Stress Testing Specialist

What is a stress test?

A stress test shows how your heart functions during exercise when it has to pump blood harder and faster. Some heart problems are easier to detect when your heart is working hard. 

During an exercise stress test, your Premier Cardiovascular Consultants provider monitors your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. If you can’t exercise, your provider may give you a medicine that makes your heart beat faster, as if you were exercising. 

Why would I need a stress test?

The team at Premier Cardiovascular Consultants uses stress tests for a wide variety of reasons. They may take a stress test to determine the cause of cardiovascular symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  
  

They may also use a stress test to evaluate your heart health after a heart attack or before starting a new exercise program. A stress test can also measure how well a treatment works for heart disease. 

How do I prepare for a stress test?

Your Premier Cardiovascular Consultants provider gives you specific instructions on how to prepare for a stress test. They may ask you to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for a period of time. You may also need to avoid caffeine for a day or two before your stress test and the day of. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes to your appointment. 

What happens during a stress test?

The stress test happens right in the office at Premier Cardiovascular Consultants. It takes about an hour, including prep time. The actual test takes only about 15 minutes. 

During the test, your provider places sticky patches that contain electrodes on your chest, legs, and arms. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your heart and connect to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. Your provider also applies a blood pressure cuff to your arm and may ask you to breathe into a tube while you’re exercising.

You continue to exercise until your heart rate reaches a set target or until you develop symptoms that prevent you from continuing. After the test, your doctor discusses your results with you.

For convenient, on-site stress tests, call Premier Cardiovascular Consultants or request an appointment online today.