Cardiac Stress Test: What Does it Tell You?
A cardiac stress test is a test in cardiology. It is the measurement of the capability of the heart to respond to external stress in an environment that is fully controlled, such as in a clinical environment. Different types of exercise and artificial simulations are used for producing this external stress.
What does it measure?
There is an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor that measures the rhythms of your heart while you take the test. In addition, the doctor will also measure your blood pressure using a piece of suitable equipment to check its different levels. During this test, a person’s body may show different symptoms, like fatigue or discomfort in the chest. Hence, the doctor will use a monitor to keep an eye on any of these symptoms, which may occur because of the presence of coronary artery diseases.
What does the cardiac stress test tell you?
It is a test that tells you whether you are a victim of coronary artery diseases or not. Certain symptoms prove the presence of these diseases. What are these symptoms? Let us discuss these below:
- Numbness.
- Dizziness.
- Chest discomfort.
- Extreme fatigue or weakness.
- Nausea.
- Irregular heart rhythm.
If your heart functions normally during the test, it means that you have no signs of coronary artery diseases. If you experience any of these symptoms, but the test results are normal, then there may be a significant risk of developing CAD. For this, you would need additional testing to make sure that the disease has not developed. However, if the test results were not normal, and the above symptoms were also seen, in that case, you do have coronary artery disease. It is necessary that you get the required treatment as soon as possible for you.
What do we get a stress test for?
There are some reasons due to which your doctor may recommend you to get this test done. The cardiac stress test can help in discovering some major diseases, such as:
- Coronary artery diseases
Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the heart. This artery may get blocked due to the buildup of cholesterol, or plaques which block the way for the flow of blood. Thus, your heart does not get enough oxygen, and its working will be affected.
- Heart rhythm problems
Another disease that can be discovered through the cardiac stress test is Arrhythmias, the heart rhythm problem. This happens when the electrical impulses in your heart do not coordinate properly with the heart rhythm. As a result, there will be irregular movements in the heart; for example, it can beat too quick or too slow.
Heart disorder treatment
If you have been diagnosed with some type of heart disease, then the doctors can use this test to check how well the treatment is working. Furthermore, it can also help in creating a new treatment plan because it shows the amount of pain your heart can bear.
How to prepare for a cardiac stress test?
Before the test is initiated, your doctor will give some specific instructions. These instructions will tell you about the things you have to eat, and what to wear during the test.
Food and medications
There are some demands that have to be met prior to the test. You must not eat, drink, or smoke for a certain time period before the test. Moreover, you should completely stop your intake of caffeine two days before the test is due to get reliable results.
Some medicines might affect and alter the results of the stress test. Thus, your doctor will tell you which medications to take and which are the ones you should avoid taking.
Also, if you are an asthma patient, you will be allowed to bring your inhaler to the clinic. You will be allowed to use the inhaler, but your doctor should be aware of the usage.
Clothing
It is suitable that you wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. Wearing uncomfortable clothes might alter the results, which is not preferred. Besides, it is recommended that you wear walking shoes in order to make it easier for you to run on the treadmill during the stress test.
What happens during the stress test?
The cardiac stress test is an advanced procedure that follows several steps to make sure that the results are valid. So, let us tell you about how the test is carried out and what happens in between the test.
First, a nurse will attach sticky electrodes on different parts of your body, such as your chest, arms, and legs. The wires on the electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram machine. This keeps a record of the signals that trigger your heartbeats. Moreover, there is a cuff attached to your arm. This will observe the blood pressure during the test.
Next, the doctor will ask you to carry out a certain exercise. This could include walking on a treadmill or cycling bike. Initially, the exercise will be slow and study, but with time it will become more difficult. The exercise will continue until you get to a certain target, or your body starts to show symptoms, which make it harder for you to continue with the test. All your heart rhythms and responses are observed during the exercise via a monitor.
On the other hand, if you’re not exercising, the doctor will inject a drug in your IV that will speed up the blood flow towards your heart. It will feel like you are exercising due to shortness of breath, but in reality, it is the drug performing its function.
So, this was all you’ll need to know about the cardiac stress test. Furthermore, we’d like to inform you that we, at South Florida Cardiovascular Specialists, will provide you with the best procedure for the cardiac stress test. We have all the necessary equipment and machines that help us to carry out a valid test. Thus, we assure you that you will not be disappointed at South Florida Cardiovascular Specialists!
