5 Things to Know About a Stress Test for Heart

A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test or a treadmill test, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how well your heart functions during physical activity. The test involves walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bike while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. The intensity of the exercise is gradually increased to increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Knowing how well your heart works during physical activity is vital for optimal health, and a stress test can give you insight into this. It’s also an important tool in diagnosing various cardiac conditions. 

How does a Stress test (ref. link) work? 

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) record the electrical rhythms of the heart while you walk on the treadmill. The doctor monitors your vital signs and also examines you for symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue. Abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, or alarming physical symptoms may indicate the presence of CAD (coronary artery disease) or plaque (fatty deposits) in arteries that block the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

What is a stress test used for?

A stress test is used to:

• To diagnose Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition which occurs due to blockage of arteries because of plaque or fatty deposits.
• To diagnose Arrhythmias, a condition that causes irregular heart beats
• To determine your capacity for physical activity.
• To determine the efficacy of your treatment if you have already been diagnosed with heart disease.
• To indicate whether you are at risk for a heart attack or another severe heart condition.

What are the types of Stress tests?

All types of stress tests assess heart function by checking heart rate, blood pressure, electrical activity, oxygen levels. There are three primary types of stress tests, and they are are chosen based on the individual’s health condition and needs.

Exercise stress test:

• During an exercise stress test the doctor will assess the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and level of fatigue in response to varying levels of physical activity.
• Your doctor will attach electrodes to your chest and connect them to an ECG (Electrocardiogram).
• You will then be asked to walk on the treadmill starting slowly.
• The treadmill speed will gradually increase and may go into an incline.
• Your doctor will measure your recordings at each level.
• You will continue walking or riding until you reach a specified target heart rate.
• If you develop symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue, you may need to stop sooner. If the ECG indicates a problem with your heart, the test may also be terminated.
• The individual will exercise for 10 to 15 minutes but can request to stop at any time if they are feeling ill.

Stress test without exercise:

If a patient is unable to exercise, he or she may be prescribed medication to induce the same effect. In this test, they will attach electrodes to the patient’s chest and administer the medication through an IV line in their arm. The medication will increase heart rate and may cause similar side effects to exercise, such as flushing and shortness of breath.

Nuclear stress test:

• Known as a radionuclide scan, this procedure can provide a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the heart.
• While similar to the exercise stress test, the doctor will also inject a tracer dye into the patient’s arm to highlight the heart and blood flow on an image.
• Additionally, the dye will reveal areas of the heart where blood is not flowing properly, which indicates a blockage.
• The doctor will take two sets of images spanning 15–30 minutes each. They will take the images during exercise and during rest.
• The doctor compares how the heart functions in both normal conditions and under stress.
• This test is not suitable for pregnant women as the radiation may affect the foetus.

Why should you take a stress test?

A stress test may be recommended if you have symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. The results of a stress test can help your doctor determine if you have any underlying heart problems, such as blockages in your coronary arteries or abnormalities in your heart rhythm. It can also help your doctor determine the appropriate treatment for any heart conditions you may have.

A physician may also recommend a stress test if you are :

• undergoing treatment for cardiovascular disease
• due for a surgery
• considering beginning an intensive exercise regimen

What are the risks of taking a Stress test?

Both Exercise test and Nuclear test are safe in most cases. However, they may cause adverse effects like a heart attack or an irregular heart rhythm in few patients. Statistics (Ref. Link) show that this happens 1 in 10,000 cases.

There are several situations in which a stress test may not be recommended or may need to be postponed:

1. Acute illness: If you have a fever, acute respiratory infection, or other acute illness, your doctor may recommend postponing the stress test until you have recovered.
2. Recent surgery or injury: If you have recently undergone surgery or sustained a significant injury, your doctor may recommend waiting until you have fully recovered before undergoing a stress test.
3. Uncontrolled high blood pressure: If your blood pressure is significantly elevated, it may be unsafe to undergo a stress test. Your doctor may recommend treating your high blood pressure before proceeding with the test.
4. Heart attack or unstable angina: If you have recently had a heart attack or are experiencing unstable angina (chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion), a stress test may not be appropriate.
5. Certain medication: Some medication, such as beta blockers, can affect the results of a stress test. Your doctor may recommend adjusting your medication regimen or postponing the test until you have been off certain medications for a certain period of time.

Stress tests are important tools that help doctors determine whether someone has an underlying cardiac issue or if they are healthy enough for certain activities. The test itself involves walking on a treadmill while hooked up to an ECG machine, so it’s important to be aware of this before going into the appointment. Knowing what to expect from a stress test—and being prepared for it—can help make sure that you get accurate results from this important medical procedure.

Finally, the reason a stress test is helpful is because it captures the functioning of your heart through different activities, thereby allowing you to see how your cardiac function responds to said activities. Using a smart heart monitor allows you to gather this information for much larger durations of time, giving you more data to get a more accurate sense of your cardiac health. Purchase the revolutionary Frontier X2 with its continuous ECG feature, and get access to the most important metrics for your heart health!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I prepare for a stress test?

You will be walking on a treadmill for a stress test, so wear comfortable clothing and running shoes. You also need to stop smoking for at least 24 hours before the test. Talk your doctor a day before about all the medications you use.

What should I do during a stress test?

You will be asked to walk on a treadmill and the technician increases the speed every few minutes; the technician also increases the incline of the treadmill.

You may be breathing heavily and sweating, but if you begin to feel pain, you must immediately inform the technician. You should not continue the test if you feel any chest pain or dizziness.

What should I do after a stress test?

It’s normal to feel tired after a stress test, but if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or pain in your neck, jaw, or arm, you should report to the hospital immediately.

What are the benefits of a stress test?

Stress tests will help in assessing your heart condition and diagnosing heart problems like CAD, arrhythmias. It also helps in identifying the level of physical activity you are capable of.

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