Exercise Stress Testing
Definition
A stress test assesses your heart when exercising and when your heart rate and blood pressure and when the demand on blood flow and oxygen consumption go up.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is performed to assess the performance of your heart during exercise. This may be compromised due to blocked arteries of your heart, heart valve problems or rhythm problems.
How the Test is Conducted
You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist up. A nurse or technician will place ECG electrodes (sticky patches) on to your chest and shoulders. The skin may need to be prepared with a very soft sandpaper or chest hair may need to be shaved in small areas to improve the connection between the skin and the electrode. Wires connect the electrodes to an ECG computer. This will monitor the electrical activity during the stress test.
You will then be asked to step onto the treadmill or stationary exercise bicycle.
On the treadmill, the speed and incline increase every three minutes following a protocol. Your blood pressure will be checked regularly. The test will end at the doctor’s discretion when you have reached a certain heart rate, blood pressure or concerning changes. You may choose to end the test if you get short of breath. if your legs feel weak or if you feel unwell for another reason. Your blood pressure will be monitored.
On the stationary bicycle, the resistance increases every 2 minutes while you pedal to a certain speed. The test will end at the doctor’s discretion when you have reached a certain heart rate, blood pressure or concerning changes. You may choose to end the test if you get short of breath, if your legs feel weak or if you feel unwell for another reason. Your blood pressure will be monitored.
The result of the test will be discussed with you straight after the test.
How to Prepare for the Test
Risks
Complication like a heart attack or abnormal rhythm may occur but are minimized by prior ultrasound scanning ( see echocardiogram) and continuous monitoring. Emergency equipment and trained personnel are immediately available.
A stress test assesses your heart when exercising and when your heart rate and blood pressure and when the demand on blood flow and oxygen consumption go up.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is performed to assess the performance of your heart during exercise. This may be compromised due to blocked arteries of your heart, heart valve problems or rhythm problems.
- To see if you are at risk of having a heart attack.
- To see if you have an abnormal heart rhythm during exercise
- To see if your heart is healthy for you to have any kind of surgery
How the Test is Conducted
You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist up. A nurse or technician will place ECG electrodes (sticky patches) on to your chest and shoulders. The skin may need to be prepared with a very soft sandpaper or chest hair may need to be shaved in small areas to improve the connection between the skin and the electrode. Wires connect the electrodes to an ECG computer. This will monitor the electrical activity during the stress test.
You will then be asked to step onto the treadmill or stationary exercise bicycle.
On the treadmill, the speed and incline increase every three minutes following a protocol. Your blood pressure will be checked regularly. The test will end at the doctor’s discretion when you have reached a certain heart rate, blood pressure or concerning changes. You may choose to end the test if you get short of breath. if your legs feel weak or if you feel unwell for another reason. Your blood pressure will be monitored.
On the stationary bicycle, the resistance increases every 2 minutes while you pedal to a certain speed. The test will end at the doctor’s discretion when you have reached a certain heart rate, blood pressure or concerning changes. You may choose to end the test if you get short of breath, if your legs feel weak or if you feel unwell for another reason. Your blood pressure will be monitored.
The result of the test will be discussed with you straight after the test.
How to Prepare for the Test
- You should not eat for 4 hours before the test. Diabetic patients will receive specific instructions prior to the test. You should hydrate up to 2 hours before the test, then only sips of water.
- No alcohol for 24 hours before the test, no caffeine for 4 hours before the test.
- wear comfortable clothing e.g. shorts, T shirt, track suit pants, closed in shoes or sneakers.
- Do not apply lotions, oils or powder to chest area
- Please advise us what medication you are taking. Some of your medication may be withheld before the stress test. If you are asthmatic, please bring your inhalers to the stress test.
Risks
Complication like a heart attack or abnormal rhythm may occur but are minimized by prior ultrasound scanning ( see echocardiogram) and continuous monitoring. Emergency equipment and trained personnel are immediately available.
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