A stress test is also called a treadmill test, cardiac stress test or an exercise test. This test helps doctors understand how well your heart is working, especially under the stress of moderate exercise, as you will be walking at a variety of paces on a treadmill during your stress test. Your doctor may order a stress test for a variety of reasons. A stress test is most commonly used in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions.
Reasons for a Stress Test
Your doctor may conduct a stress test for a variety of reasons. A stress test can be used to diagnose complaints of chest pain, to determine blockages in the arteries of your heart, to diagnose coronary artery disease, to identify irregular heart rhythms, to monitor your heart's response to various cardiac treatments and procedures and to plan a rehabilitation program following a heart attack. A stress test may also be used to help determine a safe level of participation in exercise.
Prior to Your Stress Test
A stress test requires minimal preparation. Your doctor may request a physical examination. An electrocardiogram may be performed to monitor the activity of your heart while at rest. An echocardiogram may also be performed in order to exame the shape, size and motion of your heart. In the hours leading up to your stress test, you will likely be told to avoid products with caffeine in them. You should not eat or smoke for several hours -- most likely four -- before your test. You should arrive at your stress test wearing comfortable clothing and with a list of the current medications you may be on.
During Your Stress Test
Prior to beginning your stress test, you will be hooked up to a monitor. Electrodes -- sticky patches -- will be placed on your chest. These electrodes help to measure the function of your heart. You will step up onto a treadmill and be instructed to walk at different paces. As the stress test progresses, the speed of the treadmill will increase. Throughout the test, your heart rate and blood pressure are also monitored. At the end of the best, you will sit down and have your heart and blood pressure checked once more. Your doctor will contact you within the next day or two to discuss the outcomes and any treatment that may be necessary.
Possible Complications
There are minimal complications during a stress test. This is largely because you are able to stop the test at anytime if you feel you cannot continue. Complications may include the development of chest pain, developing an irregular heart rhythm or having a heart attack. Having a heart attack during a stress test is extremely rare. If anything does not feel right during your test, alert the technician.
