Chest pain and fatigue are common symptoms of overexertion. However, there could be some underlying causes that may lie hidden. Routine diagnostic tests like stress tests can provide valuable information about your heart health.
Stress test Upper West Side Manhattan team helps identify the cause of your chest pain, reduced exercise tolerance, or irregular heart rhythm.
Introduction to stress test
A stress test is a cardiological test that measures your heart’s ability to respond to external stimuli in a controlled clinical environment. Also known as the exercise stress test, it identifies how well your heart functions during physical activity.
Indications for a stress test
You may need a stress test for the following conditions:
- Congenital heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy
- To monitor the progress of heart treatments
- To get clearance for a surgery
- To make decisions about further cardiovascular screening
Different types of stress test
There are several types of stress tests providing the same basic information. However, the tests that utilize imaging techniques offer more precise results.
The types of stress tests include:
- Exercise stress test
- Exercise stress echocardiogram
- Nuclear stress test
- Cardiac rehabilitation stress test
The procedure involved in the stress test
Here is what to expect during a stress test:
- Your doctor or technician will discuss all the details about the test to ease your anxiety.
- Small sticky patches (electrodes) will be attached to your chest and arms. The electrodes are connected to the ECG (electrocardiogram) machine. Throughout the test, this records your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity (heart rate).
- Meanwhile, your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate will be monitored as you exercise on the treadmill.
- You will be made to walk on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle at a leisurely pace.
- Over time the speed will be increased until you are able to tolerate it.
- The heart rate is monitored for a period of 15 to 20 minutes and the readings will be recorded. After this, you will stop.
If you are unable to carry on with the exercise, your doctor will administer medications that mimic the effect of physical activity by causing your heart to work harder for a few minutes.
Takeaway
A stress test is a method for evaluating heart function and blood flow. It involves exercising or taking medications to stimulate the effects of the exercise. It offers valuable information that protects your current and future heart health.
