Have a stress test coming up?
It can also be used to monitor the health of people with other forms ofheart disease.
This article explains the types and purpose of stress tests, and how they are done.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
It offers a step-by-step guide on what to expect, as well as information about interpreting stress test results.
Blockages great than around 70% restrict this needed increase in flow to the heart muscle during exertion.
This is a condition known asatherosclerosis.
Over time, the blockage can impede blood flow and may eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Ischemia occurring at higher levels of exercise is usually less significant and may alter theapproach to treatment.
In addition, the stress test is a physiologic test of the adequacy of blood flow.
In terms of accuracy, a cardiac stress test is often open to interpretation.
When imaging is used during a stress test, sensitivity and specificity are close to 90%.
Clinical experience, therefore, plays a huge role in how accurately a test result is rendered.
The general risk of the test is considered low if your healthcare provider deems the test appropriate for you.
Stress test by injection may be used if you are unable to exercise because of a physical disability.
A short-acting drug, usually regadenoson or adenosine, can simulate the effects of exercise on the heart.
How Long Does a Stress Test Usually Take?
The room itself is called a stress lab.
This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and certain energy bars.
Only plain water should be consumed in the four hours before the test.
Be sure to advise your healthcare provider of any such need.
In some cases, the drugs may interfere with the accuracy of the test.
These include any medications containing caffeine, which can increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
Chronic heart medications and nitrate drugs used to treat angina also need to be stopped before the test.
(With that being said, do not stop any drug without direct instructions from your healthcare provider.)
If you are denied coverage for any reason, ask your insurer for a written reason for the denial.
You are then taken to the stress lab.
The test itself is performed by a lab technician or an attending healthcare provider.
These serve as baselines that your other results will be compared to.
Throughout the Testing
After the resting results are obtained, the exercise portion of the test begins.
Do not grab tightly onto the handrails or handlebars as this may affect the results.
If you do, tell the technician.
you’ve got the option to then change back into your clothes and freshen up in the restroom.
If it is abnormal, advise the technician, nurse, or attending healthcare provider.
After the Stress Test
Cardiac stress tests don’t usually cause adverse symptoms or lingering side effects.
Even the burning sensation in your legs (because of the build-up oflactic acid) will gradually subside.
Summary
A cardiac stress test is a valuable tool for diagnosis.
Moreover, it is a relatively affordable test that doesn’t expose you to radiation or chemicals.
To better ensure test accuracy, always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions without exception.
When it comes to cardiac stress testing, experience and expertise do matter.
you might alsorequest a copy of the resultsfor yourself.
The CPET, or cardiopulmonary exercise test, also measures both heart and lung function.
Most people are able to complete a stress test without problems, and they then wait for the results.
Your healthcare provider will then work with you to develop a treatment plan.
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