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What to Expect in a Cardiac Stress Test

Exercise Test a Diagnostic for Heart Health, Coronary Artery Disease

Mar 26, 2009 Victoria Anisman-Reiner

A patient's guide to the cardiac stress test, a procedure that assesses the function of the heart and the effect of arterial blockages during exercise and activity.

Cardiac stress tests are a way to detect heart and circulatory problems such as irregular heartbeat, partially blocked arteries, or heart attack risk that might not be detected while a patient is a rest. The stress test is recommended for people with risk factors like hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or family history of heart problems.

Doctors may suggest stress testing to anyone who experiences chest pain or other heart-related symptoms. The test is also used to examine patients with known heart disease, a recent bypass or other surgery in order to determine treatment's effectiveness or the progression of the disease.

How Does the Cardiac Stress Test Work?

Cardiac stress testing involves taking electrocardiograph (ECG) and blood pressure readings while a person exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike. It's called stress testing because during activity the heart works harder or is "stressed." The activity level starts low, at a slow walk, but increases every three minutes until the person is exhausted, heart rate reaches a predetermined level, or symptoms manifest.

If you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or bike, a chemical stress test can be administered using medication that speeds up the heart and simulates the effects of exercise.

In some cases, doctors will use an echocardiograph or injection of a radioactive chemical to further examine the heart muscle during the stress test.

What to Wear and How to Prepare for a Stress Test

It's best to dress in loose-fitting, comfortable exercise clothes for the stress test. Flat shoes with rubber soles are a must, and jewelry is best left at home. Women are advised to wear a comfortable bra that provides good support for the test.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine the day of the test, but it's a good idea to eat a light meal about two hours before coming to the hospital or test center. The test can take up to an hour, so come in as rested as possible and be prepared to feel tired at the end of the test.

Risks and Safety of the Cardiac Stress Test

Cardiac stress testing is as safe as a brisk walk. Although there is a slight risk of a heart attack or other event happening during the cardiac stress test, it is statistically very rare and, if such an event should occur, a stress test in a hospital, surrounded by medical experts, is the safest place for it.

Results of the Cardiac Stress Test

A stress test can detect blockages of the arteries that obstruct the flow of blood just enough to cause irregularities while you're active, but not enough to show up during rest or sitting still.

It can also be used to find cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack risk, or to record the progress of known coronary artery disease that is being treated or observed.

On the other hand, the cardiac stress test may find absolutely nothing wrong, and your doctor may either give you clean bill of health or continue with other diagnostics to assess heart health.

Reference

Fogoros, Richard N., "The Cardiac Stress Test," About.com, 2009.

Markham Stouffville Hospital, "Cardiac Stress Test," MSH.on.ca, 2007.

The copyright of the article What to Expect in a Cardiac Stress Test in General Medicine is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish What to Expect in a Cardiac Stress Test in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Heart Health and the Cardiac Stress Test