A cardiac stress test -- also referred to as an exercise or treadmill stress test -- records the activity of your heart while you exercise. Electrodes attached to your chest help to record the activity of your heart as well as changes in your blood pressure and pulse. This allows doctors to diagnose heart conditions and plan a treatment regimen.
Reasons for a Stress Test
Since your heart works harder during exercise, a stress test can allow your doctor to see how well your heart works when it is required to work its hardest. A cardiac stress test may be ordered to help plan a rehabilitation program following a heart attack, to determine the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation, to help you determine a safe level to exercise or to monitor your heart's response to treatment for heart conditions. A treadmill stress test may also be effective in evaluating chest pain, determining whether you have any blockages in your arteries and to help identify an irregular heartbeat.
Preparation
You will receive instructions on preparation for the test. Your doctor may order a physical, resting electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram before your test. For three hours before your test, you should not eat, smoke or consume alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Talk to your doctor about medications you are taking. You should take all of your current medications unless otherwise indicated. You may be required to stop medications that interact with nitroglyercin -- which is sometimes given to patients during a stress test to stop chest pain. Plan to wear sneakers and loose-fitting clothes during your test.
The Test
The actual stress test normally takes 15 minutes. Your entire appointment will last about one hour. Before starting the test, a technician will place electrodes on your chest to record your heart's activity. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and you will walk on a treadmill. The technician will gradually increase the pace and incline of the treadmill. While rare, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or dizziness. If this occurs, inform the technician.
After the Test
Stress tests cause no pain. After your stress test, you will be allowed to resume your normal activities. Within 24 hours, the results of your test will be provided to your cardiologist, who will interpret the findings. Your doctor will call you with results or make a follow-up appointment to meet with you. After your test, call your doctor if you experience extreme fatigue, chest pain, lightheadedness or pounding of your chest. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
