1. Taking It To The Limit
Years ago, Bill Cosby performed a sitcom episode where he went to the doctor's for a physical. They hook wires to him and then give him a test on a treadmill. He starts out fine. He's walking and even jogging a little while he teases his physician. As the speed increases, he stops laughing. He hunches over the treadmill bars drenched in sweat at the end of the test. This is a stress test with a little comedic license thrown in.
Stress tests show how healthy your heart is when pushed to the limit by indicating blood and oxygen flow to the heart. The tests show if you suffer from coronary artery disease and if the heart medication you take is working. Doctor's use them to verify the effectiveness of prior procedures and assist in the formation of exercise plans. Stationary bikes sometimes substitute for treadmills.
2. How Does Your Blood Flow
Most people are familiar with the stress test mentioned before, but there are other tests. Imaging stress tests, though expensive, are more accurate. Areas with low or no blood flow are clear. Doctors conduct nuclear stress tests by injecting patients with a radioactive substance. A camera then shows images of the heart before and after exercise. Movement of the walls of the heart shows in a stress echo cardiogram. If you can't exercise, your doctor administers a dobutamine or adenosine stress test. Drugs affect the heart in the same way as exercise.
3. Prepping For Your Test
Your physician supplies instructions prior to testing. At least twelve hours before testing do not eat or drink items with caffeine. You can drink water, but no other food or drink in the few hours leading up to the test. Consult your physician about medications you take and if they will interfere in any way. Wear loose fitting clothes and comfortable sneakers.
4. Wired For Sound
Electrodes attached to your body provide data during the test to an electrocardiograph monitor. Unlike Mr. Cosby, you can stop the test before you drop from exhaustion. An increase in incline and speed on the treadmill or stationary bike test your blood pressure, breathing, heart rate and endurance. Until your body cools down and your heart rate returns to normal, you're monitored by the EKG. Risks are low, but speak up if you feel out of sync. Someone is in the room with you at all times during the test and will stop testing should the need arise.
5. Getting Your Results
After testing, your results are reviewed. If they are normal, nothing else is done. If there are concerns, then further tests are scheduled. If warranted, your physician sends you to the hospital for immediate treatment.
