Everything You Need to Know About Stress Tests
Stress tests are commonly used for the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease. They can also help you and your doctor chose the best treatment before and after a heart attack. They are a non-invasive way to answer very important questions about the past, present and future of your heart.
Who Needs a Stress Test?
A stress test is useful if you are at risk for coronary artery disease and a heart attack, have symptoms which may be due to a blocked coronary, or if you’ve had a heart attack and need to decide about further treatment.
What are the Different Types of Stress?
The “stress” portion of a stress test can be achieved with exercise, as on a treadmill, or with a pharmacologic means. The choice of which test is appropriate for you depends on many variables. You and your doctor should review your medical history and your desire and ability to perform each of the different kinds of stress test.
The naming of the different stress tests creates some significant confusion for both patients and medical staff. This article clarifies the differences and similarities among the tests.
Who Should Not Have a Stress Test (the Contraindications)?
The stress test can yield very valuable information for you and your doctor. However, in some cases, the risks of a stress test outweigh the benefits. You and your doctor need to carefully discuss possible contraindications before proceeding. You should explore your own medical history and bring any concern to your doctor’s attention before the stress test.
Imaging the Heart: An Important Part of the Stress Test
Every stress test includes an ECG, or electrocardiogram, used to monitor your heart rate and rhythm as well as evaluating for changes due to decreased blood flow to heart muscle (ischemia). A stress test is often complemented with by taking pictures of the heart (imaging). The two commonly used imaging techniques are nuclear and echocardiographic.
How Do I Prepare for a Stress Test?
Depending on the type of stress and type of imaging you will have, you’ll be asked to abstain from certain medications, foods, beverages, and activities. It’s critical that you understand these instructions, as not following them precisely can make the test much less useful.
What Happens During a Stress Test?
Stress tests can last from a less than half an hour to several hours. They may require you to walk or run on a treadmill or simply lay still on a table. Some types of imaging place you on your back while others, on your side.