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An exercise stress test is a screening tool to
test the effect of exercise on your heart. The
test gives a general sense of the healthy your
heart.
How Is The Test Performed
You will walk or pedal on an exercise machine
while the electrical activity of your heart is
measured with an electrocardiogram (ECG), and
blood pressure readings are taken. This will measure
your heart's reaction to your body's increased
need for oxygen.
The test continues until you reach a target heart
rate, unless complications such as chest pain
or an exaggerated rise in blood pressure develop.
You will continue to be monitored for 10 - 15
minutes after exercising, or until your heart
rate returns to baseline.
How To Prepare For The Test
You must not eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing
caffeine or alcohol for 3 hours before the test.
You should continue all medications unless instructed
otherwise. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing
to allow exercise. Tell your doctor if you are
taking sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and have taken
a dose within the past 24 hours. This is necessary
because nitroglycerin, which is sometimes given
during a stress test to relieve chest pain, should
not be given to a person who has recently taken
Viagra, since the combination can cause a serious
drop in blood pressure.
How The Test Will Feel
Electrodes (conductive patches) will be placed
on your chest, arms, and legs to record the heart's
activity. The preparation of the electrode sites
on your chest may produce a mild burning or stinging
sensation.
The blood pressure cuff on your arm will be inflated
every few minutes, producing a squeezing sensation
that may feel tight. Baseline measurements of
heart rate and blood pressure will be taken before
exercise starts.
You will start walking on a treadmill or pedaling
a stationary bicycle. The pace and incline of
the treadmill will gradually be increased.
Rarely, people experience chest discomfort, palpitations,
dizziness, or shortness of breath during the test.
Why The Test Is Performed
A stress test is performed to determine causes
of chest pain, the exercise capacity of the heart,
appropriate exercise levels in those beginning
an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances
during exercise. There may be additional reasons
that your health care provider requests this test.
Normal Results
Normally, heart rate increases in proportion
to the workload and attains endurance levels appropriate
for age and conditioning level.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may indicate arrhythmias during
exercise, stress on the heart provoked by exercise,
possible coronary artery disease (blockage in
the arteries), or lack of aerobic fitness.
Risks
Stress tests are generally safe. Some patients
may have chest pain or may faint or collapse.
A heart attack or dangerous irregular rhythm rarely
occurs, but if it does, the patient is in the
best position to receive medical attention.
Patients who are likely to have such complications
are usually already known to have weak hearts,
so they are not given this test.
Considerations
A stress test is less
accurate in young or middle-aged women with symptoms
that are not typical of heart disease.
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