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The Stress Test and Your Health

ryan-frank | Nov 12, 2009 |

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A stress test is a very simple exercise test administered by a health professional to determine the health of your heart. It is performed while you are on a treadmill with electrodes attached to your chest and shoulders to monitor your heart rate. The test takes about ten minutes and will measure your heart rate and blood pressure under the physical strain of exercise.

How do you prepare for a stress test?
• Don't eat, drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages or smoke at least 3 hours before the test
• Let your doctor know what prescription drugs you are currently on and when the last time was that you took one
• Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes

What is the test?
• There will be electrodes attached to your chest, shoulders and sometimes legs to monitor your heart rate during exercise
• You will have a blood pressure cuff on your arm monitoring your blood pressure throughout the test
• They will start you slowly on the treadmill and slowly work up to a faster pace or an incline
• You blood pressure and heart rate will be recorded and monitored throughout and the health professional will not push you further than is safe

Most people don't feel any discomfort or pain, think of it as taking a jog around your neighborhood, there's nothing to worry about. If you feel any chest pain or shortness of breath you will be in the hands of your doctor and medical staff. Not to mention you'll be monitored by cardiology equipment as well.

Why take the test?
• If you have had chest pain, shortness of breath or a heart attack you will need to take this test
• If you or anyone in your family has a history of coronary artery disease you should take this test
The stress test is used as a preventative measure and gives your doctor an idea of how healthy your heart is. The sooner your health professional knows there is a problem the better the diagnosis will be for you.