Exercise Or Stress Test

Sometimes to diagnose a heart issue, all that our team at New York Medicine Doctors needs to do is place a monitor on your chest and take readings. However, other times the patients will need to take a more active role in this process. One of the most effective ways to tell what is wrong with a person’s heart is to monitor it while they are exercising, which is referred to as a stress test. Our doctors know exactly how hard to push a patient to get the desired readings, so you should feel confident that this type of process will not exacerbate your current condition.

Why Will A Doctor Perform A Stress Test?

As previously stated, a stress test takes place when a doctor monitors your heart while you are performing physical activity. It will typically take place while you are on a controlled treadmill. There are many reasons that this type of test may be administered, including the below:

• To determine if you have an irregular heartbeat.
• Test to see if previous treatments for heart health are having the desired effect.
• To check if other symptoms you may be experiencing (chest pain or shortness of breath) are related to your heart.

How Should You Prepare? 

Stress tests are non-invasive and come with a limited chance of complications, so you should feel safe being asked for one to be administered. However, you’ll need to make some preparations on your own to ensure the test goes smoothly. Below are examples of what may be asked of you before your appointment:

• What medications you are currently on to determine if they need to be stopped or altered leading up to the test.
• Not to eat or drink for up to four or five hours before the test.
• Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes to your appointment.

What Is Being Monitored?

Our team knows that patients will likely have questions ahead of their stress tests. One of the most common ones we are asked is what is being monitored. Please find the answers to that below:

• Heart rate.
• Breathing.
• Blood pressure.
• Fatigue.