So, Your Doctor Has Ordered A Stress Test
Has your doctor recommended that you see a cardiologist for a stress test? Some doctors send all of their patients for stress tests once they reach a certain age. It's also common for a doctor to order this test if you have a family history of heart disease, or if you have been showing symptoms that suggest your heart is not operating at its best. Stress testing shows how your heart performs when put under heavy work. It's a fairly routine test in the cardiology world, but if this is your first time being sent for such a test, you may have some of the following questions.
What if you can't run?
You often see images and videos of people running on a treadmill during a stress test. This is a common way for stress tests to be performed because it is simple. However, for the test to be performed, your doctor just needs to get your heart beating at its maximum rate, and running on the treadmill is not the only way to achieve that. Most testing centers also have exercise bikes they can use for patients who cannot run. They'll turn the resistance way up so your heart gets working hard without you having to pedal too fast. If you can't bike either, then some cardiologists will instead do what's known as a medicine-induced stress test. They'll give you medication to raise your heart rate temporarily rather than doing this through exercise.
What machines will you be connected to?
People are often nervous about exercising while being hooked up to a machine, but it's actually pretty simple. You'll have a few electrodes on your chest to detect your heart rhythm. You'll also have a cuff on your arm to measure blood pressure. Most people don't find that these instruments get in the way of them running.
How long will it take to get the results?
Sometimes the cardiologist themselves will oversee the test and give you real-time feedback. So in other words, you get the "results" or cardiologist's opinion right away. If a technician instead carries out the stress test, they will send the data to your doctor, and you'll get results within a few days.
Stress tests are fairly common, so if you've been sent for one, try not to get too worried about it. Other than exercise being involved, this is a pretty easy test from the patient's perspective.
