What does a stress test consist of and what sre the risks of having the test?
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getrd2go asked:
I have to goto the cardiologist to have a stress test done in two days. I have heard that some people have heart attacks during these. What exactly is a stress test, and the risks?
December 16th, 2008 at 12:30 am
A stress test is when you are hooked up to an ekg machine while walking or running on a treadmill. The object is to determine if you have any heart abnormalities, especially ones that occur when you are exercising. E.g., arhymthias or blockages of arteries. It is noninvasive, and the only “pain” would be from the exercise itself. You are monitored constantly so any risks are minimal.
Depending on the otucome of the stress test, you may be asked to have additional tests, or you could be given a clean bill of health.
Anyway, I definitely would not be concerned about the stress test–I’ve had it as well as numerous other heart-related procedures.
December 19th, 2008 at 2:48 am
Yeah my dad had the same thing done to him, don’t stress over it.lol. It’s really nothing to worry about, it’s like a work out @ the gym.
December 21st, 2008 at 2:22 am
it’s not that bad. the test is long you should get rest before an there is more to it than just running on the tredmill you have to sit in this chair type deal and spin real real slow to get a pic of your heart that is the worst part so dont fret it will be cool
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
An exercise stress test is designed to increase the workload of your heart to determine if you have underlying heart disease. Typically done on a treadmill, the patient is connected to an EKG (heart rhythm machine) and then exercises on the treadmill. Exercise starts out very light and gradually increases. During the test, a doctor or nurse monitors the heart rhythm, looking for signs of ischemic heart disease. Ischemic heart disease is caused by a reduced blood flow to various portions of your heart that can be pinpointed on an EKG. It is possible to have chest pain (angina) during a stress test that is caused from heart disease. In general, an exercise stress test is very safe.