A stress test is helpful in recognizing the presence of silent ischemia. Carrying out the stress test is useful for individuals who are prone to heart attacks, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, and overweight.
With the help of the stress test, it is possible to understand the fluctuations that occur during the heartbeat. Naturally, the human heart receives oxygen and nutrients through the blood. The blood will carry these ingredients through the arteries. However, when there is damage to these arteries, the passage becomes narrow, making it difficult for the blood to provide the needed oxygen and nutrients to the heart.
Do I Need a Stress Test?
Not every individual requires the stress test. Nevertheless, it is a good practice to a record the output to ensure that there are no signs of silent ischemia. Stress test is suitable only if you are overweight, had an episode of heart attack, or feeling chest pain. Other instances include dizziness and out of breath sensation after participating in a vigorous exercise.
The stress test will give you information whether you have inducible ischemia or not. Stress test will further provide details about the presence of coronary diseases, making it a definite factor for the cardiologist to differentiate between ischemia and coronary artery disease. Such data is helpful while treating a patient who already is suffering from heart ailments.
Procedure of the Stress Test
The stress test is a simple activity. Stress test calculates the variation of the impulses caused by the heart during rest and post-vigorous exercise activity. Stress test involves the use of a treadmill or a stand-alone bicycle.
Before beginning the stress test, as a prerequisite, the doctor will give you precise instructions. These instructions include that you do not consume any food or liquid for at least three hours before the start of the stress test. The doctor will also ask you to avoid coffee and alcohol for at least a day. Those who are under medication or other treatment will have to contact the doctor and ensure to reduce the dosage so that it will not interfere with the testing process.
Once everything is complete, on the day of the stress test, the technician or a nurse will place patches containing a bunch of wires connected to the computer to the chest, arm, and legs. The bunch of wires are electrodes, which are capable of capturing the impulses created in the body. The typical equipment for the stress test is a treadmill. You will begin the stress test by recording during the rest period, with the heart receiving the required quantity of oxygen and nutrients.
In the second phase, you will use the treadmill to walk or run. You will be beginning at a slow pace, and the doctor will slowly increase the speed while monitoring the output. The physician will create variations of the speed also for in-depth analysis.
Treatment
Now that the stress test data is available, it is feasible for the doctor to compare the output of the impulses to check whether the stress test displayed a positive or negative result. If it is positive, then the doctor will consider the available options taking into account the health factor of the individual, and prepare the treatment plan.
If stress test is negative, then you do not have to worry about the presence of inducible ischemia. Nonetheless, it is forever a good practice to take care of your health. Make sure that you eat properly at the right time and avoid foods that increase cholesterol, which is a major factor for the occurrence of heart attack and ischemia.
Also Read:
- What is a Treadmill Stress Test?
- What Does it Mean to Have A Negative Stress Test?
- Why is Stress Test Performed & How Long Do You Have to Run on a Treadmill for a Stress Test?
- What is the Purpose of a Stress Test?
- How Should One Prepare For a Stress Test?
- What Does It Mean To Have An Abnormal Stress Test?
- How Long Does A Nuclear Stress Test Take?
- How Long Will You Be on a Treadmill for a Stress Test?
- Can You Eat or Drink before a Stress Test?
