Non-Invasive Testing:
Upper
Pulse Volume Recorder Rest or Stress
UPPER PULSE VOLUME
RECORDER (PVR), REST OR STRESS
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A LOWER PULSE
VOLUME RECORDER (PVR) REST OR STRESS TEST? A PVR study indicates the presence
or absence of arterial disease in the upper extremities.
Upper extremity ultrasound exams are used to evaluate peripheral vascular
disease. Peripheral vascular disease affects a large portion of the general
population, more so in patients with known cardiac disease. You may have
talked to your physician about swelling, redness, pain or cramping you are
experiencing in your upper extremities/arms. This pain, redness or
swelling can occur in the calves, thighs and buttocks. This pain can
be intermittent or constant.
WHO ADMINISTERS THE STRESS TEST?
A registered vascular ultrasound technologist performs the test.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEST TAKE?
The total amount of time this test will take is approximately one hour.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TEST? No preparation is necessaryunless you are
having the Stress PVR. If you are having the stress test, please do not eat
2 hours prior to the test, but continue your medication regimen and bring a
list of your medications with you. In addition, please wear comfortable
pants and shoes appropriate for walking or riding a stationary bike.
WHAT WILL I
EXPERIENCE DURING THE TEST? Blood pressure cuffs are placed in
various positions on each arm. While the cuff is inflated
measurements of the blood “volume” and “blood pressure” are recorded.
Doppler is also used to listen to the blood flow through each arm. The
patient may experience some discomfort during the inflation of the cuff,
similar to when a standard blood pressure measurement is taken.
