Stress testing is a very common test that doctors diagnose different heart conditions. You can do a stress test by performing an exercise or injecting medication into the body. In this activity, one would typically experience symptoms such as increased heart rate and shortness of breath, which would give the doctor insight into how well their heart is functioning. Stress testing can help diagnose coronary artery disease, a blockage of one or more arteries in the heart, and lead to different problems such as chest pain and heart attack. A specialist in stress testing in Philadelphia can potentially save your life if you have any symptoms linked to severe heart disease by identifying the condition early and recommending ideal treatment.
Who Should Get Stress Testing?
People recently diagnosed with heart disease should get stress testing to check how well their coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Poor blood flow to the heart is dangerous and can lead to several medical problems, such as unstable angina, which is chest pain that comes and goes with little warning. This is often caused by blockages in coronary arteries and can develop into a full-blown heart attack if not detected quickly.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness should consider getting stress testing to receive information on the condition of their coronary arteries and how it is supplying blood to the heart. If you feel like your health is at risk and want more information about the process and what the results mean for you, it is crucial to speak with a specialist in stress testing that can assist you in making an educated decision.
How to Prepare
Before having stress testing, one is typically instructed by their doctor to avoid consuming caffeine and other stimulants such as chocolate and cigarettes for a certain amount of time beforehand. If you are experiencing any chest pain or other symptoms, make sure to let the specialist performing the test know before beginning so that they understand what your body is currently going through.
You should wear comfortable clothing to be adequately prepared for a stress test. A typical stress test takes an hour or so and will require the patient to have their blood drawn, have electrodes attached all over their body, perform some tasks such as walking on a treadmill with special vests that help doctors view your heart.
What to Expect From Stress Testing?
Stress testing typically involves an exercise stress test performed on a treadmill. This may include walking or running while hooked up to equipment monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure. Doctors often inject medication into the body to cause specific effects such as narrowing the arteries or reducing oxygen to the heart muscle. This allows doctors to identify how suitable your coronary arteries are in supplying blood to the heart and whether or not there are any blockages present.
In summary, stress testing is a common test used to diagnose different heart problems. You should have it if you have had a recent heart disease diagnosis. You may also need it if you have any symptoms of heart problems. It involves an exercise stress test performed on a treadmill.
