What Is A Stress Test And What Does It Tell You About Your Heart?
Although the name may be discouraging, a stress test is a common and important screening tool, especially for those with possible heart conditions like heart disease or concerns about their cardiovascular health.
A stress test involves closely monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and the rhythm of your heartbeat while you exercise to your maximal effort.
Why Would You Get A Stress Test?
A stress test, like other screenings, provides you and your care team with important information about your risk factors and helps determine what kind of treatment may be appropriate for you.
A stress test can:
- Determine the likelihood of your having a coronary artery disease
- Identify abnormal heart rhythms
- Evaluate your current cardiac treatment plan
- Help develop a safe exercise program tailored to you
The screening is meant to "test" your cardiac health, which can tell your care providers a significant amount about your health and wellness.
What Happens During A Stress Test?
Before you begin your stress test, the care team will place electrodes on your chest that will communicate with a stress EKG machine. This will first monitor your heart's electrical activity before you begin exercising so that your care team can get a picture of your heart health at rest. Your care team will measure your blood pressure as well.
Then, you will be asked to begin exercising. You'll first start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your exercise until you are at maximum capacity.
Your care team will continue to ask how you are feeling. They will also monitor for any changes to your blood pressure and EKG readings while you exercise and for a short period afterward until your heartbeat is back to its resting rate.
The test usually no longer than 12 minutes, although your full appointment will likely be scheduled for 60 minutes.
Anything Else You Should Know About A Stress Test?
It's important that you wear or bring comfortable clothing to your stress test and a supportive pair of shoes depending on the type of exercise you will be doing.
There is no need to fast ahead of your stress test, but you should discuss with your provider if you should discontinue any medications ahead of time.
You can watch Madalina Petrescu, MD, with EvergreenHealth Heart Care talk about tips for keeping your heart healthy on KING 5's New Day Northwest.
