What Is The Significance Of Stress Tests?

What Is The Significance Of Stress Tests?

Stress tests are usually performed to determine how well your heart can handle physical activity. This is because when you exercise, your pumping organ pumps blood harder and faster. And when your heart is working hard, some heart conditions are easier to find out.

During a stress test, you will be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. In case you are unfit and unable to exercise, you will be given medicine to make your heart beat faster and harder. This test is often known as an exercise stress test, treadmill test, nuclear stress test, or stress echocardiogram test.

When you have difficulty completing this test in a given period, there may be reduced blood flow to your heart. Chances are you might be suffering from any serious heart condition!

If you wish to have a stress test performed by a specialist, you can schedule your appointment with Dr. Fagan, one of the best stress test specialists in NY. So, contact us at L.I. Medical Group and get the vital stress testing and the best medical assistance you deserve

Reasons- why are you advised to go for a stress test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test for the following reasons-

To diagnose coronary artery disease-

The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart. When these arteries become damaged, a person can get coronary artery disease. This heart condition mainly occurs due to a buildup of plaque or cholesterol deposits.

To diagnose irregular heartbeat-

Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat fail to work correctly. They can cause your heart to beat either too fast or too slow. As a result, you will have irregular heartbeats.

To manage the treatment-

If you have a heart condition, the stress test results can help your health care provider determine if your current treatment is working fine or not. Then, if he feels the need to change the medicines, he can do it accordingly.

To check heart condition before surgery-

If you are planning to undergo any heart surgery, your doctor may use a stress test to determine whether it is safe to go for the surgery or not!

If the results of this test don’t provide enough information, your doctor may ask you to go for a stress test with imaging, such as a nuclear stress test or an echocardiogram.

How can an exercise stress test be performed?

You might be asked to stroll on a treadmill. As the test continues, the speed of the treadmill will be increased. If you experience any chest pains, weakness, fatigue, or other difficulties, this test might be stopped.

Once your health care provider is satisfied with your test results, you’ll be asked to stop exercising.

Annual physicals are a key to better health. You might be due for certain vaccinations, such as a tetanus booster shot, shingles vaccine, or an annual flu shot. So, maybe, it’s time for your next blood sugar or lipid profile test. Regular checkups can keep you updated about your vaccinations or health tests.

When can a doctor recommend a stress test?

If you show the following signs and symptoms of limited blood flow to your heart, your doctor may recommend this test.

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Feel like a fluttering in your chest

You may also need this test if you:

• Want to start any exercise program
• Had heart surgery in past
• Treated for any heart condition
• Had a heart attack recently
• At the risk of developing heart disease due to other health conditions, i.e., diabetes
• Have a family history of heart disease

The results of a stress test can help a physician to understand the status of your heart health.

If you have any of the above-listed symptoms or reasons, you can consult our specialists and get the stress tests done at the best facility. And accordingly, you will get the best treatment to remain fit and healthy!