Stress Testing

Cardiac stress testing is a very common diagnostic technique used to assess a person's cardiac and pulmonary function and exercise capacity. The most common reason to do a stress test is to evaluate symptoms of chest discomfort and determine if a heart artery narrowing is the cause. The electrocardiograms obtained during the study are inspected for changes that can reflect inadequate blood flow to working heart muscle, commonly called ischemia. This is seen in changes to the portion of the cardiac electrical signal called the "ST segment". Characteristic deviation of this segment upward or downward are deemed positive for ischemia. A small percentage of patients will have abnormal ST segment responses without ischemia and further cardiac testing is required. Additional important data is gathered from the stress test. Determinations can be made as to a patient's exercise capacity and what symptoms may prevent the patient from achieving the expected level of exercise. Chest pain elicited from exercise may indicate ischemia and increases the likelihood that significant coronary artery narrowing is present. Heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure responses may be abnormal in certain situations. Thus, multiple responses to the stress tests must be considered and integrated into the physician's interpretation of the stress test.

• Treadmill Stress Test
• Pharmacologic Stress Tests
• Stress Echocardiography
• Heart Imaging Tests
• Nuclear Perfusion Tests

Preparation for Stress Testing

• Do not eat for at least 3 hours prior to the test. If you have diabetes, please ask for specific instructions.
• Take all your medications at your prescribed times unless told to do otherwise.
• Do not use creams or oils on your chest for at least 24 hours prior to the test
• Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes
• No smoking 4 hours or more prior to the test (preferably NEVER!)
• No caffeine-containing beverages 12 hours prior to the test