Stress Tests

What is a Stress Test

A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, measures your heart’s activity while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. As your heart works harder, we monitor its response to exercise. This helps us identify any reduced blood flow, abnormal heart rhythms, or other concerns.

Types of Stress Tests We Offer

The stress tests available at our heart center include:

Stress ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A Stress ECG records your heart’s electrical activity during exercise. Small electrodes are placed on your chest to track your heart rate and rhythm. If you have symptoms like dizziness or palpitations, this test helps determine if physical activity triggers any irregularities.

PET Nuclear Stress Test

A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Nuclear Stress Test provides detailed images of blood flow to your heart muscle. A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected, and a special camera captures 3D images. This test is highly accurate in diagnosing blockages or areas where blood flow is restricted.

Nuclear Stress Test

Similar to a PET stress test, a Nuclear Stress Test uses a radioactive tracer to highlight blood flow. Images are taken at rest and after exercise to compare how well your heart performs under stress. This test is useful for patients who may not be able to exercise fully, as medications can simulate the effects of physical activity.

Treadmill Stress Test

The most common type, a Treadmill Stress Test, involves walking on a treadmill while your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored. The intensity gradually increases, and the test stops once you reach a target heart rate or if symptoms arise. It’s a straightforward way to assess heart function during physical activity.

Why You Might Need a Stress Test

You might need a stress test to:

• Diagnose coronary artery disease
• Evaluate symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath
• Check heart function after a heart attack or procedure
• Determine safe exercise levels if you’re starting a new fitness program

What to Expect During Your Stress Test

When you visit our heart care center for a stress test, we’ll guide you through each step of the process.

Before your appointment, we’ll ask you to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours to ensure accurate results. You must wear comfortable workout clothes and shoes since you’ll be moving during the test.

During the procedure, we’ll place small electrodes on your chest to carefully monitor your heart’s activity while you exercise. The entire test typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, though this may vary slightly depending on which type of stress test you’re receiving.

Our caring medical team will be with you throughout the entire process, making sure you’re comfortable and safe at all times. If you have any physical limitations that might make exercise difficult, just let us know – we offer alternative testing methods to accommodate your needs while still getting the important information we need about your heart health.