What to Expect from a Stress Test
If you are having chest pain or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it. These symptoms could be early signs of heart problems. You should see a cardiologist. One of the diagnostic tools our cardiologist may recommend is a stress test. Dr. Aamir Javaid at Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care offers comprehensive cardiology and vascular services, including cardiac stress tests. He has two convenient office locations in Kissimmee, and Poinciana, FL.
What You Need To Know About a Stress Test
A stress test can help our cardiologist determine how well your heart is functioning while you are active or exercising. According to the American Heart Association, a stress test may be recommended to:
- Diagnose coronary artery disease
- Diagnose heart problems related to chest pain, breathing problems, or dizziness
- Check the effectiveness of certain cardiac procedures to treat coronary artery disease
- Predict the possibility of a heart attack
- Determine a safe level of exercise for you
A cardiologist may recommend a stress test if you are experiencing signs or symptoms like these:
- Squeezing or pressure in your chest
- Chest pain that radiates into your arms, neck, jaws, or shoulders
- Chronic, recurrent chest pain that is growing worse or more frequent
- Chest pain accompanied by profuse sweating and breathing difficulties
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat or pulse
It’s helpful to know what to expect during a stress test. There are a few steps involved. A technician will hook up equipment that monitors your heart. You begin walking slowly on a treadmill. After a period of time, the pace will increase, and the treadmill will be raised up to simulate an incline. You will breathe into a tube for a few minutes. After the test, you will lie down or sit while your blood pressure and heart rate are recorded.
A stress test is easily tolerated by most people, but if you have foot problems, arthritis, or other conditions which make it difficult to walk, our doctor may recommend a nuclear stress test instead of walking on a treadmill. For a nuclear stress test, medications are injected that increase the heart rate, simulating stress during activity.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about what to expect from a stress test, talk with an expert-our cardiologist. Call Dr. Javaid at Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care. You can reach him in both the Kissimmee and Poinciana, FL, offices by calling (407) 572-8900, so call today.