Doctors perform stress tests to evaluate heart health and diagnose different cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease. They use an electrocardiogram to monitor your heart activity as you exercise. Here is what to expect during a stress test at a cardiology clinic:
Preparation
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes to the cardiology clinic to help you move more easily during the stress test. Avoid food intake and tobacco use for several hours before the test, as they can affect your ability to complete the procedure. Tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins, or medications that you take regularly. They may ask you to bring your inhaler with you or postpone taking certain medications that could affect the results of your test.
Resting Measurements
Cardiologists may begin by taking baseline blood pressure and heart rate measurements while you are at rest. To assess your heart health, your doctor will perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). The process involves placing a cuff on your arm to measure blood pressure and using an ECG machine to record the heart’s electrical signals. Before placing the electrode patches for the ECG, doctors may shave any hair in the area to promote accurate readings.
Warm-up Exercise
A stress test assesses how well your heart works under increasing activity levels. Doctors use a stationary bike or a treadmill to assess your cardiac activity. The warm-up may start with light exercise, such as walking on the treadmill or cycling at a low intensity. During this phase, the speed of the treadmill may be slowly increased, or the resistance on a stationary bike may be adjusted. Your cardiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs to make sure you are responding appropriately to the increasing workload.
Intense Exercise
After the warm-up, the exercise intensity increases significantly, often through incremental steps. This increases the workload and makes your heart work harder. Additional resistance allows the doctor to detect issues that show up only during intense activity. They will look for any abnormal responses, such as arrhythmias or significant drops in blood pressure. Your doctor sets a target level for your heart rate during the test. They can also stop the test if you develop fatigue, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath.
Intravenous Medicine
If you are unable to exercise physically, your doctor can administer intravenous medicine. This medicine mimics the effects of exercise, increasing the blood flow through the heart’s arteries. It allows your doctor to monitor the same vital signs as a physical stress test. This method may be suitable if you have severe arthritis, respiratory problems, or mobility limitations.
Post-test Evaluation
After completing the stress test, your cardiologist will continue to monitor your vital signs until they return to normal. They may ask you about any symptoms you experienced during the test, such as chest pain or palpitations. This information helps your doctor better understand how your heart responds to stress. If any abnormalities are detected after reviewing your results, your cardiologist may recommend additional tests, such as a cardiac MRI, to gather more information.
Visit a Cardiology Clinic for a Stress Test
Stress tests allow cardiologists to recommend suitable treatments and lifestyle changes to enhance your well-being. They can diagnose various conditions, from valve disorders to heart failure. Contact a reputable cardiology clinic today to learn more about their stress testing services.