Answers to your questions about Routine Stress Testing

What is a Stress Test?

The Stress Test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to the heart muscle.

The heart muscle receives blood from vessels called coronary arteries. The heart muscle may not receive the blood it needs to function properly if these coronary arteries become partially blocked or narrowed by the accumulation of cholesterol. This narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries is called coronary arteriosclerosis or, more commonly, coronary artery disease (CAD).

As CAD progresses, the heart muscle when under stress (i.e., when you exercise) may not receive suffiecient blood, resulting in chest pain called angina. If CAD limits blood flow to the heart muscle, this may be detected with the Stress Test.

How should I prepare for the test?

1. You should not eat or drink two to three hours prior to the test. This prevents the possibility of nausea which may accompany vigorous exercise after eating.
2. Your physician may decide to temporarily discontinue certain medications prior to the Stress Test. These are discontinued because some cardiac medications may offset the accuracy and effectiveness of the Stress Test. This should be discussed with your physician prior to your Stress Test.
3. Since you will work hard during the Stress Test, comfortable clothing is important. Slacks or shorts are preferred for the exercise portion of the test. You should wear comfortable footwear appropriate for brisk exercise on a treadmill. A hospital gown will be provided as needed.

What will I experience during the test?

1. You should not eat or drink two to three hours prior to the test. This prevents the possibility of nausea which may accompany vigorous exercise after eating.
2. Several adhesive patches, called electrodes, will be placed on your chest. These will be connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor so that your heart rate and rhythm can be watched closely throughout the Stress Test.
3. You will exercise by walking on a moving belt called a treadmill. the treadmill will be started at a very slow speed and as the Stress Test proceeds, the speed and the incline of the treadmill will be gradually increased. As exercise increases, your heart rate and blood pressure will rise, which is normal. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be monitored throughout the Stress Test.
4. You will be carefully monitored during your Stress Test. To increase the effectiveness of the Stress Test, it is important to exercise as much as you can. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain or arm pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, you should tell the physician or supervising nurse/technician right away. Depending on your symptoms, blood pressure, ECG or the degree of fatigue you develop, adjustment will be made to the exercise portion of the Stress Test.
5. After the completion of the exercise part of the Stress Test, you will continue to have you ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure monitored. this is done to evaluate your recovery time from exercise and this varies from individual to individual.
6. This is usually the end of the Stress Test. Our physician will discuss the results of the Stress Test with your personal physician and submit a written report (usually within a few days). Your personal physician will then explain the results of the Stress test and their implications to you.

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