A stress test is a simple technique that measures your heart’s vital signs under pressure when walking briskly on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle. If you suspect a circulatory disorder, the specialists at Life Imaging Fla may recommend stress testing Deerfield Beach to detect the underlying health condition.
What should you know about stress testing?
Stress testing is a cutting-edge technique that monitors your heart’s vital signs, especially during intense physical activity. The Life Imaging Fla specialists prefer exercises for stress testing because they prompt your heart to pump and beat harder, revealing the circulatory problems in your heart.
Your provider may request you to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while monitoring your breathing, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. You may also take a specific drug that mimics exercise effects and provides the necessary data about your heart’s vital signs. If you have an underlying condition limiting your mobility, such as arthritis, your doctor may recommend this drug.
Why do you need a stress test?
You may not need a stress test if you are in perfect health and don’t experience constant fatigue or other abnormal symptoms. If your provider suspects you have underlying circulatory or heart disease, you may need a stress test. You may be eligible for a stress test if you:
- Have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of cardiovascular dysfunction
- Require heart surgery
- Need a rigorous exercise program for weight loss
- Need a heart treatment
The Life Imaging Fla experts study and analyze your stress results before giving you a diagnosis and discussing your health condition. The team may also send your test results to your primary care provider to help with your treatment program.
How can you prepare for a stress test?
Preparation for stress testing is simple. Your provider may give you a few preparation instructions before your stress test to help ensure accurate results. Your doctor may advise you to wear comfortable sports shoes and clothes, carry your inhaler if asthmatic, avoid cigarette smoking, skip specific medications, avoid caffeinated beverages on the morning of your appointment and avoid solid food four hours before your test.
These preparation steps ensure comfort and accurate data during your test. A stress test usually lasts for about 10-15 minutes, but inform your doctor immediately if you experience stabbing chest pains or intense discomfort.
What diseases can a stress test detect?
A stress test can detect many health conditions without extensive diagnostic procedures. If you have shooting or stabbing chest pains or sudden shortness of breath, you may have coronary artery disease. An abnormal stress test may confirm this diagnosis. Notably, a normal stress test may not necessarily indicate arterial health.
You may have excellent test results but experience a heart attack a few moments later. If your test results fail to show the underlying disease, your doctor may recommend imaging such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays.
Call the Life Imaging Fla office or visit the website to create an appointment for more information about stress testing.