Evaluating How Your Heart Works During Exercise
Cardiovascular Stress Test
Cardiovascular Stress Test
At Caceres Medical Group, we provide cardiovascular stress testing to help
evaluate how the heart responds to physical activity. This test is commonly used to
assess chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise tolerance, abnormal EKG findings, and
the possibility of coronary artery disease.
A stress test gives your physician important information that may not appear while the
heart is resting. Some heart problems become more noticeable when the heart is
working harder.
What Is a Cardiovascular Stress Test?
A cardiovascular stress test, also called an exercise treadmill test, is a non-invasive
test that monitors your heart while you walk on a treadmill. During the test, your heart
rate, blood pressure, symptoms, and EKG are monitored.
As the treadmill gradually increases in speed and incline, your heart works harder. This
allows the physician to look for signs of reduced blood flow to the heart, abnormal heart
rhythms, blood pressure problems, or decreased exercise capacity.
How Is the Test Done?
Before the test, small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to
an EKG machine. A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm.
During the test:
- You walk on a treadmill.
- The treadmill gradually becomes faster and more inclined
- Your heart rhythm is monitored continuously.
- Your blood pressure is checked at different stages.
- You will be asked about symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or leg pain.
- The test continues until you reach a target heart rate, become tired, develop symptoms, or the physician decides it should be stopped.
After exercise, you are monitored during recovery until your heart rate and blood
pressure return toward baseline.
Why Is a Stress Test Done?
A cardiovascular stress test may help determine whether the heart is receiving enough
blood and oxygen during activity. It may also help evaluate exercise capacity, rhythm
abnormalities, blood pressure response, and overall cardiovascular risk.
Your doctor may order a stress test to evaluate:
- Chest pain or chest pressure
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Abnormal EKG findings
- Palpitations with exercise
- Dizziness or near-fainting with exertion
- Known or suspected coronary artery disease
- Risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, or family history
- Symptoms after prior angioplasty, stent, bypass surgery, or heart attack
- Exercise tolerance before starting a cardiac or fitness program
- Cardiac risk before certain surgeries when medically indicated
Benefits of In-Office Stress Testing
Having cardiovascular stress testing available in our office allows for:
- Convenient evaluation of heart symptoms
- Careful monitoring during exercise
- Assessment of exercise capacity
- Detection of possible coronary artery disease
- Evaluation of rhythm and blood pressure response
- Better coordination with your physician’s examination
- Timely decisions about further testing or treatment
If additional evaluation is needed, your physician may recommend an echocardiogram,
stress echocardiogram, cardiac PET imaging, coronary CT angiography, cardiac
catheterization, or referral to a specialist.
Preparing for Your Stress Test
Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Your doctor or staff will tell you whether to take your usual medications before the test. Some patients may be asked to avoid caffeine, certain medications, or heavy meals before testing, depending on the type of stress test ordered.
Please inform our staff if you are unable to walk on a treadmill, have severe arthritis,
balance problems, leg pain, dizziness, or any new or worsening symptoms.
Trusted Adult and Senior Medical Care Since 1993
- For more than 33 years, Caceres Medical Group has served adults and seniors patients with compassionate, comprehensive medical care.
- We provide many in- office diagnostic services and health care to adults and seniors under one roof.
- Coordination with medical and surgical specialists when needed.
- Experience and convenience care with fewer trips and more personal care.
Caceres Medical Group
Schedule an Appointment
For evaluation of chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal EKG, or cardiovascular risk,
please contact Caceres Medical Group.
Call Us Now
(714) 821-8588