SHAPE Testing
What is Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation (SHAPE)?
Shortness of breath (SOB) is the most common symptom seen in heart and lung specialist offices. Patients and physicians alike have been frustrated as they try to decipher the cause of a patients shortness of breath. Was this a heart problem, lung problem, both or neither?
We now have an easy screening test that will assess both heart and lung function. This actually makes sense as the heart and lung work together intimately. We call this the Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation (SHAPE). The test takes 6 minutes and includes stepping up and down a short platform (please see picture). Lung and heart function is measured as the patient breathes through a mouth piece and the data is collected in a computer.
There are many patients that would benefit from this screening exam. As mentioned, patients who are short of breath at rest or with exertion benefit from the SHAPE exam. Patients with fatigue, sedentary lifestyles or who are considering an exercise program would learn more about their baseline health as well as any danger of trying to become healthier.
Patients with many conditions are at high risk for developing SOB and these patients would benefit from knowing if they are at risk of having problems with their heart, lungs or both. The following list is a sample of the types of patients that should consider having a screening SHAPE evaluation:
- Diabetics
- Metabolic Syndrome (Pre-diabetics)
- Hypertensive patients
- Obese patients (BMI >30)
- Sleep apnea
- Smokers (past or current)
- Patients with a weak heart (Cardiomyopathy)
- Patients who have had a heart attack
- Patients wanting to start an exercise program will obtain the “best heart rate” to reach during exercise.
Please call if you have any questions regarding the Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation (SHAPE). This easy to accomplish 6 minute test can help your physician understand and optimize your health. As importantly, we can avoid future problems before they happen. We call this preventive medicine. CLICK HERE to read the brochure on SHAPE Testing.
VIDEO LIBRARY
Dr. Rellas Answers Important Questions About SHAPE Testing
What kind of patients are being tested with SHAPE HF?
Patients being examined by HeartFirst doctors not only include the traditional patients requiring medication and possibly a heart transplant, but now, because of the SHAPE screening test, any person suffering from shortness of breath, whether from obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or some unknown cause can be effectively tested, diagnosed, and treated.
What are the advantages of SHAPE HF?
The advantages of a Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation (SHAPE) HF over traditional cardiopulmonary stress tests include more patients being qualified to take it, the assessment of CO2 transfer as opposed to maximum O2 consumption, and patients don't have to exert as much physical energy. Also, the SHAPE costs less and takes less time to complete.
What clinical advantage does SHAPE HF give a doctor?
SHAPE (Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation) gives doctors the ability to quickly and easily discern a patient's Shortness of Breath problem.
Areas of Specialty for Dr. James Rellas - HeartFirst MD
Dr. James Rellas has practiced Cardiology for nearly 20 years in most of the North Dallas, Carrollton and Plano hospitals, Dr. Rellas has become a leader in preventive cardiology as well as cardiac imaging. One of the first cardiologists in the country to become Board Certified in CTA, Dr. Rellas works with Prestonwood Imaging which has the latest in CTA equipment called Dual Source, or 128 Slice-CTA.
Better Diagnosis of Patient through SHAPE HF
SHAPE (Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation) gives doctors another dimension of testing for patients to determine whether a Shortness of Breath problem is heart-related, lung-related, or both.
How easy is SHAPE HF to use?
SHAPE (Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation) is quick and easy for both the health care professional and the patient, and is able to provide instant results upon completion. SHAPE is even easy to take for patients who use a cane or walker.
How easy is it to understand SHAPE HF reports?
SHAPE (Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation) reports and software are easy to understand. For primary care physicians, the reports are neat and organized. It is the job of the cardiologist or pulmonologist to put the results together in an overall clinical picture.
HeartFirst doctors excited about potential of SHAPE HF test
Dr. James Rellas and the doctors at HeartFirst are excited about the potential of SHAPE HF to benefit their patients. Continued research with sleep apnea patients is encouraged.
What type of patients would benefit from SHAPE?
A Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation (SHAPE) can assist a variety of patients. Now, any patient suffering from Shortness of Breath can be effectively diagnosed. Shortness of Breath is even more common in patients than chest pain.
How does SHAPE HF help in the therapy decision?
A Submaximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation (SHAPE) is a screening test administered by HeartFirst doctors that assesses a heart patient's heart and lung function. It helps cardiologists, diagnose, guide therapy, and optimize treatment for patients suffering from such problems as sleep apnea and shortness of breath.
