If your doctor orders a stress test, you may be wondering what you’re headed for. A stress test — also known as a treadmill test or an exercise test — helps your doctor see how your heart handles work. Your body is put to work on the treadmill, so your heart will pump more blood and your body will use more oxygen.
Don’t stress about your stress test! You will be hooked up to equipment that will monitor your heart — your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram will be monitored. The medical folks will also keep an eye on how tired you feel during the test. You can stop at any time if you need a break; don’t be afraid to speak up.
After you are all wired up, you just walk. The treadmill will start off slowly and gradually speed up. You may also notice the incline change — like you are walking up a small hill. Before, during, or after the test, you may be asked to breathe into a tube to check your oxygen levels and other lung-related stuff.
Once the stress part of the test is over, you will sit or lie down and have your heart rate and blood pressure checked again. Your doctor will want to know how long it takes your body to return to a resting state.
Your doctor may order an exercise stress test for various reasons:
- To diagnose coronary artery disease
- To help diagnose symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness that may be related to heart problems
- To check on procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation
- To predict the risk of dangerous heart problems like a heart attack
- To help you determine a safe level of exercise for your heart, lungs, and body
Depending on the results of your stress test, your doctor may recommend more testing. But you can stress about that part later.