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Our Services - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:Diagnosis
Exercise Stress Test
A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps doctors know the kind and level of exercise a patient can tolerate. A person taking the test is hooked up to equipment to monitor the heart and walks slowly in place on a treadmill. Then the speed is increased for a faster pace and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill. Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (EKG), and symptoms are monitored during the test.
Preparation
Wear flat, comfortable shoes (no bedroom slippers or sandals) and loose, lightweight shorts or sweatpants. Men are usually bare-chested during the test, while women often wear a bra, T-shirt, or hospital gown. Avoid wearing any restrictive clothing other than a bra. You should be fasting for at least 4 hours before the test. This will help prevent nausea, which can occur while exercising with a full stomach.
Risks
Complications are rare, but risks associated with a stress test can include dizziness, heart attack, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, and irregular heart rhythm. A doctor and nurse will be readily available should complications occur.
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