Bloodwork, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Supplements

Cardiac Stress Testing: Understanding How it Helps Assess Your Heart Health

Ever wonder how doctors assess your heart health when it’s under pressure? A cardiac stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating how your heart functions during physical activity. As your Blood Buddy, we’re here to explain what cardiac stress testing involves, why it’s helpful, and what you can expect during the process.

What is Cardiac Stress Testing?

Cardiac stress tests measure the health of your heart while it is working hard. During a stress test, you exercise to increase your heart’s workload, which increases the blood flowing to your heart.

If you are unable to exercise, medicine is used to increase the blood flow to the heart. Your heart’s response is measured in various ways based on your condition and the type of stress test you have, which may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and imaging tests. These tests help your doctor assess blood flow to different heart muscle areas.

Why are Cardiac Stress Tests Helpful?

Cardiac stress tests can reveal problems that don’t show up while your heart is at rest. Your doctor might order a stress test if you have chest pain that comes and goes, difficulty breathing, swollen ankles or feet, an irregular heart rate, tiredness, or nausea.

Cardiac stress tests can reveal:

  • Partial blocks in the arteries that feed your heart

  • Changes in your heart’s ability to pump blood

  • The progress of congestive heart failure

  • Heart rhythm problems that show up only when your heart is beating faster

Blood Buddy, remember the importance of regular monitoring to see when issues may arise.

How Do I Prepare for a Cardiac Stress Test?

Before the test, your healthcare provider will ask you to:

  • List medicines you are taking including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine.

  • Describe any symptoms you have during exercise such as heart rhythm problems, nausea, chest pain, or breathing problems.

  • Follow all instructions about whether or not to stop certain medicines or avoid eating before the test.

  • Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes if your test requires exercise to increase your heart rate.

What Happens During a Cardiac Stress Test?

You will be monitored during the test. To monitor your blood pressure and the oxygen in your blood, a cuff may be placed on your arm and a clip may be put on your finger. Electrodes (sticky patches) may be put on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity.

Increasing the Workload on Your Heart:

If you can exercise, you will walk on a treadmill or ride an exercise bike to make your heart work harder. If you can’t exercise during a cardiac stress test, you will receive medicine through an IV.

What happens in each case:

  • If You Exercise: Your effort will increase gradually. For example, the treadmill will start slowly. It will become faster and steeper every few minutes, until you are exercising as hard as you can or until you reach a target heart rate.

    • If you have chest pain, nausea, or just don’t feel well, tell the technician. The treadmill can be stopped at any time.

    • Wait for the treadmill to stop completely before you step off.

    • Tell the technician when you feel you can exercise for one more minute.

What Happens After the Test?

When the test is finished, the technician removes the arm cuff, finger clip, and electrodes as well as the IV if you had one. You can usually go home the same day.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cardiac stress testing measures your heart’s health under workload.

  • The test can reveal problems that don’t show up when your heart is at rest.

  • Preparation involves listing medications and describing exercise-related symptoms.

  • During the test, you’ll be monitored while exercising or receiving medicine to increase your heart rate.

  • Rest after a test for a while

When Should I Call My Doctor After a Cardiac Stress Test?

Contact your doctor if you have heart symptoms after the test such as:

  • A racing or fluttering heartbeat

  • Chest pain

  • Trouble breathing

What are the Risks and Benefits?

The risk of a serious complication is extremely low. Risks can include:

  • Symptoms caused by a faster heartbeat, such as chest pain, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, nausea, heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest.

  • Exposure to radiation (if nuclear imaging is used).

  • Allergic reaction to medicine that may be given if you can’t exercise.

By understanding what a cardiac stress test involves, you can approach the procedure with greater confidence and work with your healthcare team to maintain optimal heart health.