Exercise Stress Test
What Is an Exercise Stress Test?
An exercise stress test is used to determine how well your heart responds during times when it is working the hardest.
During the test, you will be asked to exercise — typically on a treadmill — while you are hooked up to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This allows your doctor to monitor your heart rate.
The exercise stress test is also referred to as an exercise test or treadmill test.
Uses
Why an Exercise Stress Test Is Done
An exercise stress test is primarily used to help your doctor
determine if your heart receives enough oxygen and proper blood flow
when it needs it most, such as when you are exercising.
It can be ordered for people who have been experiencing chest pains or other symptoms of coronary heart 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. This allows your doctor to learn what level of exercise you can handle safely.
If you are a smoker over 40 years old, or if you have other risk factors for heart disease, you should talk to your doctor to see if an exercise stress test is a good idea for you.
It can be ordered for people who have been experiencing chest pains or other symptoms of coronary heart 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. This allows your doctor to learn what level of exercise you can handle safely.
If you are a smoker over 40 years old, or if you have other risk factors for heart disease, you should talk to your doctor to see if an exercise stress test is a good idea for you.
The Risks of an Exercise Stress Test
Stress tests are generally considered safe, especially since they
are done in a controlled environment under the supervision of a trained
medical professional.
However, there are some rare risks, such as:
However, there are some rare risks, such as:
- chest pain
- collapsing
- fainting
- heart attack
- irregular heartbeat
Preparation
How to Prepare for an Exercise Stress Test
Prior to your test, your doctor will perform a physical exam and
ask about your complete medical history. At this point, you should tell
your doctor about your symptoms, especially any chest pains or shortness
of breath.
You should also tell your doctor about any conditions or symptoms that may make exercising difficult, such as stiff joints from arthritis.
Finally, you should let your doctor know if you have diabetes, because exercise affects blood sugar. If you do have diabetes, your doctor may want to monitor your blood glucose levels during the exercise test as well.
The day of the test, be sure to dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Something that is light and breathable is best. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, such as athletic sneakers.
Your doctor will give you complete instructions about how to prepare. These might include:
You should also tell your doctor about any conditions or symptoms that may make exercising difficult, such as stiff joints from arthritis.
Finally, you should let your doctor know if you have diabetes, because exercise affects blood sugar. If you do have diabetes, your doctor may want to monitor your blood glucose levels during the exercise test as well.
The day of the test, be sure to dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Something that is light and breathable is best. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, such as athletic sneakers.
Your doctor will give you complete instructions about how to prepare. These might include:
- Avoid eating, smoking, or drinking caffeinated beverages for three hours before the test
- Stop taking certain medications
- Report any chest pains or other complications you notice on the day of the test
How an Exercise Stress Test Is Performed
Before you begin exercising, you’ll be hooked up to the EKG
machine. Several sticky pads will be attached to your skin under your
clothes. Your doctor or nurse will check your heart rate and breathing
before you begin exercising. Your doctor may also have you breathe into a
tube to test the strength of your lungs.
You’ll start off by walking slowly on a treadmill. The speed and grade of the treadmill will be increased as the test continues.
If you experience any difficulties, specifically chest pains, weakness, or fatigue, you may ask to stop the test.
When your doctor is satisfied with your results, you’ll be able to stop exercising. Your heart rate and breathing will continue to be monitored for a short while afterward.
You’ll start off by walking slowly on a treadmill. The speed and grade of the treadmill will be increased as the test continues.
If you experience any difficulties, specifically chest pains, weakness, or fatigue, you may ask to stop the test.
When your doctor is satisfied with your results, you’ll be able to stop exercising. Your heart rate and breathing will continue to be monitored for a short while afterward.
Follow-Up
Following Up After an Exercise Stress Test
After the test, you’ll be asked to rest and be given water. If
your blood pressure rises during the test, your attending nurse may
continue to monitor your blood pressure.
A few days following the test, your doctor will review the results with you. The test could reveal irregular heart rhythms or other symptoms that indicate coronary artery disease, such as blocked arteries.
If your doctor determines you may have coronary artery disease or other heart problems, they may begin treatments or order more tests, such as a nuclear stress test.
A few days following the test, your doctor will review the results with you. The test could reveal irregular heart rhythms or other symptoms that indicate coronary artery disease, such as blocked arteries.
If your doctor determines you may have coronary artery disease or other heart problems, they may begin treatments or order more tests, such as a nuclear stress test.
No comments:
Post a Comment