What does a stress test determine?

What does a stress test determine?

A cardiac stress test determines how well your cardiovascular system (your heart and blood vessels) works when you exercise and when you’re at rest.

What is an exercise stress test used for?

Stress tests show how well your heart handles physical activity. Your heart pumps harder and faster when you exercise. Some heart disorders are easier to find when your heart is hard at work. During a stress test, your heart will be checked while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.

How does an exercise stress test work for You?

An exercise stress test will examine how well your heart responds to the stress of different levels of exercise. It is often ordered to help determine your baseline, as part of a general work up if you have atypical chest pain combined with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

What does a stress test tell you about your heart?

Stress test. Overview. A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, shows how your heart works during physical activity. Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster, an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart.

What are the different types of stress tests?

Variations and alternatives include: Nuclear stress test. A radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream as you exercise to measure blood flow to the heart muscle. Stress echocardiography. A clinician uses an ultrasound probe to record images of your heart before and after you exercise.

When to return to work after a stress test?

When your exercise stress test is complete, you may return to your normal activities unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If the information gathered during your exercise stress test shows your heart function to be normal, you may not need any further tests.

When to consider an exercise stress test?

You also may need a stress test if, during exercise, you feel faint, have a rapid heartbeat or a fluttering feeling in your chest, or have other symptoms of an arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat). If you don’t have chest pain when you exercise but still get short of breath, your doctor may recommend a stress test.

Who needs an exercise stress test?

It can be ordered for people who have been experiencing chest pains or other symptoms of coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease ). An exercise stress test may also be used to help determine your level of health, especially if you are starting a new exercise program.

How do I prepare for an exercise stress test?

You can prepare for your cardiac exercise stress test by: Wearing loose, comfortable clothing Asking your doctor if you can take your medicine beforehand Avoiding eating – as well as smoking and drinking alcohol – at least 3 hours before the test begins Avoiding caffeine (such as tea, coffee, cola and chocolate) for 24 hours before the test begins

What happens after an exercise stress test?

Following up after an exercise stress test. After the test, you’ll be given water and asked to rest. If your blood pressure rises during the test, your attending nurse may continue to monitor your blood pressure. A few days after the test, your doctor will review the results with you.