPG) to measure blood flow in the finger in response to paced breathing over a 90 second time period.

"It is always challenging to detect significant coronary artery disease in patients at the physician's office and often required a physical stress test, including nuclear imaging and often cardiac catheterization" said lead investigator Ron Waksman, MD, Associate Director, Division of Cardiology, Washington Hospital Centre and professor of medicine (cardiology) at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

"The RSR test is simple and fast to perform in a doctor's office without the need for significant expense and hardship to the patient, and the results of the study support its accuracy to detect significant coronary artery disease.

"We believe it could be a useful diagnostic option," Waksman added.

The research is published in journal Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine. (ANI)