A stress test is a safe way to evaluate heart symptoms and assess how well your heart functions under physical exertion. It helps identify underlying heart issues, measure blood flow, and determine if your heart is getting enough oxygen when working harder.
At Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates, Nader Chadda, MD, FSCC, FSCAI, specializes in diagnosing and treating vascular and heart conditions with advanced diagnostic tools like stress testing. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during the test and how it can provide valuable insights into your heart health.
Your doctor may recommend a stress test if you experience symptoms such as
Stress testing is also commonly used to assess patients with known heart conditions, monitor progress after a procedure, or determine how much exercise your heart can safely handle.
For individuals with vascular disease or at risk for heart disease, a stress test provides crucial information about how the heart responds to physical stress and whether there are any circulation problems that require further attention.
A stress test can detect various heart conditions, including:
Additional tests such as echocardiogram, angiogram, or cardiac MRI can provide a more detailed evaluation of how well your heart functions.
For patients visiting Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates for a stress test, our team will provide instructions on how to prepare in the days leading up to the test. You may be asked to avoid
It’s also recommended to avoid eating 3-4 hours before the test. Wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes on the day of the test is recommended.
For patients with any existing conditions or those taking medications for heart disease, blood pressure, or diabetes, our team will let you know whether you need to make adjustments before the test.
Once you arrive at the clinic, small electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. You can also expect to have your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels taken before the test begins.
During a standard exercise stress test, you’ll walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike, with the intensity gradually increasing. The goal is to get your heart rate up while monitoring for any signs of reduced blood flow, abnormal rhythms, or other cardiovascular concerns.
If you’re unable to exercise due to a medical condition, our team may perform a pharmacological stress test instead. In this case, medication is used to stimulate the heart, mimicking the effects of exercise without requiring physical activity.
Once the test is complete, you can expect us to monitor you for a short period as your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. Our team will review the results and discuss any findings with you. If we find any abnormalities, we may recommend further testing or treatment.
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s function and identifying potential cardiovascular issues. The insights from this test are essential for guiding your care.
If you have concerns about your heart health or need a stress test, call or message us today to schedule an appointment with the dedicated team at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates. We have two offices to serve you, in Brooksville and Hudson, Florida.
